Back Pain Feels Worse than Arthritis! What can it be? Posted: 01-25-06 12:39pm
Hi there,
I have been diagnosed with degenerated
L5 and S1 discs. Now I have also been
diagnosed with Arthritis in my mid to
upper back. I have a TENS unit which I use
and I am on Lortab, Flexeril, Ultram,
Lorazapam, and now also Prinival. My upper
back is in constant pain. I can not
straighten my shoulders because of it, it
feels both muscle related and my spine
actually hurts by mid day. I feel like a
person who is 110 years old. To make
matters worse my doctor says the pain is
why my blood pressure has been 160/100. I
just started the blood pressure meds, but
I feel better in that aspect already. My
question is, is there any other
illness/condition that can present itself
in this manner? Since my back is only
affected fibromyalgia does not seem to fit
and my doctor says it is Arthritis. I
never imagined that Arthritis could be
this life altering. Additionally, I have
tried every anti inflamitory there is and
they all cause kidney problems so I am not
able to use them.
Thanking you in advance,
Teresa
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DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 16777211
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Back Pain Answer A277 Posted: 02-06-06 15:44pm
It sounds as if you are experiencing a
degenerative spinal disease called
SPONDILOSYS. The disease affects both the
vertebrae and the inter-vertebral discs.
Spondilitic changes (osteofits and discus
hernia) create pressure on the roots of
the spinal nerves and causes pain. Muscles
spasms caused by spinal muscle contraction
can also cause pain. You can try physical
therapy (kinesis-therapy) to help relieve
pain. In the worst case, surgical
treatment (for disc-removal) may be
required, but surgical invasion is the
most traumatic to your body; it is the
last resort.
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