Seeking Help with Back Problem

It sounds like you have what I have:Spinal Stenosis,a conditioncommon to older people (I'm 76 years old) In short, its a compression of vertabrae in the spine. No one treatment works for everyone. I strongly urge you to be evaluated at a Pain Clinic; (Most large hospitals have one.)

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I too have back trouble and though I'd love a quick fix the best and ongoing support I can give myself is ding Yoga daily. It does not matter what age or agility standard you are, Yoga is something you do at your own personal level of ability will benefit. inviting calmness and relaxation into your life, streatching your body to loosed tension in body and mind and will build core strength in a gentle way that will serve you through your days inn every way. I have a friend who would be in a weel chair due to back trouble and she realized it soon enough and started doing Yoga. Now she is a Yoga instrurctor and as flexible as taffy in mind body and spirit. Luckily Yoga is everywhere now and you should be able to find a class near you or get instructional video from your local library. If we have lower back trouble it benefits to strengthen the stomach muscles to support yourself. This may sound a tiring option, but if you do it you'll never look back! I hope youfind the solution that works for you. Blessings everyday. Hannah

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My father has a problem like this, because the cushioning material between his vertebrae is gone in one or two places. The only thing that helps is exercise. I would also suggest seeing an osteopath, a doctor with specialized training in the skeletal system. Most M.D.'s do not have this training, that's why they always resort to painkillers and surgery.

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E.,

I had back problems in 2005. I had a herniated disc (L4/L5). This was pinching my siatic nerve which caused pain all down my left leg (from my buttock to my foot). I had the injections in my spine which only relieved about 40% of the pain. After 3 injections i was referred to a spinal surgeon. I had a micro diskectomy and immediatly after surgery the pain was 100% gone. I did physical therapy for several weeks after. Now i am great and stretch every day. If surgery is an option i would do it. You get immeditate pain relief. HOpe this helps.

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I have a dear friend who had really bad back problems. her answer was acupuncture. It worked wonders for her. She would also go and have a therapeutic massage once a months. Her insurance covered the acupuncture but not therapeutic massage. Her and i also do water aerobics together at the Woodstock Rec. Center but the also offer water aerobics at Health Bridge in Crystal Lake. She would sometimes just go to hang in the deep end. If you are not a swimmer you can use an aqua belt as a flotation device.

Another thing I would suggest is a Sleep Number Bed. My husband and I have a one. It is the great bed we have even had. It is so nice that one day you may want firmer and the next softer. It will give you the greatest night sleep and it really support the spine.

Hope this helps...

S.

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E.-
I am a family chiropractor in Oak Park, I would love the find you a chiropractor to see how chiropractic can help you. I would suggest finding someone in your area by searching www.ipca4kids.org or feel free to call the office and my assistant can help you find someone close to you.
In Health,
Dr. J. Aardema
###-###-####

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Not until I had an MRI did I know that I had two narrowed and herniated discs (no wonder I was in pain). I went through chiropractic, physical and aquatic therapy and massage with little relief until a podiatrist sent me to a pain doctor who did the MRI. X-rays can see the bones, but an MRI can see the discs in your spine (x-rays had shown I had narrowed discs, but not herniated). I have since had injections which haven't worked perfectly for me either.

Keep pushing the doctors, that's what I had to do.

Keep trying options, I also recommend pilates, it works to strengthen the muscles around your spine to help support it.

Good luck.

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Hi E.,

I hope you will be able to find some answers for your pain. Have you considered a chiropractor? There are many to choose from, but I would ask for recommendations from people in your area and look for a facility that has physical therapy combined with the adjustments. I can refer you to someone in the Oak Brook area and someone in the Lisle/Naperville area who meet those criteria. I do regular chiropractic care which I started after a car accident last summer. The care has addressed all the pain issues I was having. During my treatment I have heard some great stories from people who had previously had no success in pain reduction. There are also some nutritional supplements that are very helpful in reducing the inflammation. If you contact me offline, I will be happy to forward that information.

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Hi E., have you been to a Chiropractor? I was having the same problem months ago and since having x-rays I was told that I had a bowel backup and subluxation(stress on the spine). Subluxation is caused by various stresses(emotional, physical, and or chemicals on the body). I have been recieving care from a place called ChiroOne which is located in Orland Hills on 159th St. Everyone there is excellent from the nurses to the chiropractor. As a result of getting adjusted by the Chiropractor I have seen changes in my lower back greatly!!! I do other therapy too! So let me know if you are interested in learning more information. They are all over the Chicagoland Area! These professionals really talk things over with you step by step and they are not just trying to take your money. Anyway I wish you well!

