Help with back problems

[donas]

As the title says, I am hoping someone on TRF has experience with something similar and can point me in the right direction. I have been suffering from one or two back issues for about two years now. Initially, the problem was pain and extreme tightness in the lower left back after I stood for any length of time.

I saw a neurologist who did X-Rays and a MRI. He diagnosed it as a muscular issue and sent me to physical therapy. The therapy didn't really help too much and I developed a second issue of getting spasms /strains unpredictably when doing everyday activity. Most of them occur when standing from a chair or while leaning forward or turning while seated. The pulled muscle is always on the left side and seems like it is right at the top of the butt. When it is aching, I often feel tightness/pain all the way around my hip down to my groin. When I get one of these strains, it usually stays flared up about 24 hours, sometimes as long as 3-4 days.

They are occurring so often I started keeping a record of when and what activity I did that day prior. I had six strains in Sept and on five of those days I ran earlier in the day. I do not have any discomfort doing any exercise or gym activity.

I have tried injections, which did not work. I had a second MRI last week which the neurologist says "showed no issues with nerves or disks nor anything that can be repaired with surgery" and pretty much washed his hands of the case, referring me back to the VA. I'm really at a loss on how to deal with this or even diagnose what muscle(s) are the issue. The VA here is pretty bad, I am hoping to go back in there with some kind of idea of a next step to help prod them along or I'll really be on the back burner, so to speak.

I know these threads always get the same comments - see a doctor, don't listen to strangers on the internet, yadda, yadda. I'm just hoping I can find someone who has experienced something like it and can guide me towards the cause.

[dddrees]

Wish I could offer something. I have to say however this makes me glad that as a military retiree that I have Tricare.

I'm also glad that my sciatic nerve ended up being resolved with a shot, at least for now anyway. Every time I've been in for anything it's always been the same diagnosis for my back, for my hand, and for my knee. You have arthritis.

I take it your relegated to the VA? Since I hardly ever use VA is there any possibility you can go to another better clinic?

[Old Expat Beast]

I am not a doctor.

I had really bad back trouble for several years (late 40s to mid 50s), as did a good friend of mine. We had similar issues. Couldn't walk across the room some days, other days not too bad. We regularly compared notes.

He went the physio/surgery route, and spent a ton of money (tens of thousands of $$). He still wears a back support and is on serious painkillers.

I watched a load of stuff on Youtube till I found what seemed to be similar issues to mine, and have been pain free for two years. Basically just stretches and exercise fixed me up.

I'm not saying that YouTube has the answer for you, and I won't recommend any channels, but it's worth a try if you have tried x-rays and MRI scans (I did, too - also nothing found) and are now resorting to a watch forum. Just search some keywords, and look at the mosts popular channels, and read the comments section at the bottom.

Good luck, and I hope you find better days ahead.

[donas]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Wish I could offer something. I have to say however this makes me glad that as a military retiree that I have Tricare.

I'm also glad that my sciatic nerve ended up being resolved with a shot, at least for now anyway. Every time I've been in for anything it's always been the same diagnosis for my back, for my hand, and for my knee. You have arthritis.

I take it your relegated to the VA? Since I hardly ever use VA is there any possibility you can go to another better clinic?

Technically, I could request a transfer to another VA Hospital, but it would be a two hour drive. The VA actually assigns you to a "team" so you always have the same nurse, Dr, etc. I have gone through the process to change this once, thinking my doctor was the problem; nope, the VA is just terrible. On the bright side, I do get to use "community care" for pretty much anything outside of my primary care. The trouble is getting to that point and the ridiculous wait.

On my first back issue, it locked up so bad I was literally on the floor unable to move for quite some time. I finally was able to make it into the bed and called the VA the next day. I was told, "we will get you in as soon as possible, our next opening is in 6 weeks". The doctor then sent me to physical therapy and this took four months to get approved!

