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

emzee
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
I had my CT scan. It was a piece of cake!!! Probably about 10 minutes tops. Thanks everyone!! I will go back to the doctor on Tuesday. He said it is my sacroiliac and there are shots that can help. Nervous about that now. I will let you all know how it went.

Pain is no way to live. I am lucky I get relief right away went I sit down with my feet up. I know there are a lot of people that can find no relief, so for that I am grateful.
rkentzel
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013
Try to find a sit down MRI I cant stand to be stuck in one drugged or not. Found a sit down one and its great actually I think it does a better job the way you are positioned for l spine.
Gjac
Explorer III
Nov 01, 2013
I started having lower back pain about 3 years ago. I am 66 now. I have had knee arthritis for 15 years. What the Chiropractor did was to measure my leg flexion with a protractor and found out my left hamstring was 15 degrees tighter than my right. The long term solution was stretching the hamstrings so that my back stayed in alignment when I walked or ran (which is not often). What I learned is that when you favor one side of your body because of another problem or injury it creates an imbalance in your body and throws something else out of alignment.
PatStab
Explorer
Oct 28, 2013
Just to let those with claustrophobia know, they can medicate you so it takes the anxiety away. You just need someone to drive for you. There are also open donut types you can use, ask around. How do I know DD and I both just had one each done.
covetsthesun
Explorer
Oct 28, 2013
Emzee... get Pete Egoscue's book "Pain Free" and try it. I have used Pete's Ecises for years with amazing results. He has a website as well...just google pete egoscue or just egoscue. Perhaps there is a practitioner very close to you.

E cises do not involve med's, cutting etc.... only very gentle stretches and positions designed to get the body back in structural balance.

It has worked well for me (when I do it) and for several of my friends. One was scheduled for knee surgery and she tried the ecises and cancelled her surgery. That was several years ago.

Good luck
cts
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Oct 28, 2013
1978 I fell 30' on my back across a pile of ruble (roof collapsed while I was walking ridgeline). Young and tough I ignored the pain and it finally went away.

1983 back was causing me fits....lots of pain/spasms. Doctor checked me out....two ruptured discs L4/L5 causing pressure on sciatic nerve. PT disn't do any good, injections didn't do much good......pain pills did.
So I used them when the pain was a problem, then used them cause I was tired of the pain.
Many years later I was eating them like candy because the pain in left hip, across back of left knee down the front of left calf was like a hot poker.
And I was losing the feeling in left ankle/toes.

In 1985 I go see a neurologist. His first comment was "If you are here looking for a guarantee your pain will go away go find another doc. I can mechanically fix what ails you but the pain may/may not go away"
I had been afraid of surgery because they wanted to fuse the vertebrae and everyone I talked with that had it done was unhappy.
Doc went in shaved the discs, reamed the nerve channel and stitched me up.......7 stitches and a band aid. Pain gone...nerve shrunk/feelings came back.
No more grabbing something to keep from falling, no more twinges, no more spasms.......no more being stupid! (well at least when it comes to somethings)

:S:S:S
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Oct 28, 2013
My daughter also suffered from herniated disc and her doctor told her surgery. She was told by the physical Therapist that back surgery is 30 30 30. 30% you will be helped 30% it will remain the same and 30% it will get worse. With those odd, she chose to go to a doctor that specialized in pain management (she is a recovering alcoholic (10 years sober) and needed a doctor who understood additions. She also went to physical therapists. Now, while she is not 100, she is 1000 times better. If you are told you need back surgery 1) get a second opinion, 2)ask for other options to try first and 3)surgery should be the absolute last option.
MSGMadhatter
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
Try everything before you let them cut on you. I have had severe back pain since 1989. Had shots, therapy, back school, everything. Finally, May3, 2008 had L4, L5,S1 fusion.

I lost feeling in 40 percent of my left foot. That causes me to lose my balance, trip, when turning while walking. I still have mild to severe back pain as I did before surgery.

The only thing that I have found that helps, is to stay busy and try not to Think about it.
MSGMadhatter
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
Try everything before you let them cut on you. I have had severe back pain since 1989. Had shots, therapy, back school, everything. Finally, May3, 2008 had L4, L5,S1 fusion.

I lost feeling in 40 percent of my left foot. That causes me to lose my balance, trip, when turning while walking. I still have mild to severe back pain as I did before surgery.

The only thing that I have found that helps, is to stay busy and try not to Think about it.
emzee
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
I agree, every option will be tried before any surgery. :)