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Acupuncture and cupping is the best! Does it hurt- yes. Those that say it doesn't are lying. I've had back problems for years. I've gone to doctors, physical therapy, massage, chiropractors, neurologist (who prescribe strong muscle relaxants)and nothing worked. I went 6 weeks with acuptuncture (first couple of weeks it was 4-5 times a week and then less and less each week.) It was the first time I had been pain free in years and it was for 6 mos. straight. When things started to hurt I went in for a couple of treatments and then fine again. Now I haven't gone in almost 2.5 years. The massage and chiropractor care now takes care of any pain as long as I catch it when it starting to give me some trouble again.

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OK, I don't want to alarm you & I think the odds of your situation being the same as my mother's are probably extremely low....but my mom had a similar experience 6 years ago that I just thought I would share. The bottom line is: I would convince a dr. to take a CT scan of your back. What happened in my mom's case is that after a month or two of increasing pain, we finally learned that she had somehow contracted a staph infection which had lodged itself in her spine & been eating away the vertebrae. Ultimately, she lost a few of them & had to have a couple of operations to clean out the infection & have hardware inserted in her spine to replace them. In the meantime, we had a couple of scares where we were told she might not live or would likely be paralyzed - it was very frightening.

Anyway, this was a random, fluke thing, but w/ everything in the news about MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staph) these days, I would feel better in your shoes if I looked into it. I'm not positive about this part, but I seem to recall that this infection didn't show up on an X-ray. I think it took a CT scan to find it and then an MRI to scope out the details.

On a happier note: A friend of mine (a young, healthy, fit guy in his 30s) had been having tons of back pain. He read some book with a very cheesy, too-good-to-be-true sounding title (something like: "Cure Your Back Without Surgery or Drugs") that had been recommended by an acquaintance, and I remember his wife telling me that whatever it suggested doing worked wonders for him. Sorry I don't have more info, but maybe you could track it down on amazon.com?

GOOD LUCK, & I hope you resolve your back problems quickly.

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I too am a senior with back problems. Ibuprofen takes the swelling down in Arthritis. If you have damages is the spine, arthritis set in and just runs amuck in the joint areas. The ibuprofen halps and a hot shower every morning give more moveability. Good luck grammy (I'm jealous).

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I just visited my mother-in-law (90) yesterday because she was having excruciating back pain and a nurse recommended Ben Gay back pain pads. I put one on her and she started feeling less pain very soon after and got downright chatty while we ate lunch!

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I claim and speak Luke 13: over your life when Jesus healed the Lady with a spirit of infirmity which caused her to be bent over and couldn't straighten up. If you have a Holy Bible, please read St. Luke 13th Chapter, verses 10-13 and receive these words:

"Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity".

Believe that you are healed and receive the touch of Jesus.

To help strengthen your faith, read these other passages in the Holy Bible about women who were healed by God:

Matthew 9:18-26
Luke 4:38,39
Luke 1:5-7,23-25

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well when i had back problems the best advice I got was to strenghten my stomach muscles...and becaosue of the pain getting on the floor was extremely difficult so I was told to do standing push ups where your feet are flat to the floor but you stand far enought away from the wall to do a push up. Do at letst 10 to 20 daily and you should see and improvement

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Hello E.,

Almost 17 years ago I had two car accidents within a week. I was in my 20's at the time and started seeing a chiropractor. After she "fixed me", I felt my back going back to the way it was. So I have gone to her over the last 17 years for "routine maintenance". As I got older...in my 40's now, I was having more and more back and hip pain. It prevented me from running and doing things I love. Even walking long distances caused hip pain. I am a pretty fit person and will never stop working out. Then I met Dr. Darrin Redinger of the Illinois Spinal Care in Elmhurst. I have never in my life seen a Chiropractic office like his (and as an Ambassador of the Chamber, I have been in many chiropractic offices to welcome new members to our community. We must have several on every block!) I have been working with Dr. Redinger for about 2 months and have seen a HUGE change and progress. I am able to run without pain. He does the adjustments in an open atmosphere - so you don't have to declothe and you are in and out in 15 minutes. For a busy person, this is very important to me. Dr. Redinger and his partner came from very large practices in different parts of the country and settled in the Chicago suburbs. I am amazed that they have clients who travel from very far away places. I think they are one of only a handful of chiropractors in the state that practice the way they do. I really can't explain it other than to tell you to try it! They have shared with me so many amazing stories of success, that if I didn't know them personally, I'm not sure I would believe them. The office is in a new building, and is warm and welcoming. The staff (christina greets me by my first name with a friendly hello) is wonderful. I felt very comfortable there. They are located just south of North Avenue on York road in the building that houses Caribou coffee on the 1st floor. The number is ###-###-####. The website is www.illinoispinalcare.com and you can email Dr. Redinger at ____@____.com I truly hope you give them a try. I must know a dozen chiropractors personally and I don't know any of them that operate like Illinois Spinal Care. The actually take x-rays BEFORE and AFTER treatment so they show you how they have CHANGED and CORRECTED your spine. They told me that one of their patients was about to have surgery, but the surgeon ended up cancelling the surgery after visiting Illinois Spinal Care. The surgeon would not admit that they did anything to correct it; the surgeon called it "spontaneous healing" as though magically the body corrected itself! Crazy! I truly hope you take my advise and try them out. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! C. Bajkowski