I too hear the arthritis thing a lot, LOL. As a matter of fact, the neurologist told me I had arthritis developed to a stage that far exceeded my age, but isn't the cause of the problem.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by donas

Technically, I could request a transfer to another VA Hospital, but it would be a two hour drive. The VA actually assigns you to a "team" so you always have the same nurse, Dr, etc. I have gone through the process to change this once, thinking my doctor was the problem; nope, the VA is just terrible. On the bright side, I do get to use "community care" for pretty much anything outside of my primary care. The trouble is getting to that point and the ridiculous wait.

On my first back issue, it locked up so bad I was literally on the floor unable to move for quite some time. I finally was able to make it into the bed and called the VA the next day. I was told, "we will get you in as soon as possible, our next opening is in 6 weeks". The doctor then sent me to physical therapy and this took four months to get approved!

I too hear the arthritis thing a lot, LOL. As a matter of fact, the neurologist told me I had arthritis developed to a stage that far exceeded my age, but isn't the cause of the problem.

As I said I wish I could offer more and being retired military believe me I understand and this is exactly why I said I am so glad I am retired military and that I have Tricare.

Of course the issue is the better Drs will almost always take the civilian route as they are going to make more money.

Here's wishing you nothing but good luck in getting this resolved.

[donas]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I am not a doctor.

I had really bad back trouble for several years (late 40s to mid 50s), as did a good friend of mine. We had similar issues. Couldn't walk across the room some days, other days not too bad. We regularly compared notes.

He went the physio/surgery route, and spent a ton of money (tens of thousands of $$). He still wears a back support and is on serious painkillers.

I watched a load of stuff on Youtube till I found what seemed to be similar issues to mine, and have been pain free for two years. Basically just stretches and exercise fixed me up.

I'm not saying that YouTube has the answer for you, and I won't recommend any channels, but it's worth a try if you have tried x-rays and MRI scans (I did, too - also nothing found) and are now resorting to a watch forum. Just search some keywords, and look at the mosts popular channels, and read the comments section at the bottom.

Good luck, and I hope you find better days ahead.

Thanks Adam, I've been trying that route as well already. As a matter of fact, my last strain was from trying a routine I saw on Youtube haha! I learned exactly what not to do! It wasn't the soreness later type thing, it was "oh crap, I just messed up".

I just posted on here because there is quite an array of knowledge and life experiences on TRF. I've read some good posts on other threads of this nature. I'm to the point of trying anything and asking for help anywhere thanks for the input

[Old Expat Beast]

PS. Did you look up piriformis syndrome?

[The Stifmeister]

Have you ever seen an osteopath before? I’d recommend visiting and seeing if osteopathic manipulation might help you. It’s a changed my life for the better. They treat the symptoms, but also help find and address the root cause. Slightly different approach from a normal medical doctor.

I would avoid unless absolutely deemed necessary of injections, surgery, etc. Usually injections weaken the joints and ligaments in the affected areas over time. It treats the symptoms, but doesn’t address the root cause.

[donas]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

PS. Did you look up piriformis syndrome?

I did.

[donas]

Originally Posted by The Stifmeister

Have you ever seen an osteopath before? I’d recommend visiting and seeing if osteopathic manipulation might help you. It’s a changed my life for the better. They treat the symptoms, but also help find and address the root cause. Slightly different approach from a normal medical doctor.

I would avoid unless absolutely deemed necessary of injections, surgery, etc. Usually injections weaken the joints and ligaments in the affected areas over time. It treats the symptoms, but doesn’t address the root cause.

I'll look into it, thank you

[Xenophon]

Have you considered acupuncture ? I've heard several people swear by it. I would be likely to think that it's one of those things that works better for some people than others. Still, maybe worth a go

[brandrea]

Wade, I am not a doctor, and I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling. A bad back sucks.

Did this start as the result of an injury?
What’s your occupation?
Do you stand, sit or drive for extended periods?
Do you carry excess body weight?
Do you have good posture?
How much do you exercise?

If it were me, I’d take a wholistic approach … the knee bone is connected to the hip bone and so on. In other words, the back pain may be a symptom of a problem you’re having elsewhere. It could be your feet for example.

Good luck, I truly hope you get this sorted.

