Back Pain Questions Archive 2009
Part 9

I HATE LEGAL DISCLAIMERS, but my lawyer insists...Thanks for understanding...

Please send me your questions via the CONTACT ME form provided. I will do my best to find an answer to your back pain related question.

If you would like to post an additional answer for a question asked here, please send it to me, and I will post it for you.

This is YOUR back pain questions and answers forum. Enjoy it, and use it to answer all your questions on back pain.

*** Your topic regarding Piriformis just may have cured me ***I can't wait to do additional research on this topic. I have be told repeatedly that my back pain is the result of congenital issues. Your topic about Piriformis is fascinating and I am certainly going to research it and learn more about this subject/condition. You're the best! Tim

A: Hi Tim, Thanks so much for the very kind words. I really appreciate your comments, as it is emails like yours which help keep me motivated to keep working. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am trying to find credible statistics on back surgery. I have been told that if the first back surgery doesn't work, then the chance of the second surgery not working is 95%. The person who said that couldn't tell me the source of the statistic and while I don't have any reason to question it, before I repeat it, verifying the veracity of it would be helpful. Can you help me with that? Wayne

A: Hi Wayne, This is a common question. Unfortunately, statistics are easily molded to suit the needs and agenda of the statistician. For example, spinal fusions are considered successful if the bones actually fuse. This does not reflect the idea that pain is NOT relieved and does not account for the fact that most patients will require follow up fusions for life... Typical. Good luck finding accurate stats... I can tell you that most back surgeries are not successful for pain relief in the long term and a great number make matters worse immediately. Remember also that the reason most surgeries fail is simple misdiagnosis. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am suffering with terrible back pain. I am 65 years old. Recently my father passed away, and my mother now has stage 4 breast and vertebrae cancer. Several years ago I was diagnosed with spondylolisthes grade 2 L5 S1 I had gone for injections in my back. They helped, then I read a book by Doctor John Sarno. The Mind Body Connection. I have always been an anxious person and I have a lot of stress. My back was doing pretty good. Then we had to leave our apartment for ten days. We had a flood in our unit. I did a lot of lifting boxes, and also wheeling my mother everywhere in a wheelchair. I know I have a back condition, but I think the lifting and stress may have made it worse. My pain is on the low left side of my back, in the buttocks area. I am also in pain when I try to get into my car. My left leg really hurts. My main concern is taking care of my mother. She has no one to help he. I also notice I hear a clicking noise in that area when I walk. I would really like to hear from you, and have you ever heard of anyone else with the same symptoms? I ask you very humbly to help me.Sincerely, Geoffrey

A: Hi Geoffrey, Sure, these symptoms are all common and not particularly indicative of spondylolisthesis, especially since Grade 2 is mostly asymptomatic. I advise you to keep reading Dr. Sarno and follow his program without distraction. I think this path will have the best chance of providing you with lasting success. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi, I am a professional soccer player and am having back pain. I was diagnosed with DDD (degenerative disk disease) when I was younger, but the pain subsided when I worked on my core. I have been working on it ever since, but now, years later the pain is coming back. It is not too bad right now, but is there anything I can do to help get rid of this pain...I would really appreciate an honest answer. Jossimar

A: Hi Jossimar, DDD is universal and not generally the source of any pain. I do not suspect it to be the causation in your case. I advise going for an MRI to see what is going on in your spin and planning treatment accordingly. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi,I have moderate to severe spinal stenosis with grade 1 to early grade 2 spondylolisthesis. I was on lyrica for a number of months and there has been some improvement,My neurosurgeon is considering a fusion at l5/s1.What is your opinion and are there any treatments. yours, Joan.

A: Hi Joan, Fusion will do nothing to treat the stenosis. Grade 1 and 2 spondy is almost always 100% asymptomatic. If you would like to send your MRI report, I will be happy to advise you further. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi, I feel I have suffered from back problems since I was a child as i went to a chiropractor when young with what i was told to be a common problem with one of my legs being slightly longer than the other - due to my spine? unsure of the all the details with this. I was in a car accident at the begging of this year and suffered whip lash however I feel like the crash awoke all my previous back problems and timed them by a million. I suffer with a really dull ache underneath and around my right shoulder blade, this effects my neck and my right arm, sometimes my arm and hand feel extremely hot like they are burning. My right rib cage feels like it struggles to expand when breathing. When sitting my right leg aches and i feel like my hip and bum are bruising. My shoulder are extremely tense and the muscles very hard - sometimes i can wake up and feel like my back has been battered and bruised - like i have done a whole day of exercise when i have only been asleep. I have been to a chiropractor who in the end basically gave up as she felt there was nothing more she could do for me, she told me my ribs kept jamming - why is this? I went to have Acupuncture, when i told him that its like the right side of my body is completely different and feels like a wreck compared to the left he didn't really believe me and told me this was very unusual, when he looked he found the right side of my body muscles definition was alot more bolder than my left? I really feel like i cant continue with the pain as it is really starting to effect me, I am a slim 22 year old girl and i just dread to think what my body will be like when im 50! Please help. Thanks Sam

