back pain

katsc49 · 08-12-2008, 05:54 AM

Hi,
I have been having back pain, so a few weeks back my onco sent me for 2 MRIS. These showed I have a herniated disc w/atear in the lumbar region. I have darvocet to take, but can not bend down nor lift anything, but the pain has already gotten too bad for tylenol. My onco said he would refer me to a neurologist if the pain becomes intolerable. My question is, do I try a chiropractor or go to the neurologist for further info about this and let him prescribed oain meds. The thnakful thing is there was no tumor.
thank you so much@
have a good day,
kathy

trailrider · 08-12-2008, 06:03 AM

Kathy,
I would definately go and see a neurologist for an opinion. They may recommend physical therapy or other options. They may also have a chiropractor to recommend. Gettin in with a neuro. now will be helpful if the pain/becomes more severe, requiring further treatment. Back pain is terrible.

Good luck

kcherub · 08-12-2008, 06:05 AM

Kathy,

Hi! I had the same thing earlier in the year. The pain was absolutely unbearable. I just KNEW I had bone mets. Knew it. My husband works for a group of neurologists, so that is who I saw first. I was given pain medication as well, and I did take it when I absolutely had to. I still take Motrin if it flares up, but that is not often.

If you can, try to rest for a few days. A heating pad will help, as well as the anti-inflammatories--promise. Be sure to not lift heavy objects, and bend at the knees when you have to get low.

My ONC. referred me to an orthopedist (not sure if that is spelled correctly), but I never went. The resting helped to alleviate the pain, and while it comes and goes now, it has not been as bad as earlier in the year. I asked one of my friends (who is a chiropractor) and he said to just give it some time. First time I have heard that from him!

My ONC. also said that about 70% of people would have disc issues if pulled off the street and given an MRI, so we are not in the minority! For once!!!

Take care,

Brenda_D · 08-12-2008, 11:30 AM

I've been dealing with similar problems.
My low back, hips and legs have been hurting, sometimes numb and have had some burning and tingling over the last year.
I brought it up with my PCP many times, and we tried a few different meds. I finally brought it up to my Rad Onc and he ordered a bone scan, then an MRI of my lumbar sacral region. Bone scan was clear, no cancer. MRI showed lots of age related problems, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and a perineural cyst. I got an appointment with a Ortho specialist and he looked at the MRI and didn't think any of that was causing my pain.
Anyway, he sent me for PT and they have me on heat, stretching exercises and E-stim. I have to say that the heat helps a lot but the E-stim stopped the pain.
Being in pain for almost the whole last year, and not finding a cause or any relief, was about to send me off the deep end.
I would definitely see a specialist.

katsc49 · 08-20-2008, 06:15 AM

Thank you so much for all your help, ladies!
kathy