[HHIslander]

I also have piriformis and sacroiliac joint issues, only on one side. I suspect a fat wallet in the rear pocket might have been the culprit. Losing weight, exercise and warming up and stretching keep it in check. If I miss a few workouts and get a little lazy, it will almost always start to flare back up. Your doctor will be able to tell you which exercises. I do a lot of back extensions. Sleeping on my back doesn’t work anymore, that’s one thing that will trigger it. I take flexoril when it flares up, it works well when taken before bed. It sucks but it’s manageable.

Hope you get it under control.

[Dan Pierce]

I'm not a doctor, don't play one on TV, and haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn. I've dealt w/ neck/ upper back issues for years. Cycling made it worse, although replacing some components w/ different sizes has helped with riding.

Then my son gave me a foam roller. It's been a life saver. I use it every night before bed [also think it helps w/ sleep]. It's been the only thing that has improved my mobility and reduced the pain.

Hope you find what works for you.
dP

[Mifune]

I watch this Doctors channel exclusively and he helps me out quite a bit... all of this exercises are targeted for areas in the body where pain is concentrated. they are easy to do and effective.

Dr. Michael Rowe

this is just one of many lower back videos...

[mountainjogger]

Had a similar problem decades ago. Maxed out our pain pills. GP insisted on referral to specialist/surgeon. Thankfully, I found a good honest one.

Told me to loose weight and swim. Joined the YMCA and did it. One thing led to another and started jogging.

Not the right fix for everyone. But that was mine.

Not to go Bill Clinton on you. But I literally feel your pain. Back issues can be debilitating. Hope you find what works for you.

[OYptL]

I Live the pain everyday of my life. About 5 minutes max is how long I can stand. It’s brutal not to mention the Sciatica which I take neuropathy pain meds for. I soo hope you can get this figured out.

[JasoninDenver]

Most back problems (absent an acute injury) originate from poor core strength and flexibility. Over time, this allows mechanical dysfunction to progress to the point that pain develops and restricts good body dynamics even more. A death spiral of pain.

Try to find a therapist or trainer to set you up with a core training program. Stick with it as progression will seem very slow but it may require correcting decades of dysfunction.

Doing personal injury law for 20 years, I have worked with hundreds of people suffering from spinal pain. Those clients who had the best recoveries really got on board with core programs such as pilates and yoga. Those who did the worst were those who hoped surgery or pills would solve their problems. Even many of those who had successful surgeries for clear disc derangement began to have pain at other levels after their surgeries.

Personally, my back pain began as a sequela of years of running and cycling (poor sports for core strength and flexibility). Combined with poor posture from a desk job and then an abdominal injury, I developed unrelenting sciatica when I was 35. I manage pain daily but I have a routine now that allows me to have full function (provided that I do NOT run more than 6 miles a week) If I let up on a core program and my stretching for even a week, the low back and hip pain starts to flare.

Another modality that can help is electrically stimulated dry needling. This really helps me when I am stupid and overexert my back.

I actually found out about this from a therapist who has been treating me from knee arthritis pain which is worsened by IT and quad tightness. I would highly recommend this to help get you over the pain cycle so you can start working on the core program.

[donas]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I figured if there is one problem a lot of people have experience with, it's back pain! I agree with the idea of taking the holistic approach, I tried providing a couple of my "theories" to the physical therapist and was told "I doubt it", lol. I've had the ACL replaced on that side as well as a detachment of 1 1/2 of the 6 adductor muscles from the pelvic bone on the effected side. I'm told "a smaller, deep muscle needs to be strengthen", it's just a matter of figuring out what.

Originally Posted by brandrea

Did this start as the result of an injury? No
What’s your occupation?Retired Police Officer
Do you stand, sit or drive for extended periods?No
Do you carry excess body weight?Nope
Do you have good posture?I think so
How much do you exercise?5-6 days a week

If it were me, I’d take a wholistic approach …

Originally Posted by Mifune

I watch this Doctors channel exclusively and he helps me out quite a bit... all of this exercises are targeted for areas in the body where pain is concentrated. they are easy to do and effective.

this is just one of many lower back videos...

Thanks, I will check him out

[superdog]

I have had massive back problems. And I am mostly pain free at this point.

