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So i have been off meds for a while now and managing very well with diet alone. Last week I had all normans! However, i am having jaw pain and horrible lower back pain. The jaw pain is getting better but, this morning i bent down to get something under a table and I seriously couldn't even get up. It hurts on my lower left side. Like so low that it's right above my bum. And it radiated down my leg. It feels better standing but I am in a lot of pain right now sitting at my desk. I dont know what to do??
When I started to feel better a couple weeks ago I started taking my freeda vitamins and extra D and Calcium...I just don't know what to do? what kind of dr to see?
Help!
Jenny
pain
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Sorry to hear that, Jenny. It sounds like sciatica, and sitting can be extra hard on that type of back pain... I'm actually working at a standing most of the time these days, but I can imagine that while your pain is severe, that's not a great alternative.
I hope you get good suggestions, and I hope your pain eases quickly,
Sara
I hope you get good suggestions, and I hope your pain eases quickly,
Sara
Hi Jenny,
Sorry to hear about the pain issues. I believe that Sara and Nancy have pinpointed the problem correctly, as a sciatic nerve issue. Here's a reference where you can read a little about it, and the suggested remedies are probably as good as any:
Since it had a sudden onset, there's a good chance that it may be due to a bulging or ruptured disk, or one that has slipped out of place. In similar circumstances, I've found it beneficial to lie on my back, and allow my lower back to arch backwards, over something, (I used a sack of corn,
, but a couple of firm pillows would probably work in a pinch), and often, by lying there for a while, with the reverse flexure, the bulging disk will slip back into place. If that works for you, then it would probably be beneficial for you to do that on a somewhat regular basis, to help keep the disk/s in place. Of course, if you are vulnerable to that type of displacement, then obviously, you would want to avoid bending forward sharply, in order to help prevent it from happening again. Certain back exercises can probably help to strengthen muscle tone to help keep the disk in place, also.
Tex
Sorry to hear about the pain issues. I believe that Sara and Nancy have pinpointed the problem correctly, as a sciatic nerve issue. Here's a reference where you can read a little about it, and the suggested remedies are probably as good as any:
http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciat ... c-overviewHow is it treated?
In many cases, sciatica will improve and go away with time. Initial treatment usually focuses on medicines and exercises to relieve pain. You can help relieve pain by:
Avoiding sitting (unless it is more comfortable than standing).
Alternating lying down with short walks. Increase your walking distance as you are able to without pain.
Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).
Using a heating pad on a low or medium setting for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. Try a warm shower in place of one session with the heating pad. You can also buy single-use heat wraps that last up to 8 hours. You can also try an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. There is not strong evidence that either heat or ice will help, but you can try them to see if they help you.
Additional treatment for sciatica depends on what is causing the nerve irritation. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may suggest physical therapy, injections of medicines such as steroids, stronger medicines such as muscles relaxants or opioids, or even surgery for severe cases.
Since it had a sudden onset, there's a good chance that it may be due to a bulging or ruptured disk, or one that has slipped out of place. In similar circumstances, I've found it beneficial to lie on my back, and allow my lower back to arch backwards, over something, (I used a sack of corn,
, but a couple of firm pillows would probably work in a pinch), and often, by lying there for a while, with the reverse flexure, the bulging disk will slip back into place. If that works for you, then it would probably be beneficial for you to do that on a somewhat regular basis, to help keep the disk/s in place. Of course, if you are vulnerable to that type of displacement, then obviously, you would want to avoid bending forward sharply, in order to help prevent it from happening again. Certain back exercises can probably help to strengthen muscle tone to help keep the disk in place, also.Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Jenny,
Not everything is attributable to MC. I agree that this sounds like a disk problem. To pin point the level of the disk please tell me EXACTLY where it hurts and where it radiates to. The lower lumbar and upper sacral disks are very vulnerable and disk herniation is extremely common. Especially L4,5, which is the root of the sciatic nerve (why it's called sciatica).
If standing is more comfortable then stand or lie. Do you have a laptop? Lying down and using a laptop is often what you need to do. If you are at a desk at work you need a standing desk. Also, your positioning at the desk is REALLY important, the height of the keyboard; the type of keyboard; the monitor in relation to your eye level, your chair; your arms;. how your legs are positioned, and so forth. I can help, but need to see a picture of your desk, and you at it.
If your desk is at work you can get help from your boss in obtaining the right equipment under the ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act.
Exercise. DON'T when you are in an attack of inflammation. You need to rest your back. As Tex said, avoid forward bending or twisting of the trunk. When you turn around turn your whole body, moving your feet. In bed do a log roll.
When you DO exercise the most important ones to concentrate on are the abdominal strengtheners (the muscles that support the back) the back stretches and openers, like the one Tex suggested with his sack of corn. But don't do that if you are inflamed. Wrong placement could put MORE pressure on the disk.
Look at a picture of the spinal cord and not which nerve roots come from which level of disk. Try to pinpoint where yours is.
If you want help with exercises message me. I'd be glad to help!