A: Hi Sam, I think the answer here is obvious. Stop with the symptomatic treatments, they are wasting your time and money. No more chiropractors or acupuncturists. GO TO A DOCTOR, get an MRI and get a firm diagnosis. I hope this info helps! Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: i was having some steroids shot in my back right above the tail bone. during this procedure the doctor found a black spot the size of a thumb nail on the tip of the bone also there was a smaller one up a little further, the doctor did ask me if i ever broke my tail bone and i said no. he said don't worry about it, i think this is how you were made? my question is what does that mean? Karen

A: Hi Karen, I can not tell you. Only the doctor saw what he/she did and I do not have any report of the findings. If you can get more info from the doctor, this is the way to go. Sounds to be like they suspected a fracture based on some evidence in the bone, which may or may not be congenital. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I was in a car accident about 10 months ago and I went through chiropractic treatment for the minor pain it gave me and the pain disappeared. But just recently within the last 2 month the pain came back, not just in the original spot, but all over. First it would come and go, and now it is constant severe pain. I went back to the chiropractor and regardless of all the wonderful help they have given me, I can find no relief. It is very hard for me to go about my daily life since I am a full time high school student. I've tried everything possible: heat, ice, NSAIDS, sitting in a hot tub, massages, and stretching. I was wondering if you have any suggestions on how i can make some of the pain go away, and if i should go see a regular doctor? Jessica

A: Hi Jessica, Yes, I recommend seeing a conventional physician, unless you have already had an MRI. If you have, please let me know the result and I will advise you further. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am a 65 yr young man who has worked hard all my life. Self employed most all that time. The last time I have worked was as a truck driver/furniture mover for 11yrs. I had to stop because of a fall of 8ft to the concrete below.I have been trying to get fixed the last 5 yrs. thru California WC. The Insurance Co. Lawyer has been fighting all efforts to get my neck fixed. I injured my neck and lower back.When I fell,I landed on my right side and felt as though I broke every bone in my body. I blacked out and awoke to someone asking if I was alright? As a furniture mover you have a tendency to work thru and with pain. But this was to much. I tried for 3 months but could not even drive,sleep or perform any of my normal duties. I cried in pain when I was alone. I just had to stop working and try to get help. I am being told by the Ins. lawyers Doctors that my lumbar pain was due to the fall, but the neck was do to the previous surgery which caused DDD. At age forty, I had a fusion of C4/C5.I had no problems after the surgery until the fall. I have had the lumbar fixed with surgery, paid by WC, I also had the neck fixed 2 months ago, paid by my Ins. and Medicare. I have had 3 surgeons say the fall caused an aggravation of the previous injury. So what I need to know is, are there any studys on long term fusions of the cervical spine that say one way or the other that I well or well not need another fix at the level above or below the first fusion. Please I need real help, for I have no lawyer, and am going to court on my own. Thank You in advance for your time and this site. Richard

A: Hi Richard, It is common knowledge that fusion begets additional fusions, above and/or below. Any orthopedic doctor will testify to this. As far as studies, I am sure they are out there. No one really cites them, since the knowledge is accepted as fact at this point, much akin to aspirin helping headaches... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: It all started with pain in my back, could not put on pants or socks on without help. Went to my PCP, he did a MRI. Found out I had a herniated Disk in L5. Sent me to Othro Dr. He put me on pain meds and steroids for a week. It went on for a couple of months. It got better. Then I started to have hip pain. Went back to Ortho. They sent me to outpatient and gave me a shot in my hip. I believe it was cortisone. Did that 2 more times. In the mean time I was in a lot of pain, the can't sleep or rest kind. BAD! I went back last week when the last shot wore off, they lasted about 3 weeks and I felt great no pain. But when it wore off, it was back to the worst pain. I told him I really want to get to the bottom of this. So he sent me to the pain management Dr. He did blood work and a Bone scan. It has been a week and a half and I can't get any answers. I am still in pain. I called today to ask for something for the pain and to find out the results of the test. The nurse called and said the Dr. could not give me any thing for the pain because he found no evidence that I should have any pain. I asked her if I could come in and discuss the test results and she said the Dr. does not have any openings until sometime next week. I don't understand why a Dr. could say I'm not in pain when I know better, without any kind of explanation. I am just flabbergasted to say the least. Should I go and see a Neurosurgeon? I don't know what to do. Thanks, Stephen

