Back / Hip Pain
klav99 posted:
I was hoping someone could help! I am a 35 Year Old Female. For about 2 and a half years now, I have been having pain in my lower back and hio. My ortho sent me for an MRI and he said I had Spondylolisthesis. He treated it with Physical Therapy (which didn't work) and with Pain meds. He retired about a year and a half ago and I can't find someone who will treat me because its a "Chronic Condition. I was finally sent to a pain clinic. The Dr there wants me to have Facet injections and I am so afraid to try that. I have had some cortisone injections that have done nothing. I went back to my Family Practitioner who said it sounds like I could also have a touch of arthritis in my back and hips so she set up an appt for me to see a rhrumatologist. Anyone experience anything like this? It no that I want pain meds but that seems like the only thing that helped. I am in so much pain! When I did have the pain meds I would only take 1/2 a pill at a time instead of a whole one that was prescribed. I haven't asked any Dr for them because they make you feel like your a drug addict! lol Any opinions would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Kristen
Thanks!
Kristen
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Back / Hip PainI was hoping someone could help! I am a 35 Year Old Female. For about 2 and a half years now, I have been having pain in my lower back and hio. My ortho sent me for an MRI and he said I had Spondylolisthesis. He treated it with Physical Therapy (which didn't work) and with Pain meds. He retired about a year and a half ago and I can't find someone who will treat me because its a "Chronic Condition. I was finally sent to a pain clinic. The Dr there wants me to have Facet injections and I am so afraid to try that. I have had some cortisone injections that have done nothing. I went back to my Family Practitioner who said it sounds like I could also have a touch of arthritis in my back and hips so she set up an appt for me to see a rhrumatologist. Anyone experience anything like this? It no that I want pain meds but that seems like the only thing that helped. I am in so much pain! When I did have the pain meds I would only take 1/2 a pill at a time instead of a whole one that was prescribed. I haven't asked any Dr for them because they make you feel like your a drug addict! lol Any opinions would be appreciated! <br /> <br />Thanks!<br />Kristen
davedsel57 responded:
Hello, Kristen, and welcome. I am sorry to read of your pain and fully understand.
Please read through the Tip that is at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community that lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. Within that Tip are links to websites that have good information about spinal problems and their treatments.
You should see a spinal orthopedic surgeon or spinal neurosurgeon for an accurate diagnosis and effective recommended treatment plan. Once diagnosed by the spine specialist, you can then see a pain management specialist for treatment. The best pain management specialists are physiatrists. These pm doctors focus more on non-surgical treatments and less on prescription drugs for managing pain.
Addiction to pain medication actually happens quite rarely. You need to understand the difference between addiction and dependence. There is nothing wrong with taking a prescription pain medication if it reduces your pain and helps you function.
My wonderful wife had a serious back injury at work last March 2011. She has had facet injections and they have helped. She recently had a procedure that burned the facet nerves in the right side of her lower back. That has been successful and she feels very little pain on that side. Her physiatrist will be burning the nerves on the other side of her back within a few weeks.
Keep doing your research. Keep moving as much as possible. Keep a positive attitude.
I pray you can get answers and relief soon.
Please read through the Tip that is at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community that lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. Within that Tip are links to websites that have good information about spinal problems and their treatments.
You should see a spinal orthopedic surgeon or spinal neurosurgeon for an accurate diagnosis and effective recommended treatment plan. Once diagnosed by the spine specialist, you can then see a pain management specialist for treatment. The best pain management specialists are physiatrists. These pm doctors focus more on non-surgical treatments and less on prescription drugs for managing pain.
Addiction to pain medication actually happens quite rarely. You need to understand the difference between addiction and dependence. There is nothing wrong with taking a prescription pain medication if it reduces your pain and helps you function.
My wonderful wife had a serious back injury at work last March 2011. She has had facet injections and they have helped. She recently had a procedure that burned the facet nerves in the right side of her lower back. That has been successful and she feels very little pain on that side. Her physiatrist will be burning the nerves on the other side of her back within a few weeks.
Keep doing your research. Keep moving as much as possible. Keep a positive attitude.
I pray you can get answers and relief soon.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
-Dave
Blessings,
-Dave
Report This| Share this:Back / Hip PainHello, Kristen, and welcome. I am sorry to read of your pain and fully understand.<br /><br />Please read through the Tip that is at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community that lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. Within that Tip are links to websites that have good information about spinal problems and their treatments.<br /><br />You should see a spinal orthopedic surgeon or spinal neurosurgeon for an accurate diagnosis and effective recommended treatment plan. Once diagnosed by the spine specialist, you can then see a pain management specialist for treatment. The best pain management specialists are physiatrists. These pm doctors focus more on non-surgical treatments and less on prescription drugs for managing pain.<br /><br />Addiction to pain medication actually happens quite rarely. You need to understand the difference between addiction and dependence. There is nothing wrong with taking a prescription pain medication if it reduces your pain and helps you function.<br /><br />My wonderful wife had a serious back injury at work last March 2011. She has had facet injections and they have helped. She recently had a procedure that burned the facet nerves in the right side of her lower back. That has been successful and she feels very little pain on that side. Her physiatrist will be burning the nerves on the other side of her back within a few weeks.<br /><br />Keep doing your research. Keep moving as much as possible. Keep a positive attitude.<br /><br />I pray you can get answers and relief soon.
klav99 replied to davedsel57's response:
Thanks! I have seen a physiatrist and have had a few cortisone shots that didn't help. Good to hear that the facet injections have helped her. Are they painful and how long do they work for. My Dr said I woukd have to go every few months if needed.
Kristen
Kristen
Report This| Share this:Back / Hip PainThanks! I have seen a physiatrist and have had a few cortisone shots that didn't help. Good to hear that the facet injections have helped her. Are they painful and how long do they work for. My Dr said I woukd have to go every few months if needed.<br /> <br />Kristen
davedsel57 replied to klav99's response:
Hello again.
The facet injections worked for my wife for a few weeks. She went back to work and the pain came back as her job is physical (retail management). They did hurt somewhat. Everyone is different and the results vary.
The facet rhizotomy (burning of the nerves) is supposed to last 6 months to a year. My wife is not working again as her doctors have now documented that she is 100% disabled from the work injury. She says she still has much less pain on the right side where the nerves were burned on 12/20/12.
The facet injections worked for my wife for a few weeks. She went back to work and the pain came back as her job is physical (retail management). They did hurt somewhat. Everyone is different and the results vary.
The facet rhizotomy (burning of the nerves) is supposed to last 6 months to a year. My wife is not working again as her doctors have now documented that she is 100% disabled from the work injury. She says she still has much less pain on the right side where the nerves were burned on 12/20/12.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
-Dave
Blessings,
-Dave
Report This| Share this:Back / Hip PainHello again.<br /><br />The facet injections worked for my wife for a few weeks. She went back to work and the pain came back as her job is physical (retail management). They did hurt somewhat. Everyone is different and the results vary. <br /><br />The facet rhizotomy (burning of the nerves) is supposed to last 6 months to a year. My wife is not working again as her doctors have now documented that she is 100% disabled from the work injury. She says she still has much less pain on the right side where the nerves were burned on 12/20/12.
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