Not everything is attributable to MC. I agree that this sounds like a disk problem. To pin point the level of the disk please tell me EXACTLY where it hurts and where it radiates to. The lower lumbar and upper sacral disks are very vulnerable and disk herniation is extremely common. Especially L4,5, which is the root of the sciatic nerve (why it's called sciatica).
If standing is more comfortable then stand or lie. Do you have a laptop? Lying down and using a laptop is often what you need to do. If you are at a desk at work you need a standing desk. Also, your positioning at the desk is REALLY important, the height of the keyboard; the type of keyboard; the monitor in relation to your eye level, your chair; your arms;. how your legs are positioned, and so forth. I can help, but need to see a picture of your desk, and you at it.
If your desk is at work you can get help from your boss in obtaining the right equipment under the ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act.
Exercise. DON'T when you are in an attack of inflammation. You need to rest your back. As Tex said, avoid forward bending or twisting of the trunk. When you turn around turn your whole body, moving your feet. In bed do a log roll.
When you DO exercise the most important ones to concentrate on are the abdominal strengtheners (the muscles that support the back) the back stretches and openers, like the one Tex suggested with his sack of corn. But don't do that if you are inflamed. Wrong placement could put MORE pressure on the disk.
Look at a picture of the spinal cord and not which nerve roots come from which level of disk. Try to pinpoint where yours is.
If you want help with exercises message me. I'd be glad to help!
Jenny,
I have had sciatica, and it is very painful. I did have tests to rule out a disc issue, then I used alternating ice and heat. At the time, I was able to use NSAIDS for pain, which wouldn't be the case now. If your car is standard shift, and the pain is in the leg you shift with, that may be a problem. I had to abandon standard shift after an episode of sciatica. I also had to avoid climbing stairs when it was bad.
I have a stretch that helped me very much. Lie on your back. Bend the knee of the leg that isn't sore. Cross the ankle of the sore leg across, just above that knee. Pull the leg that is underneath up, stretching the glute of the sore side. But, I wouldn't try that till you're sure there is no disc involvement.
Sciatica requires lots of rest also. When I had it, I saw a chiropractor. I won't do that anymore, as I have bone density issues; I now opt for PT instead.
Wishing you relief...
I have had sciatica, and it is very painful. I did have tests to rule out a disc issue, then I used alternating ice and heat. At the time, I was able to use NSAIDS for pain, which wouldn't be the case now. If your car is standard shift, and the pain is in the leg you shift with, that may be a problem. I had to abandon standard shift after an episode of sciatica. I also had to avoid climbing stairs when it was bad.
I have a stretch that helped me very much. Lie on your back. Bend the knee of the leg that isn't sore. Cross the ankle of the sore leg across, just above that knee. Pull the leg that is underneath up, stretching the glute of the sore side. But, I wouldn't try that till you're sure there is no disc involvement.
Sciatica requires lots of rest also. When I had it, I saw a chiropractor. I won't do that anymore, as I have bone density issues; I now opt for PT instead.
Wishing you relief...
Suze
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Sheila
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Yup, it sounds like sciatica. It's so common and can start when you're pretty young. All of the above advice is good and if you know a "good" chiropractor he/she can tell you if you are dealing with a bulging disc or herniated disc. The first time I had sciatica the chiropractor I went to told me he could help me until I had spent about $2,000 and then told me to go to an orthopedist. After the first back surgery I found a chiropractor who could tell the difference between true disc disease requiring an orthopedist or neurosurgeon and a sprained or strained back. I went to a gentle yoga class with all of the students dealing with serious physical problems to various parts of the body. It was great and taught me a lot of self help exercises. Good luck. I hope this is a self limited, short term problem.
Sheila W
Sheila W
To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.
A person who never made a mistake never tried something new. Einstein
A person who never made a mistake never tried something new. Einstein
I had to change my car. I couldn't (and can't) use my left leg for driving.If your car is standard shift, and the pain is in the leg you shift with, that may be a problem
Alternating ice and heat - the method is to warm the muscles you are going to stretch (NEVER stretch a cold muscle), do your exercising (including walking for a disk problem), and then close up the blood vessels to those muscles by icing.
There is a deep muscle in the back (called the piriformis) that often goes into spasm when the sciatic nerve is inflamed. This puts pressure on the sacroiliac joint (located at about where the dimples of your lower back would be if you have them) and the pain is excruciating.
The exercise suggested by maestraz stretches and relaxes this muscle, relieving the pressure. It's important to do this because, even if the disk herniation resolves through exercise and treatment, the pirifomis can remain in spasm, causing the pain.
I like to use Thermacare heat pads, because you strap them around you with velcro, and they go with you where ever you go. They are a bit expensive, but when the pain is bad, they are worth it. The heat lasts a LONG time. If you leave the pad it lasts way longer than the 8 hours they advertise.
The cheapest place to get them is Costco. They come in different sizes so check which you are getting.