A: Hi Stephen, You could go see a neurologist, but I do not think you will get to the bottom of it. The results of the MRI are coincidental and not at all consistent with the symptoms and additional testing showed no other structural explanation. The injections were a placebo for sure. This is a blessing, since it will prevent misdiagnosis which occurs to so many of us. I advise that the pain is most likely coincidental to any disc issue and is ischemia. If you would like to send your MRI report, I will be happy to give a more detailed answer. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Sorry this is super long, but here's my story...I'm a 20 yr former dancer, would like to be dancing again

*June 07 - Initial Injury my lower back (I had been holding another girl on my back during a dance performance when my foot slipped out from underneath me and other girl fell right on my back) my back was spasming several times an hour and I was in extreme pain, unable to get into docs for another week, because I had to dance in a 4 day camp/performance/competition and was popping my dad's left over Toradol like M&Ms and not getting much pain relief, but I did get quite loopy. Somehow we won anyways.

*June 07 - Primary Care doc tells me its probably just muscles strains and gives me some muscle relaxers and naproxen (no relief)

*July 07 - Tried Chiro (some relief but pain always came back later in day)

*Aug 07 - MRIs and Bone Scan taken by my 1st orthopedic surgeon he says nothings wrong with me other than some strained muscles (I was barely sitting/standing) and prescribes 3 months PT, no dancing and to continue w/ naproxen. PT says I have SI joint dysfunction and my pelvis constantly slips out of alignment

*Oct. 07 - I had some relief from PT, but then I started dancing again and pain got worse than before, I carried a pillow with me to school and many classes I'd have to stand up b/c I couldn't sit a whole hour, went to new orthopedic spine doc and he takes x-rays diagnoses me with spondylolysis at L5 on my right side... he prescribes meloxicam and tells my I can dance to my pain tolerance...

But here's the thing, I am amazing at ignoring pain while I'm dancing (it is (or was, rather) my life). When I dance I don't have a pain limit, but as so as I stop and even more so when I crawl into bed at night my back feels awful.

*Nov 07 - still going to PT (got my prescription extended) and still dancing just no running/ wt. lifting/ too much jumping (impact things)

*Dec 07 to May 08 - I continue dancing mostly just walking the routines until performance/competition time in order to reduce pain... During this time I fell from a Switch Tilt Leap (aka big dance jump/leap) directly on my hip and knocked my pelvis so far out of alignment I couldn't walk and it took 3 PTs to adjust me back (of course this happened the day before we left for nationals/internationals) Not dancing wasn't an option as 66 girls were counting on me.... and I ended placing 5th on my solo internationally.

*May 08 - Grade 2 ankle sprain falling from a Grande Tour Jete (aka big dance jump/leap). I blame all my falling on numbness/tingling in my right leg, because I couldn't feel my rt. foot when I landed and my whole foot inverted. couldn't use crutches b/c too painful to back so I was in a wheelchair and wore a boot for over 2 months... No dancing and back to PT

*July 08 -start dancing again (re-roll ankle twice)

*Aug 08 - start college as a dance and kinesiology major, at this point I'm still taking meloxicam and tylenol all the time and still in LOTS of pain and ignoring it pretty well

*Oct 08 - my dance professors realize how much pain I am in, because it actually starts to affect my dancing (sharp, stabbing, mind numbing pain when I'd curve my spine or twist a certain way) and around this time Deborah Vogel (dance medicine expert) came to lecture for a week. She is a big advocate of "knowledge therapy" (she never called it that though), as well as other alternative treatments to help make us more aware of our bodies and how to prevent and heal injury (iliopsoas/iliacs release, pinkie ball muscle release, ideokinesis, craniosacral therapy, correcting alignment issues by adjusting our dance technique and focus). I met with her a few times individually, and she insisted I was just stuck in a pain cycle that I could stop on my own. I sincerely put a lot of effort in the next few months into adjusting my mindset, constantly being positive about my situation, and not ignoring my pain, but instead listening to it, and telling myself I could overcome it. I believed myself too, and I wanted her methods to work. I was ready to try anything. I tried every single method she gave me until the end of the semester (Dec), but my pain became worse and worse even during the week she was there.

