Well this was an interesting visit. Just to bring you up to date, a long time ago I had a total knee replacement. My back hasn't been the same since. I complained about this pain in physical therapy for my new knee. That was in 2009. My primary doctor had me get an MRI. When he looked at the results he said it looked like I had been in an accident! He then went on to mention the numbers of my spine that were in bad shape and I needed to see an neurologist.That was in 2011 or beginning of 2012. I figured I am in such horrible shape for sure I will need an operation on my spine....so I was too scared to go...until this year I made an appointment with someone other than the specialist my doctor gave me a referral for. (I have PPO so I can pick)Today I saw the neurologist he said my MRI showed nothing unusual in my discs, just wear and tear. However with the pain I was describing to him he thinks its my Sacroiliac Joint. I am puzzled why my primary doc said what he said to me. He sacred the beegeezees out of me and I didn't go to a doctor sooner because of what he said.So now I have a CT scan and probably some kind of injections. Not looking forward at all to any of it. I am claustrophobic and have anxiety when it comes to this stuff. He said there is a relatively easy operation if the injections don't work so we'll see. I sure appreciate being able to vent to you all, you are a blessing!!Hopefully when I get straightened out we can go camping! :)

Glad to hear it was only normal wear and tear. Less if more when it comes to back surgery based on people I have known over the years.

CT Scans today are very quick provided it is modern equipment. The tube is large. You might get claustrophobic in an MRI but usually not in a modern CT.Ask how long it will take but it should be less than 10 minutes if the tech is good. How do I know? I was a manager in Radiology and recently retired.I am assuming the injections are going to be steroid injections. They helped my wife. Before you consider surgery look at minimally invasive spine surgery or Laser surgery before you consent to a laminectomy.

I had degenerative disk disease in L4, L5, and S1, with two surgeries that eventually totally corrected the problem. I then started having identical problems with L3 and L4, and the neurologist suggested medication, acupuncture and surgery in that order. I chose acupuncture and after 8 treatments, it worked. Sure wish I'd have tried that solution for the problem with L4, L5 and S1. I was very unsure about acupuncture but the neurologist (an MD) convinced me it was a viable alternative that works for most people with my problem (degenerative disk disease). A specialist in acupuncture, separate from my MD neurologist, did the procedures.

I now know personally deciding to pass on trying acupuncture can be a pain causing decision. My therapist will do 7-10 sessions and if there is no improvement she will tell you acupuncture is not going to help you. Mine is in China for two weeks visiting parents but she saw me a few times right after I fell flat on my back.

My brother swears by acupuncture. He and his wife have found relief for numerous pains through acupuncture.Thank you all for your input. I will take it all in and research everything you tell me. Nothing better than getting information from people that have been there done that, right!!

Update-went to neurologist | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

Scottiemom
Nomad
Oct 05, 2013
I have multiple back issues. I have had one epidural. It was wonderful. Pain free for about 9 months. I did the physical therapy afterwards. I have had chiropractic, acupuncture, etc. The shot was really no big deal. I was so anxious to get some relief. Go into it with the idea that you will be better afterwards. It will take a few days for the medicine to made a difference.

Currently I am trying to lose some weight to help my back. There also is a book, "Treat your own Back," by Robin McKenzie. About $10 on Amazon. One of my joint doctors recommended it. When I was having severe enough issues I was having trouble walking, I had a therapist who used a lot of the exercises and stretches from this book. It worked wonders.

I try to avoid the triggers. I do have pain pills for when it's really bad.

Good luck.

Dale
Pawz4me
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
I have SI joint issues. I do a few simple exercises that help tremendously. Hopefully your doc would recommend trying physical therapy before recommending surgery.
emzee
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
My brother swears by acupuncture. He and his wife have found relief for numerous pains through acupuncture.

Thank you all for your input. I will take it all in and research everything you tell me.

Nothing better than getting information from people that have been there done that, right!!
Gale_Hawkins
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
I now know personally deciding to pass on trying acupuncture can be a pain causing decision. My therapist will do 7-10 sessions and if there is no improvement she will tell you acupuncture is not going to help you. Mine is in China for two weeks visiting parents but she saw me a few times right after I fell flat on my back.
Fishinghat
Explorer II
Oct 05, 2013
I had degenerative disk disease in L4, L5, and S1, with two surgeries that eventually totally corrected the problem. I then started having identical problems with L3 and L4, and the neurologist suggested medication, acupuncture and surgery in that order. I chose acupuncture and after 8 treatments, it worked. Sure wish I'd have tried that solution for the problem with L4, L5 and S1.

I was very unsure about acupuncture but the neurologist (an MD) convinced me it was a viable alternative that works for most people with my problem (degenerative disk disease). A specialist in acupuncture, separate from my MD neurologist, did the procedures.
darsben
Explorer II
Oct 05, 2013
CT Scans today are very quick provided it is modern equipment. The tube is large. You might get claustrophobic in an MRI but usually not in a modern CT.
Ask how long it will take but it should be less than 10 minutes if the tech is good. How do I know? I was a manager in Radiology and recently retired.
I am assuming the injections are going to be steroid injections. They helped my wife. Before you consider surgery look at minimally invasive spine surgery or Laser surgery before you consent to a laminectomy.
Gale_Hawkins
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
Glad to hear it was only normal wear and tear. Less if more when it comes to back surgery based on people I have known over the years.

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Update-went to neurologist

17 Replies

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