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E.,

Have you tried doing water arthritis classes? I teach water fitness classes at the local YMCA, however I am also trained to teach water arthritis classes too. I have seen many participants who swear that the water is ONLY way they get relief from injuries/arthritis pain.

I realize the thought of getting into a swimsuit may not be appealing, however try to think of it as therapy - not a swimsuit contest. Afterall, everyone else is going for the same reasons you are!

Also, I've found the friendships between the patrons is remarkable. They all seem to really care for one another. I've heard some groups celebrate birthdays and go out for lunch afterwards too.

I know many hospitals and YMCAs run Water Arthritis programs, in warm water pools. Hopefully this is something that you might find relief from your back pain doing.

Much luck,

Sara

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E.,
You might want to see a Chiropractor who will adjust your spine over several visits. It will take a few months of weekly visits to get back into shape then every few weeks for a maintenance. Good Luck.
J. O

Hi E.,
Sorry to hear of your problems. I too went through several years of back pain and went to the doctor a hundred times and was given physical therapy, pain pills, to no avail. I can only give you my advice based on your information. Have you been diagnosed with anything such as herniated or bulging discs? what did the x-rays reveal? That being said, medical doctors due to insurance will only treat the symptoms and not the issues unless you are diligent. If you have an issue such as a herniation, you can benefit from a procedure called spinal decompression, it actually can open up the spaces of the discs and allow fluid to flow back in the spinal area that has issues. Look it up online. It is a procedure done at a doctor's (usually a chiropractor)office, usually done in a series where you go several days in a row. Also, if you don't have any major muscle or degeneration issues you can really benefit from a chiropractor which will help keep your pelvis and spine aligned. Again, a medical doctor will not recommend or usually refer you for this. If you have had an MRI than there should be some sort of diagnosis. Keep on your doctor for a definitive answer, tell him you want to fix the problem, not mask the symptoms, it really does affect your quality of life and you deserve to feel better. You don't have to suffer or have invasive surgery to help your condition, there are other options that do work. Hope this helps.

I am so excited to see the variety of options people are suggesting! Let me add to the mix a very simple and effective technique called Emotional Freedom Techniques. It consists of a simple set-up statement and then gentle tapping on a series of acupressure points. It can be applied to EVERYTHING emotional and physical.
The website: www.emofree.com

Check it out!

Hi E.,
My husband has had back problems for years now and no one could figure out what was wrong. We went to Univ of Chicago, Loyola, Rush, Elmhurst Memorial and CINN. He stumped everyone until he saw Dr. Wilkins in Hoffman Estates. He spent three hours with us just listening to the whole story and checking my husband over. The final diagnosis is Spinal Stenosis, Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthitis. My husband also has one leg longer than the other which is why he has waddled all his life. Funny no one ever caught that. I would highly recommend seeing this doctor if you can. He is very good. My husband is completely disabled and not curable but this doctor is slowly cutting down on his strongest pain meds that affect my husband's mind. Avoid Elmhurst Clinic. My husband went to the pain clinic there. The doctor recommended a neurostimulator implant surgery. They said it was medically necessary and that they had approval from our insurance company. Two months after the surgery our insurance company sent us a notice that stated they were not paying for it because the doctor is being wishy washy about it being medically necessary. The end result is that Elmhurt is now billing us almost 100K for the surgery they said they had cleared with our insurance. I'm not sure what we are going to do next but I am warning people to stay away from Elmhurst Pain Management Clinic before they get took like we did.