At the end of the week of her visit Deborah and my professors told me to go back to my ortho spine doc. and he says same thing he said the yr. before, so I go get another opinion from 3rd orthopedic spine surgeon who orders a CT to check the spondylolysis diagnosis b/c he says I shouldn't be having sciatica w/ spondylolysis at my pars of L5...

CT Results: Spondylolysis neg., but finds 3 bulging discs (L3/L4, L4/L5, L5/L6), some narrowing of the spinal canal, and bone spurring at all Lumbar/Sacral/Iliosacral joints. Doc says if I don't dance for 6 months I will be better, and changes my meds from meloxicam to relafen

*Oct 08 to Dec 08 - dance professors force me to drop almost all of my dance classes causing me to lose my scholarship, I barely finished out my semester as dance major and then transferred for the spring semester to a local community college back home

*Jan 09 to Present - no dancing since last Dec. and I still have pain doing everyday activities. I still can't sit or stand longer than 2 hours or my back throbs. I can't run b/c that causes severe back pain. I'm no longer taking pain meds (stopped taking the meds after new Chiro did traction therapy w/ me for 2 months), but I really would like to start dancing again. I tried to ease back into it after 6th months, and again a in Oct., but the pain just returns.

Day before Thanksgiving 2009 I went to see my newest and 4th orthopedic spine specialist, who does the newest kind of the new laser minimally invasive surgeries (only a 3mm incision). New MRIs show: L5/S1 is on its well on its way to completely collapsing, but he says I am too young to get disc replacement or spinal fusion and I should wait as long as possible, because technology gets better and better everyday. He also said that he's pretty sure that the majority of my pain is actually being cause by my bone spurs (facet arthritis) and isn't disc related at all. I am scheduled to get facet injections next week to see if those help. If so, he says I'm a good candidate for a rhizotomy, and but he said that as long as my nerves don't regenerate, that this could be a permanent fix my arthritis due to my bone spurs...

I consider myself quite knowledgeable when it comes to anatomy, the spine, chronic pain, pain in general, neural sensations, back pain,as well as back conditions, treatments, and surgeries. Obviously not as knowledgeable as you, since I've only been collecting info for the last few years, but I feel that I way beyond the average person when it comes to Knowledge about above said issues.

What is your opinion about all of this, and do you believe that all back problems can be solved with "knowledge"???

(I know I seem skeptical of the knowledge cure, but I feel like have tried that route already, and it did not work for me)Thankssss, JORDAN

A: Hi Jordan, I would like to see your MRI report, before advising you on your condition. From what I read so far, your history of varied diagnosis, illogical symptoms and timing of onset suggest a psychosomatic causation, rather than physical. You say you have tried knowledge therapy, but you do not mention any of the techniques you used. If you can send your MRI, I will provide a detailed answer for you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am 46 yrs old now with serious back pain between my shoulders & the mid to lower back pain. I was in a school bus accident and was hit head on by a Suburban. I compressed 2 discs between the shoulders (no surgery as of yet) and the last 6 discs in the lower back were compressed (I have had 2 surgeries on it). I am in chronic pain 80% of the time but never without pain. Now I am gaining weight which I am sure is making things worse. My medication doesn't help the weight either. I stay on the go because I hurt worse to sit or lay for very long periods. No more than 3 hours of sleep at a time. Is there anything I can do to lose weight that won't hurt me worse. I have tried cycling, walking, curves, & water aerobics. What's left. Dana

A: Hi Dana, I always recommend swimming, which is usually gentle enough for most back pain sufferers. For those who can not, the options are limited. Calorie reduction is a good place to start. If you can not exercise, a great way to maintain weight is to simply reduce the portions of food and monitor the types of foods you eat. I am sure you know that I believe a cure is possible for virtually every patient and this would still be my advice... seek it out and do not lose hope or acquiesce to being in constant pain. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am 16 years old and suffer from severe back pain. I am in cadets and I am a really sporty person. The pain doesn't help. At one point the pain got so bad that I couldn't move and was lying on the floor in agony. I had to get "stretchered off" (carried by two men) to a vehicle in order to get checked over. I have been reading on different types of back pain and the one that the symptoms matched was Fibromyalgia. What should I do, seek medical help or seek a remedy myself? Thanks. And great site by the way. Sarah

A: Hi Sarah, In my experience, the vast majority of cases which are diagnosed as fibromyalgia are ischemic TMS syndromes. The recommended treatment is knowledge therapy. Most medical treatments is ill advised and ineffective, as well as risky in many cases. I send you my best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Awesome site! Nice work! Teddi

