What to do when the CALS is hurt?

[scaredwifetx]

I woke up this weekend with excruciating pain from my hip down to my knee. The pain has to be the worst pain I have ever gone through. I have suffered from lower back issues since injuring it 10 years ago and at times the pain was more than I could handle. I would trade that pain over this pain anyday.

I did have a backache for about six weeks and it just stopped hurting on Friday. Sunday woke up to the leg and glute pain. I had x-rays today and my L4 is herniated and degenerating. The sciatica is the cause for this horrid pain. I can hardly move my leg, stand or walk. I am in outside sales and have a ton of calls this week.

The chiropractor is suggesting decompesssing therapy three times a week but cannot say how long it will take to ease the pain. I do not want surgery but I have to be able to walk and move. Steve is so upset and worried for me and hates the pain he sees me in even though I do my best to hide it.

I am so confused as what to do. I have to heal and not sure if a chiropractor or back specialist is the right choice.

Seriously, mom dying, my dog dying, watching Steve progress and now this. I am just to busy trying to stay sane to make good decisions. I want to be heathy for Steve.

If you pray, pray hard for me please. I need the strength and knowledge to make the right decision.

 

[lgelb]

Deb,
All due respect to your chiro, I would get a second opinion from a spine center. Sometimes a minimally-invasive procedure where they just aspirate the loose tissue is possible. A targeted steroid or nerve block injection is another possibility. Neither should really lay you up. There are other options. But it's a specialized field, there are risks, and you need someone good. There are several good spine centers in Dallas.

Best,
Laurie

 

[scaredwifetx]

That's just what I needed to hear. I have read a lot about ciropratic care but the decompression therapy does not seem effective from what I have read. I think it is about time to see a spine center because my back been an issue for to long in my life and I love being active and want to be here to do my best for Steve. Thanks Laurie. Now to choose a center.

 

[affected]

Definitely don't mess around with this one Deb - get specialist advice and take a deep breath while you go over the options.

Can someone help you out at all? I hope that's not a really dumb question xxx

 

[gooseberry]

I do not have herniation but a lot of degeneration in my back. I am getting weekly massages. She spends an hr on my back and I am pain free for 5 of the 7 days til I get the next one. It has helped immensely. She loosens up the muscles and fascia in my hips and lower back. It hurts initially because the nerves are so sensitive but my butt into the top of my leg goes away and no shooting pain down the side.

The massage lady said she sees this a lot with people who start and stop exercise

 

[Green Queen]

Oh Deb, you so need one of those silver linings we talk about in your life.

I will certainly keep you in my prayers.

 

[pittsburghgal]

Deb, definitely go directly to an orthopod, preferably one who specializes in spine surgery. I think chiropractors can be helpful in certain specific conditions but not in your case. I will pray for you.

Sharon

 

[Nuts]

Deb, I'm a big fan of chiropractic, but I'd say go to the spine center on this one. I was offered decompression therapy also, and chose instead to lay on my stomach on the bed with my top half hanging over the edge several times a day. Free decompression while pursuing help.

 

[scaredwifetx]

Thanks everyone. I had to take the day off. Could not see myself trying to drive and visit customers all day. When I move at all the pain shoots all the way down my lower left side. I am going to take everyone's advice and find a spine center. I had the injection surgery a few years ago and it helped for almost a year so guess it's time. I have dealt with back pain for years and know that with time it will pass but this pain down my legs is to much for me to give it time without some help.

 

[Loverly]

that is the absolute worst. I think most CALS suffer it and we suffer in silence, of course. I have to say that yoga helped me to keep it under control. It's not the cure you need, but when you are able to participate in a class you might find it helpful for strengthening the supporting muscles that surround your injury.

good luck,
jen