Please get Pete Egoscue's book Pain Free before you even consider surgery. He also has clinics around the country, and can do therapy through video. It is posture alignment therapy. You can also check out the website www.egoscue.com

If you are open to chiropractic, I highly recommend Dr. Bowers in Downers Grove. He is one of the best chiropractors. The number is ###-###-####. We drive a good twenty minutes to see him, but it is worth it. I had been to another chiropractor weekly for over a month and not seen improvement. Then I went to Dr. Bowers and saw improvement after one visit!

I too have back problems. My chiropractor was of tremendous help, but has just retired, so I don't have a referral for you. But until I find another one, I have been icing. It does wonders! You can use soft ice packs, solid ones (for the lower back), or even a bag of frozen peas. It will bring great relief. You can purchase the hard or soft icing packs at any drug store, WalMart, etc.

Hi E.,
If you are open to holistic healing, I recommend Linda Rasicci. She uses various healing techniques. Her office is in the Batavia area, but can do work over the telephone. She helped me a lot while I was pregnant and helped my back after I gave birth. I have seen a chiropractor for years now, but Linda was able to provide immediate relief.

Her number is ###-###-####.

All the best,
D.

I would go to a trusted chiropracter and have an exam and consultation. We go to an excellant one named Dr. Scott Stuck at Mainstreet Chiropractic in Plainfield. Their website is www.mainstreetdoctors.com. If he can't help you he will tell you and may be able to recommend someone who can. It can't hurt and I suspect would greatly help. Tell him K. L on mamasource sent you. God Bless you with health!!!

Have you tried a chiropractor? I have a ruptured disc and it took about a month, but it feels so much better. Also a little bit of yoga and streaching helps me out too. When i do not move my muscles- my pain is worse. Also i have heard good things about accupuncture! Goos luck!

E.:

It sounds as if your problem is muscular rather than skeletal. I have had great success visiting the Naprapath. A Naprapath specializes in muscular issues. In Champaign I recommend Dr. Gibas on Anthony Drive ###-###-####).

Good luck!
C.

Have you been given a bone density test to rule or osteoporosis? Had an MRI to rule out any spinal compressions, slipped discs or fractures? I don't know where you are located but there is a marvelous and compassionate DR. located at Hinsdale Orthopaedics, in New Lenox, IL. Dr. Marie Kirinsic (not sure if properly spelled) is a pain specialist who will treat you or refer you another dr. should you require more extensive treatments. She helped me immensely, without putting me under the knife or giving me heavy-duty medications! She practices out of other locations too. Your life is so full, you should not have to endure all the pain that you have been experiencing. Good luck!

Hello E.- You have mentioned that you have been to several doctors already and I was wondering if you have been to a chiropractor yet? I work for two fantastic doctors-(chiropractors) Dr. Olson and Dr. Barrett. They have helped people with many different conditions- personally they have helped me with headache issues and low back pain issues. If they cannot help you, they will suggest someone who can. The office is on the west side of Aurora. If you would like more information, you can send me a message and I can give you some more background on their treatments or any insurance/financial questions. Good luck- I am sure you are frustrated with trying to find something to help.

L.

I have found that yoga helps with back pain (actually with all kinds of pain). I go to Bikram Yoga (hot yoga), but any yoga will help.
Good luck.

Have any doctors given you any diagnosis or reason at all for your pain and discomfort?

It seems like the doctors would be able to rule this out with an x-ray, but have they concluded that you have no vertebral compression fractures? These can eventually lead to kyphosis, which is a hunching over condition. I fell while carrying my baby a year and a half ago and suffered a VCF. I actually had surgery (kyphoplasty) to restore the bone's strength. I recommend at least finding out more about this and asking your doctors if this is an option. I've heard that it can be quite successful and for the most part mine has been too. Otherwise strength training, pilates, walking and other exercises might help strengthen your back. Good luck!

Hi E.,
Chiropractor, message therapy & acupunture. Try all three of these alternatives. If conventional medicine is failing you, why not try these natural remedies.

http://www.pphcc.com/faq.php

I highly recommend looking into the source of your pain with Dr. Steven Arculeo.

You can tell him Danya Levinsohn referred you.

I hope this helps!
Be Well,
Danya

www.DanyaMotivates.com

Hi E.,

Sorry to hear about your back problems. I am 44 and I have 2 bulging disc in my back. For years I complained of pain, and was prescribed medication. I was originally diagnosed back pain due to weight. A chiropractor could not help due to I was in so much pain, and suggested I get a MRI. It is very expensive, and docs do not want to order it. The test came back showing my bulging disc. I am on muscle relaxants, pain medication as needed. I excercise, do not lift heavy items, and stay a way from high heels when I can. Hopes this help. If you are experiencing numbness in any body part particularly your face, hands, or fingers, make sure you let your doctor know.