A: Hi Teddi, Thanks for the kind words. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hello, I have been seeing a doctor for an injury. I am 50 years old and I opened the back door of my car and a case of heavy binders came tumbling out. I tried to keep them from falling on to the ground and was not successful. However, I did injure my back in the process. I wasn't in immediate pain until a few hours after. I could not move my neck and now I have numbing pain on upper back below my neck, sometimes numbness on my fingers and left side. I was feeling cramping on my heart so I went and had a cardio work up, that came back good. Some times I get bad back spasms and I can't breathe. My doctor released my to go back to work so now that I am not taking the muscles relaxants I feel I back to were I started in April 2009. I have had psyios and getting acupuncture. Can you please tell me what this means. My doctor said this in related to age and poor poster.

Loss of the intevertebral disc heights and disc desiccation changes noted af the c4-c5, c5 c6 levels with straightening of the normal cervical spine lordosis. No pervetrebral soft tissue abnormalities are present. C4 C5 Lever- Left paracentral, measuring 3.5 mm, focal disc protrusion is seen that extends to the left lateral recess producing moderate left lateral spinal stenosis with impression upon the anterior portion of the thecal sac and slight left-sided cord compression. No cord edema. Mild left more than right neural foraminal stenosis. C5-C6- Right paracentral annular 2.5 mm broad-based disc bulge is seen flattening and impressing upon the anterior portion of the thecal sac with mild right more than left neural foraminal stenosis. Ne extrusion or sequestration of the disc material is seen.

I have never been in pain like this since my injury so I find it hard to believe that this is not injury related. Please help! Gloria

A: Hi Gloria, I do not see anything in your MRI which strikes me as worrisome or out of the ordinary. I do not think the symptoms you have are related to the herniated discs or disc degeneration. I believe the occurrence with the binders was just a trigger mechanism for an ischemic pain condition. I do not think the source is structural. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I wrote to you a couple of years ago after finding your site and I began to use forms of knowledge therapy. I have had much less frequent muscle spasms in the past couple of years than I have in my entire life. I have been very successful in curing my own back pain without the use of Ibuprofren by digging deeper whenever a pain comes out of no where.. On 2 occasions I experienced stabbing muscle spasms in the middle of an argument. I immediately walked away from the situations stopped and thought about what was upsetting me.. and the spasms went away. My question is that I have on two separate occasions began a fast/health cleanse.. each time about 5 or 6 days into the process, I experienced relentless muscle spasms... had to stop and had to take pain pills to manage the pain. I recently read that certain emotional traumas are held in certain parts of the body.. and I wonder if perhaps that is why my back is always affected.. and or are there toxins trying to escape during the cleanse process... Any thoughts.. I am in the midst of a cleanse now.. and I am mentally telling myself there will be no pain that I can not overcome. I KNOW YOU WILL AGREE, BUT CAN YOU COMMENT ON THE TOXINS OR THE FACT THAT MY BACK ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED? Kimberlee

A: Hi Kimberlee, I am so happy to hear of your successes. That is great news. I am not a believer in the thought of pain held in parts of the body. I am a believer that pain is held in the mind and is CONDITIONED to come out during certain programmed situations, behaviors, events or circumstances. In my opinion, the fasting is linked to some emotional issue which makes you fear a recurrence and so it occurs. I would look for some emotional answer to explain it, as this is the path to answer the riddle. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: While carrying my nephew, I felt a sharp pain on my back it lasted 2 days. I had this experience since my second kid years ago. I hardly could carry them not even for 5 minute. Do I have a spinal problem? Can it be cured, I am 51 this year. NG

A: Hi Ng, It could be something or it could be nothing. There is no way to tell without an exam from a qualified doctor. This is my recommendation for you. I send you my best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: hi! im a sixteen year old girl,and i am suffering from serious,painful lower back pain,which i dread everyday!the thing is,i have gone to the doctors,and so far nothing has really been diagnosed,they just said i have to go for physiotherapy,and i have nothing against that. my question to you is that does physiotherapy really help with the pain relief? also,how do u deal with the days when the pain is seriously unbearable,this happens to me mostly at school! i hope you get back to me,thank you! shathani

A: Hi Shathani, I never understand how a doctor can prescribe treatment without a diagnosis, but it happens all the time. Did they perform imaging studies (MRI or X-rays)? I do not think physiotherapy will do anything, but it can not hurt. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I was searching to know about the cure for slip disc problems. I am suffering from slip disc(prolapse in L4and L5) I visited several doctors and therapy session but not got any desired result yet. I am in very panic situation where i need right help to save my life. Waiting for your reply... Damodaran