Two epidurals over an 18 month period. Had surgery a few years ago. Two weeks after the surgery, I got rear ended badly and it wiped out the benefits of the surgery.

That said, I genuinely believe I have the answer. I am sure it is not right for everyone and all issued. However, I have worked with a lot of people on this and I am confident it will help most. Those that put the effort in, are better, those that did not, are the same or worse. Almost to the person.

I do not know you, so do not take this offensively please. But most back issues come from a weak core. The best thing anyone with back issues can do, is lose weight and create as much core strength as possible.

I do a ton of push ups and planks. I do stand up exercises where I have weight in my outstretched arms as I keep my core super tight. I use body bars to increase mobility and core strength. I have a ton of these exercises that I do at this point.

And while I am not 100%, I am better than I have been in a long time. Anytime I let myself go, or put on any real weight, the pain and sciatica come back. And every time I am discipled, I get right back to where I need to be and feel less pain and discomfort.

I am happy to discuss with you anytime. If you would like, send me a PM, and we can text to chat.

I have had a lot of painful issues. From kidney stones, to gout, to broken bones to chunks of flesh being ripped out. Not a heck of a lot compares to true back pain. At my worst, I walked hunched over for months. At times, I crawled to and from the bathroom. Coughing or laughing was excruciating.

Again, happy to discuss anytime you like. Best of luck to you. I hope it works out.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by superdog

I have had massive back problems. And I am mostly pain free at this point.

Two epidurals over an 18 month period. Had surgery a few years ago. Two weeks after the surgery, I got rear ended badly and it wiped out the benefits of the surgery.

That said, I genuinely believe I have the answer. I am sure it is not right for everyone and all issued. However, I have worked with a lot of people on this and I am confident it will help most. Those that put the effort in, are better, those that did not, are the same or worse. Almost to the person.

I do not know you, so do not take this offensively please. But most back issues come from a weak core. The best thing anyone with back issues can do, is lose weight and create as much core strength as possible.

I do a ton of push ups and planks. I do stand up exercises where I have weight in my outstretched arms as I keep my core super tight. I use body bars to increase mobility and core strength. I have a ton of these exercises that I do at this point.

And while I am not 100%, I am better than I have been in a long time. Anytime I let myself go, or put on any real weight, the pain and sciatica come back. And every time I am discipled, I get right back to where I need to be and feel less pain and discomfort.

I am happy to discuss with you anytime. If you would like, send me a PM, and we can text to chat.

I have had a lot of painful issues. From kidney stones, to gout, to broken bones to chunks of flesh being ripped out. Not a heck of a lot compares to true back pain. At my worst, I walked hunched over for months. At times, I crawled to and from the bathroom. Coughing or laughing was excruciating.

Again, happy to discuss anytime you like. Best of luck to you. I hope it works out.

You were also a yoga trainer as well, no???

[superdog]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

You were also a yoga trainer as well, no???

Yes sir. Taught yoga for 20 years.

[Blansky]

As others have stated it does sound like piriformis issues where the muscle is tight and irritating the sciatic nerve as it threads through the hip structure. Even if it's not the piriformis it still sounds like a sciatica problem.

The channel (laymens terms) where the sciatic nerve goes through and down to the leg is very narrow and a lot of back pain, numbness etc is sciatic nerve related and alignment related.

Almost all back problems are alignment issues where the spine is misaligned and a nerve is irritated or pinched. Chiropractors can help align you again BUT you may or may not stay aligned. And this is where YOU have to do the work. Doctors can't help. They can give you pills and they can carve you up, but doctors only handle symptoms. That's all they treat.

YOU have to get to the causes. And it's almost always alignment which through exercises and stretching you can realign yourself. A very good book on this is PAIN FREE by Pete Egoscue. Some of his videos are on this site https://www.sonima.com/fitness/hip-alignment/

I've done Pilates for a while and to me almost all ailments like this are a result of not stretching enough and strengthening the core. Yoga and Pilates are much the same.

Here's also a few exercise that may help....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=382mvJvns9M

Good luck.

[Beo3]

For all here I feel your pain (literally and figuratively)

Blew three disc out at 32, spent three months bent sideways and crying daily with the pain. Lots of PT and TONS of core (see Superdog's post above) helped.