You say you have had x-rays...have you had a MRI yet? That will show the soft tissues that don't show up on x-rays. I was in much the same boat as you, but after no improvement, my Dr had an MRI ordered and it showed a herniated disk where the inner disk material was leaking out, causing sciatica, and loss of control of my bowel and bladder. I had surgery and am SOOOOO much better. I am glad I kept after a solution, because I finally found one that provided relief. Good luck, and keep up with therapy. VERY important to do on your own, even after you finish the prescribed course of treatment.

Hi E.,
You need to seek a great chiropractor, Dr. Matthew Hoffman in Bourbonnais. He is different, he is a chiropractic neurologist. Great stuff. P.

Is it muscular or structual? I have a bulging disc in my lower back, along with lovely bone spurs. my neck is mess as well. I have found traction, along with a daily stretching routine for my speciific issues, as well as chiropractic care to help me the most.

Dear E.,

A wonderful man exists in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His name is Randall Hammett, and he is a Chiropractor. His plan for treatment is so different that no one else in this area (southeastern Wisconsin), or up in the Milwaukee Wisconsin area uses his techniques! He is a very learned man with almost 30 years of helping people via Chiropractic under his belt! I don't know what area you live in, but if you are in the Kenosha Wisconsin area, you can call his office and ask L. to set an appointment for you. His phone number is 1.###-###-####. Medicare and most insurances are accepted, and you will LOVE the experience! Good luck!

I am once again, standing tall and painfree! Thanks, Dr. Hammett!

I see you live nearby so I have really useful stuff for you! Have you tried accupuncture yet? I find it to be far more effective than massage or the chiropractor. I have the best one! His name is Jim Sullivan and he has an office at St. John's Wellness Center. I love that he is associated with the hospitals alternative therapy program. I believe you can find him on thier website. I always feel better when I go see him. I would make an appointment and take your xrays! Just so he knows what he is working with. The man fixed my shoulder when it would barely moved, fixed a sinus infection and a bladder infection. He has a fabulous personality and is just so knowledgeable.

Hope you feel better soon!

I recommend you contact the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard and get a referral for a good chiropractor in your area. If you are in the Wheaton area, Dr. George Gauthier at ###-###-#### is in Danada Square and is great!!

Good luck!

What kind of therapy have you had? Chiropractic work seems to break down and not hold.

I have heard wonderful things about Grayslake Rehab on Lake Street. ###-###-####

R. Bengtson
Dog Trainer

Hi ~

I've had back problems, and have found my chripractor to be a Godsend. Chripractic care is non-invasive, and can help a variety of problems. It's usually covered by insurance, and can offer wonderful relief within a very short time.

Hang in there and Good luck!

In Friendship,

S.

If you have not tried acupunture, that should be a consideration. It really works for many.
N. - Nutrition Naturally
www.jp4ahealthieryou.com

I'd recommend a chiropractor that's part of the "Maximized Living" philosophy. Some options? Google Dr. Matt Milonas in Naperville & Dr. Mark Meyers in Wheaton for a start. Hope you find some help!

Hi E.,

Have you tried accuputure? If you can find one in your area, it may be well worth it. I have tried it for migrane headachs, and it did work. Also if you are not into alternative medicine, have you tried the medicine patches, they can be prescribed by your doctor.

Best of luck,
P. H.

I know two people with success recently at Illinois Spinal and Sports Rehabilitation located at 24024 Brancaster Drive in Naperville with phone number of ###-###-####. My husband is just finishing working with Eric J. Lukosus, D.C. at this office.
Also I teach yoga and typically work with some students who have back pain. If you look for yoga, look for "gentle yoga" and talk to your doctor and get permission for doing this.

Hi E., I suggest a good chiropracter in your area. My family works with a very reputable man, Doctor Locke ( ###-###-#### )
He is in Bensenville and the good health we enjoy because of this man would take me a full page. If you chose that option please tell him you were referred by C., Nicole, & Maria.
Best of luck with your back.

back pain can be helped, and even corrected permanently, with homeopathic medicine. homeopathy can even correct crooked spine problems that are genetic.
dr. polich is the homeopathic dr. i see and she is in naperville.
www.dupagehomeopathic.com

her website is great and full of info on the topic and how it helps to heal w/ natural remedies. it's so wonderful; we see her for our chronic illness issues (started w/ my son's eczema).

try it and you will be amazed. You can email dr. polich via her website and she w/b able to tell you if homeopathy can help you or not. I'm sure she'll say it can.