A: Hi Damodaran, Do you have an MRI report you can send? This will help me to advise you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi - My father has dealt with chronic, debilitating lower back spasms for nearly 20 years. He has bulging disks, but no visit to neurologists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, etc., has given him any relief. Nothing shows up on either MRI or CatScans, and he's basically dosed up on Lor-tab 24/7. The humor that has defined his personality is all but gone. I read your post on psychosomatic ischemia, and want to know more - what can be done? Thanks so much. We're desperate to get Dad back. Nicole

A: Hi Nicole, Yeah, I know how frustrating that can be... Knowledge therapy is the cure. There are literally dozens on pages on the site dealing with the issue and treatment. For more information, read all the pages linked to these 2 sections:
http://www.cure-back-pain.org/alternative-medicine-for-back-pain.html
http://www.cure-back-pain.org/psychological-back-pain.html
Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have surgery in my back 7 weeks ago Discectomy and now i have my foot left side big and pain in the joints and i can't stand? your help information, Thank you in advance, Carlos

A: Hi Carlos, I suggest you speak with your surgeon about any pains or complications you may be having since your surgery was very recent. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: pain is heavy i can't sit long time while doing the writing work and in sometimes breast is also is paining. Then pain is continuous in back bone. I can't sleep while at night. plz.. send the any physical exercise to cure my problem. priyadharshni

A: Hi Priyadharshni, Have you been to a doctor for evaluation yet? What tests were taken? What were the results? If not, then this is my first suggestion to follow. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: i had lower back surgery, l3/4, l4/5 and l5s1. why is walking so important after the surgery. thanks, Martha

A: Hi Martha, Walking is the first step in rehabilitation. Exercise speeds the healing response and insures that the spine is structurally sound and able to support the weight of the body. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: hello i am prabu. my work is very hard so every day. i am going to sleeping time night 11pm, so i have coming in back pain. so pl how can relief this pain?

A: Hi Prabu, Have you been to a doctor yet? You need a comprehensive exam. If you have not do not done this already, this is a good place to start. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I saw this thing on TV that you lay on that helps realign your back. It was humped and you lay back on it and it is supposed to realign/decompress your back but I can not remember what it is. Do you know? David

A: Hi David, There are many devices fitting this description. Try searching Google for "home spinal decompression device" and the like. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hello, Just a simple thanks for all your work. The site is very helpful and I am appreciative. Ratti

A: Hi Ratti, You are welcome and thanks for the kind words. Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Since 1994 I have had some kind of back pain, starting with just muscle tension. At the time, I worked as a Dental Assistant, so leaning over the patients would bring it on. As I began to work at the front desk, sitting, computer, answering phones, I began to have headaches too. During that time, I was successful with Massage Therapy and tried, but didn't continue with Acupuncture. When I quit working in 1999, most of my headaches, shoulder tension, chest and upper back pain diminished, I continued with Massage Therapy and exercise. In 2007, I started seeing a chiropractor, I presented with sciatic pain in my right leg and lower back pain. I was not immobile, but all my actions were limited to time and how heavy something was. I improved greatly after being treated with his care of massage and adjustments (initially 3 x a week for about 12 weeks down to 1 x every 3 weeks) An MRI, showed disc herniation and bulging in the lumbar area and spurs in cervical area. Due to an insurance change, I have had to change Dr's. I continued to do massage therapy, but haven't found a new Chiro yet.

My question? I have interviewed 2 Chiropractors with all my history and MRI's and they both have wanted to do the same 3 x a week for 12 weeks. I question why and they say "it's how we learn about how you respond to treatment and how to continue to treat you" Why does it have to be that initial aggressive course of tx? What they say doesn't make any sense to me, it feels like a scam. Trisha

A: Hi Trisha, If it feels like a scam, it probably is... Do not settle, keep looking till you find a doctor you like and trust. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have been having chronic sciatic pain (which is what I believe it is) for the past year or a little more. My lower back constantly is tender and hurts and the pain runs down my backside and into my upper thighs (sometimes both at the same time). I can hardly walk when this occurs and take alot of advil to alleviate the pain. What has caused this to happen, especially so very frequently. It is upsetting my life. What do you suggest or recommend? Thanks for your time. Brenda

