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What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....
Click here to learn about the most common causes of back pain, and things that increase your risk of backache. We cover lower back pain and upper back pain....
Back pain symptoms may seem obvious. But do you know when symptoms of back pain are more serious or when to see a doctor? Learn what action to take & when...
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Q: Lower Back Pain
asked by: bshealy on October 1st, 2006
New User
I am a 35yr old male. Fairly active. 2 yrs ago I suffered from a slipped and bulging disk. My doctor at the time treated me with bextra and prednisone. This seemed to work, although it still took a month or so for the pain and stiffness to completely go away. I attributed my 3hr/day drive with heated seat partially to my recovery - or at least comfort.

Well...About one month ago I was getting off the sofa and pulled an upper back muscle. I thought it was temporary. It turned in to extreme lower back pain. I first medicated myself with celebrex (over the counter here in mexico). When that didn't work...I went to a chiropractor who straightened me out and told me to ice my lower back pain. That worked for a few days. Finally, I found myself locked after sliding off the sofa (trying to get off the sofa) in a position for 3 hrs with excrutiating pain from the muscle spasm every time I tried to move an inch. I finally warmed my muscle enough to go to the hospital where I received a shot on both buttocks of cortisone and supradol (painkiller). The supradol has helped to manage the pain. However, my doctor would like for me to come off of it. He has prescribed profidene, vitamin b, and nuroflex plus (a muscle relaxer) along with heat at night. None of it seemed to work. Now he has prescribed a new anti-inflamatory drug along with losec (for the stomach) and a mild painkiller, and valium at night to relax the muscles enough to get some sleep. None seem to help except the valium at night and the supradol 4-5 times per day. We did xrays and the doctor believes that I have a muscle contusion. My hips are about 5mm off and my back is slightly crooked. He believes that I have one leg shorter than the other and that my muscles are pulling my spine slightly to one direction. He never mentioned anything about a possible slipped/bulging disk. My biggest problems is getting out of bed in the morning due to stiffness and managing the pain all day. I really do,not like taking all of this medicine. And, I am getting very depressed because I don't feel like I am healing, only masking the problem.

Does anyone have any advice? I am worried that the dr may have misdiagnosed my problem.

Down and out in mexico - b
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marinefreedom
replied on March 3rd, 2009
New User
Forget the masking analgesics
I previously had major problems with lower back pain. I would wake up in the middle of the night if I shifted in my sleep awkwardly and it would send shooting pain up my spine. There were times I would bend over to pick up a shoe or something off the ground and would be brought to one knee. This is my first post, so I don't want to come across as a spammer, but my doctor recommended something that changed my life. I have found no information on any of these forums in regards to it. I don't want to violate any board rules so I won't post the information, but I want to leave my email address if anyone is interested in the information. I can tell you that for the first time in 6 years that I'm pain free in my lower back.
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littleonefb
replied on March 3rd, 2009
Extremely eHealthy
Sounds like you need to get a second opinion of your spine problem. It could be a disc, but an x-ray is not he best way to find this out.

You should have an MRI done and see a spine specialist.

You didn't say what kind of doctor you are seeing, but you should be seeing a spine specialist.

Good luck

Fran
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fixthatpain77
replied on March 12th, 2009
New User
try large sponge roll from IKEA
Not an advert - promise!
I have agonising nights, waking up a 3 in the morning and sometimes almost unable to stand on my pins or wipe my own bum mornings.

I had a disc op in lower back, some time ago.
I have found that sleeping with a two foot long by foot thickness roll of firm foam has helped enormously!

I place the roll under my knees at night and if I want to turn over, I hug it and place upper leg/knee over it.

This seems to place my lower back firmly inline and perhaps adds a tiny amnt of traction...
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