Really bad back pain

I have a back problem with my L5-S1 disc - degenerative disc disorder. In the past, when I experience this pain, I get steroid (cortisone) shots in my joints and/or an epidural. Well, here I am in pain with a flare up and I don't know what to do. Honestly. Normally I would take pain pills (perscribed to me) for the pain and when they don't work, I go get the shots.

I've taken some tylenol and that barely, not really takes the edge off. Heat/Ice don't work - BTDT.

Does anyone know if this is something I can manage while PG or should I be calling my doc about it? I hate calling because I don't want to sound whiney about it. It isn't THAT bad right now (not as bad as it has been in the past) but the last episode I had left me unable to walk - literally - for almost a week. All that's helped in the past were the steroids

I didn't have any flare-ups when I was PG 5 years ago, but I am afraid that on Christmas day I twisted wrong while sitting on the floor and since then the pain has been building gradually.

Anyone have any BTDT advice or suggestions for me? TIA!

 

Have you tried the chiropractor? If chiropractic care works for you, then you should go - It's safe during pg.

 

I have a herniated disc between L4 and L5, and I exclusively see the chiropractor for it. And I do a lot of core work.

I did see the chiro until I landed on bedrest at 16 weeks, and I was really worried that I was going to end up with such a sore back once I couldn't go. But my back actually held out very well during my pregnancy, must be with all the laying around. I had a lot of pain, really thought my back was going out, the week before I delivered. Looking back, even though it felt just like my disc back pain, I think I was actually having labor pains.

I'd recommend the chiro, and keep trying the heat and ice.

 

Definately on the Chiro advice and have you ever used a TENS unit? They are safe to use when preg, I shall be pulling mine out here very soon.

 

I've been dealing with this for 6 years (or more, really). Heat/Ice don't work. Honestly, I don't think chiropractic care is appropriate for DDD. The pain is caused by swelling of fluids around the affected disc. Everything I've read says to use NSAIDS or RX meds to help manage pain. I don't want to risk using a chiro right now because my back is so sensitive to begin with - I fear it would make it worse. I have PT exercises I can do, but many of them require a range of motion I don't have with a growing belly, and none of them have helped any more than tylenol or advil did in the past. I've layed on the sofa today to try and evenly dispersed my weight. It seems to have helped a little.

Thanks ladies.

 

I don't have any advice here, but I just wanted to wish you well. . .

 

Ah, I have a herniated L5/S1 disk and can feel your pain. I had a microdiskectomy 13 months ago and was so relieved immediately after surgery. So far, the babies haven't caused too much pain (I'm 25w1d), but I am really nervous about upcoming weeks as they continue to grow. I'm getting prenatal massages at least every two weeks and will bump that up to once a week as soon as I stop working. A year before my surgery I gave up the chiropractor because I didn't feel like it was helping at all, so I am extremely apprehensive about going back for adjustments. My goal is to keep working until 30 weeks (I'm a high school library/media specialist), but my back, not my cervix, will likely make that decision for me.

Take it easy!

 

I have no advice but wanted to tell you I'm sorry you're hurting. My back hurts so bad just from pregnancy so I can't imagine having other back issues on top of that. We've kind of gone through that with my husband. He finally had surgery this past year with a new device out on the market and he is a new man Hang in there!! I would call the doc, maybe they have some good advice!