A: Hi Brenda, I suggest going for a comprehensive exam from a qualified physician. Once you have been checked out, you will have a better idea of the cause of your pain. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have been suffering from back pain since the summer of 2007, actually before that but this was caused by a car accident. I've been to see spinal specialists and regular doctors who have told me I may have osteoarthritis. My question is with all my attempts to get my pain under control I still find I am in significant pain day in and day out. The doctors were treating me with narcotic medications which seemed to help the pain and let me do my job, then changed me to otc motrins and muscle relaxers. The motrin doesn't seem to relieve my pain and the muscle relaxers I can only take at bedtime. What do you suggest I speak to my physician about to maybe come to a treatment plan that will work. The pain does not seem to go away and I suffer from pain jolts running down to my elbow on the right side of my body. I sit for most of the day and have to lift heavy filing boxes at my work. I am frustrated and just want to find a treatment that will work.sincerely frustrated, Melaina

A: Hi Melaina, Yes frustration is very common among back pain sufferers... In order to find the best treatment, you need to achieve an accurate diagnosis, which you have not done yet. I advise you to pursue this end till you get some answers, since your doctors seem to be sweeping you under the rug and giving you pills to keep you quiet. Do not tolerate it. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hello Sensei, I'm 54 years old and was diagnosed with the following in my X-ray. During the first 3 or 4 months I'm really suffering from the symptoms: Giddiness, Difficulty in Walking, Spasms, neck pain, tingling, pin, needeles.. I consulted my Neurologist and gave me conventional medicines. Right now after several months I improved a lot but still have some flashes of these symptoms from time to time but the intensity is much less.Neck pain is not as bad as before. I can still do my usual daily activities but not as normal as usual. I'm still going to my Therapist and complimented my medication with Herbal meds. Here are my X-Ray Result:Cervical Spine:There are osteophytes at the anterior aspects of C4 and C5 vertebral Bodies.Facet joint hypertphy is seen on C3 and C4 bilaterally.There are no Compression deformities of the cervical vertebral bodies.Vertebral alignment is well maintainedThe intervertebral disc spaces are not narrowed.Impression:Minimal Degenerative Changes, C4 and C5Cervical Spondylosis, C3 and C4.

I want to fully recover to this asymptomatic disease so I need your expert advice. By the way I'm from the Philippines......Roger

A: Hi Roger, From the diagnostic evidence you have provided, your neck is 100% fine. There is nothing at all wrong with it. Actually, it looks quite excellent for you age. However, MRI would be a better diagnostic tool. Personally, I do not think there is any structural basis for your pain and recommend skipping all the meds and herbs and trying knowledge therapy. I am sure you will do well with this treatment. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi, about five years ago I was in two car accidents. The second I ended up in hospital with suspected spine trauma as my head went through the windscreen. Ever since that accident I have had major back pain, mainly in the middle of my back. The pain is always there it just depends how severe it gets on a daily scale. I have had several xrays, ct scans but nothing has come up. But just recently I had another xray and they said that they could see an old undisplaced fracture in the t12. I go to a chiro and massage therapist several times a month. I am also taking neroufen plus nearly every day. My doctor has no idea what to do about the pain but we both know that I have to stop taking the neurofen. Can you suggest anything? Katrina

A: Hi Katrina, Sure, being that there seems to be no structural basis for the pain, I theorize that it is an ischemic condition using the second accident as its trigger mechanism. I write about this throughout my site.
http://www.cure-back-pain.org/back-pain-trigger.html
I advise knowledge therapy. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I suffered a neck injury in work carrying a heavy object which resulted in severe neck sprain. A few weeks later the neck felt better but the lhs of my upper back went into spasm which is very painful. I am now receiving physio and hydrotherapy. This is helping but now i have developed a burning constant ache in the rhs of my back on and around the shoulder blade please can you advise me thank you. Liane

A: Hi Liane, Most cases where pain moves around are not due to structural issues. However, if you feel there is an underlying injury there, I advise getting an MRI of the area to visualize what may be wrong. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hello, I have recurrent episodes of sciatica with back pain. The MRI shows lumbar disk bulges (protrusions). In your opinion is there any sense of using lumbar traction devices intended for home use, or they are completely useless? Adomas

A: Hi Adomas, I have never found one which does anything. I do not recommend them, but they are unlikely to cause any damage, so if you want to try, do so with cautious optimism. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: sir, I AM BALA AND I AM 25 YRS OLD. AN year back i had a neck pain. and i consulted the doctor. after seeing my MRI SCAN, HE TOLD ME THAT I HAD DISC PROTRUSION IN C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6. AND THE REPORT SAYS1. CENTRAL POSTERIORDISC PROTRUSION AT C3-C4 AND C4-C5 AND IT MINIMALLY IMPINGE THE ANTERIOR SURFACE OF THE SPINAL CORD.2. CENTAL AND LEFT PARACENTRAL DISC PROTRUSION AT C5-C6 AND IT IMPINGES THE LEFT ANTEROLATERAL ASPECT OF THE THECAL SAC AND LEFT C6 NERVE.3.LOSS OF CERVICAL LORDOSIS. PLEASE SUGGEST A CURATIVE TREATMENT