Thank you so much for all your imput! It was pretty painful being at work yesterday so I got home last night & went straight upstairs to lie down. I slept great all night and now I don't feel any pain at all! It's unbelievable how much pain I was in yesterday and nothing today (fingers crossed). I think I will wait a few days and then start on the light stretches.
Thanks again!
Jenny
Thanks again!
Jenny
Jenny,
That's pretty typical. When you sleep your muscles are relaxed and warmed by the bed, and/or the herniated part of the disk is not pressing on the sciatic nerve, so when you get up the pain can be gone, or much improved.
There are many people who have a huge herniation, but the nerve is not touched, so there is no pain. A very small herniation can cause excruciating pain if it puts pressure on a nerve.
Walking around and taking a shower causes use and tightening of the muscles and the pressure is back. Add to that a twisting move that you don't even notice and the party starts again!
This is where the stretches come in. Look up sites on the internet by using the words "piriformis syndrome" and "sciatica" and you will find sites that will suggest exercises, and in many cases illustrate the correct way to do them (VERY important!).
At work, check your positioning if you use a computer, or simply at your desk. Watch your movements. Don't twist your torso, or bend forward if you can help it.
Take a towel to work, and, when the pain gets really bad, lie down flat on the floor on your towel for 10 minutes.
USE YOUR LEGS, bending at the knees, to retrieve things from the floor. Consider investing in a reacher. Not very expensive and available through Amazon. For me it's a "must".
WALK! Watch your posture. Make an effort to lift your torso off the hips using your abdominals and glutes, so that the pressure on the disk is reduced. Walking is the 2nd best exercise. Swimming is the best. But swimming free style or backstroke. Breast stroke puts pressure on a different set of spinal nerves.
I "walk" in the water. I have a belt that keeps me floating upright, and arm and foot "weights" that provide resistance. It's easy to get exercise without putting pressure on the joints.
That's pretty typical. When you sleep your muscles are relaxed and warmed by the bed, and/or the herniated part of the disk is not pressing on the sciatic nerve, so when you get up the pain can be gone, or much improved.
There are many people who have a huge herniation, but the nerve is not touched, so there is no pain. A very small herniation can cause excruciating pain if it puts pressure on a nerve.
Walking around and taking a shower causes use and tightening of the muscles and the pressure is back. Add to that a twisting move that you don't even notice and the party starts again!
This is where the stretches come in. Look up sites on the internet by using the words "piriformis syndrome" and "sciatica" and you will find sites that will suggest exercises, and in many cases illustrate the correct way to do them (VERY important!).
At work, check your positioning if you use a computer, or simply at your desk. Watch your movements. Don't twist your torso, or bend forward if you can help it.
Take a towel to work, and, when the pain gets really bad, lie down flat on the floor on your towel for 10 minutes.
USE YOUR LEGS, bending at the knees, to retrieve things from the floor. Consider investing in a reacher. Not very expensive and available through Amazon. For me it's a "must".
WALK! Watch your posture. Make an effort to lift your torso off the hips using your abdominals and glutes, so that the pressure on the disk is reduced. Walking is the 2nd best exercise. Swimming is the best. But swimming free style or backstroke. Breast stroke puts pressure on a different set of spinal nerves.
I "walk" in the water. I have a belt that keeps me floating upright, and arm and foot "weights" that provide resistance. It's easy to get exercise without putting pressure on the joints.
Funny to see your post. I was walking down the hall at work today and my left hip popped, very loudly. It sounded like a bone cracking. I got immediately woozy and almost passed out. The pain isn't that bad, but everything feels out of place now. I don't know how to put it back together to feel normal again! My left bottock and my hip socket feel achy and unstable. I have joint hypermobility, but this is the first time my hip subluxed in decades!! I am a veteran of piriformis syndrome, symphisis pubis dysfunction (pelvic separation during pregnancy), sacroiliac joint pain, sciatica, and all things pelvis and back related, but I've never herniated a disk, thank goodness. I've spent a good portion of the last 20 years massaging my buttocks for relief! 
I guess my point is that sciatica and related pain can be caused by poor alignment and tight muscles and ligaments. It's not always a serious disk issue. I've gotten relief over the years from chiropractors who do lots of muscle manipulation in addition to the adjustments. "Active release" is especially helpful - basically pressing their fingers deep into trigger points. I see a doctor of osteopathy now, who seems to know all about chiropractic modalities and more. I have an appointment for acupuncture with him tomorrow, unrelated to the hip subluxation, but I sure expect him to help with this too!
I hope you are getting some relief.
I guess my point is that sciatica and related pain can be caused by poor alignment and tight muscles and ligaments. It's not always a serious disk issue. I've gotten relief over the years from chiropractors who do lots of muscle manipulation in addition to the adjustments. "Active release" is especially helpful - basically pressing their fingers deep into trigger points. I see a doctor of osteopathy now, who seems to know all about chiropractic modalities and more. I have an appointment for acupuncture with him tomorrow, unrelated to the hip subluxation, but I sure expect him to help with this too!
I hope you are getting some relief.