Every couple of years I screw myself up and I get a recurring battle with pain, but it appears to be more Sciatica. I do dumb things constantly that exasperate my injuries, like incorporating jumping rope into my daily workouts which caused a flare up in August and I only starting feeling better about a week ago.

I've always said that I'd rather take a bullet then suffer with back pain.

Feel better Wade, and everyone else here that suffers with back pain.

[Letsgodiving]

I've had chronic back problems for 30 years. These days I stretch every day without fail and perform the strength exercises my PT suggested every week without fail. I work out 3 days a week and stay active and always keep in mind my back issues with every exercise or activity I do in an effort not to aggravate it.

For me once my back started having problems it was never the same and I just had to learn to work around the issues and do my best not to make it worse with poor form, posture and overdoing certain things. It has been a lifelong effort to mitigate the amount of pain, discomfort and a certain degree of lifestyle change keeping in mind that I'm not 20-30 years old anymore and I have to accept that my back will never be 100% but I can still be active although with some limitations.

[ltmgeller]

I have extensive back problems (3 spinal fusions and then a broken back) and the 3 best things I can recommend are 1. Using an inversion table, 2. Find a chiropractor with a DRX9000 spinal decompression machine, and 3. various core exercises. The inversion table has worked wonders for me. You work up to 3 minutes a day. The most important thing to do before inverting, is to make sure you are well hydrated. When your spine decompresses, you need the interstitial fluid to fill in the space you are creating otherwise you can injure yourself. The DRX9000 is an amazing machine. I wasn't eligible, but I sent 2 coworkers (1 firefighter and 1 cop) to use it. When they started they could barely walk and were contemplating surgery. When they were done the were back to normal and made a full return to work. Lastly, core exercises are key. I do crossfit 3 days a week and it has been absolutely life changing for me. I was recovering from a broken back and partial spinal cord injury and crossfit has helped me progress more than any other part of my recovery. Good luck, I hope this will help.

[superdog]

^^^

Great call on the inversion table. And the hydration. I’ve been told that’s super important.

[TheVTCGuy]

My back started hurting reading these posts…. But all kidding aside, I sincerely hope all of you find relief and are pain free. I take for granted that I do not have serious physical issues, this thread makes me realize I need to be more thankful.

Best to all of you

[donas]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

I have extensive back problems (3 spinal fusions and then a broken back) and the 3 best things I can recommend are 1. Using an inversion table, 2. Find a chiropractor with a DRX9000 spinal decompression machine, and 3. various core exercises. The inversion table has worked wonders for me. You work up to 3 minutes a day. The most important thing to do before inverting, is to make sure you are well hydrated. When your spine decompresses, you need the interstitial fluid to fill in the space you are creating otherwise you can injure yourself. The DRX9000 is an amazing machine. I wasn't eligible, but I sent 2 coworkers (1 firefighter and 1 cop) to use it. When they started they could barely walk and were contemplating surgery. When they were done the were back to normal and made a full return to work. Lastly, core exercises are key. I do crossfit 3 days a week and it has been absolutely life changing for me. I was recovering from a broken back and partial spinal cord injury and crossfit has helped me progress more than any other part of my recovery. Good luck, I hope this will help.

Yes, I agree 100%. I have an inversion table and it does take away the pain, even if it's for a few minutes. The physical therapist as well as neurologist both highly recommend the use of one as well. The neurologist actually said it's one of the best things a person can for the back.

The table helps my pain, but I got it from my brother and he fell down the stairs bringing it to me. He broke his arm in two places and got a severe strain to the rotator cuff. It was kind of a running joke he wanted to get rid of hit because he called it "bad luck", then that happened. Not sure how, but he claimed it hurt his wife's back and his when they tried it and wouldn't go near it again.

Sciatica and piriformis have both been ruled out. They weren't mentioned during my consult, so I specifically asked the neurologist and was told he was confident those weren't the culprits.

[colpol]

Sorry if this covered as just read your post & a few of the replies

Have you cut out the running for a month to see if that makes any difference? Maybe swap it for cycling ?