A: Hi Bala, What are the exact symptoms you are having and the locations these occur? This will help me to advise you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Comment: Thank you for all you do. I found so much good info here, much better than on many other confusing and generic sites. It seems like so many sites have a lot of info which says nothing at all and teaches nothing I did not already know. Your site is great and I appreciate it lots! Thanks, Allen

A: Hi Allen, Thank you for your comments. I always try to avoid the "generic" info as you mention, as there is enough of that out there already. Take good care and thanks again for the kind words. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have had a chronic back problem with 6 surgery's over 8 years. I have recently been approved for a pain stimulator which I found helped in the trial. I am hoping this will not change my chances of having this done.Recently I had a major back spasm which has created chronic pain and constant spasms. My question is how long will this pain last. I have been having endone every 2 to 3 hours, 2 Valium and 2 baclfon. I recently had some morphine injections which have helped with the pain and spasms. Is there any advice you can give me. Regards, Sandy

A: Hi Sandy, I do not know anything about your condition, diagnostic history, reason for the pain or surgical procedures. It is therefore difficult to provide any helpful insight at all. I do send you my best and hope that your current pain is short lived. If you would like to send me a detailed history, I will see what answers I can come up with for you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: in a major motor vehicle accident on 11/3/07. I had an L4 burst fracture and i'm in so much pain i don't know what to do. I cant barely sit down. what should i do? Jeff

A: Hi Jeff, What sort of treatments were attempted? What are your current options? Do you have a recent MRI available? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: ok so i did something to my neck 2 months ago and it is not getting any better whats so ever i've gone to the chiropractor for a month and done the exercises and ultra sounds. a week ago the chiropractor told me he didn't know what to do with me because i am 16 and not responding to the treatment. and we don't know where to go from here i've been trying everything and the pain just seems to get worse. and it is so frustrating because i want it to stop hurting 24/7 but nobody knows what to do. Jessica

A: Hi Jessica, Skip the chiropractor and have you parents take you to a physician for diagnosis. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Dear Adam, I just wanted to write and thank-you from the bottom of my heart for creating a web-site that discusses back issues in a balanced way and without treating me to a catalog of horror stories! I have completed your survey but wanted to tell you how much it has helped to read something that addresses the mental and emotional aspects of my condition as well as the physical (spondylolistheses at L5 with associated radiculopathy, disc herniation and sciatic compression).

I don't have back pain but the buttock pain and knock-on effect on my mobility drive me nuts. Not to mention the total lack of understanding from some at the local Job Centre regarding what I can do and at what distance from my home (I was made redundant at the end of March, the same week as suffering the disc herniation!). My consultant is an orthopaedic one who specializes in spinal surgery and one I have confidence in as he explained his decision making process, including statistics and the reliability/clarity of the research.

Your site has added a couple of questions to my growing list, particularly concerning ensuring my spinal defect IS the cause of radiculopathy and not piriformis syndrome (my osteopath believes not) or that SI issues on the left side are straining the right side. I have been freaking over the impact of a looming MAST PLIF surgery will have on my life post-surgery as I live alone. I live in the UK but it is a relief to note that home help or half-way care between hospital and home is recognized as being a need with some back surgery patients. At least I now know what to demand! So, thank-you again. Fiona

A: Hi Fiona, Thanks for sending in your story. I read your survey and I am happy that the site has been useful to you. I wish you well in your future and hope it all works out good... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: what kind of exercise or activities should i do to help with pain? what are some tips u can give me about degenerative disc disease that i should know? Jose

A: Hi Jose, DDD is a completely normal and almost exclusively asymptomatic condition. Almost everyone has it and it is often blamed for pain, but rarely the source. I have personally yet to see more than 1 case where it was the reason for the pain... I have huge resource sections of 2 of my sites detailed DDD:
http://www.cure-back-pain.org/degenerative-disc-disease.html
http://www.herniated-disc-pain.org/degenerative-disc-disease.html
Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am having full time middle back pain. kindly advise for relief from back pain. shyamalatha

A: Hi Shyamalatha, You will have to provide me a whole lot more information if I am to help you. Include the specific symptoms, locations and diagnostic history as a starter. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I've had my back pain for almost six months now. I'm not sure when it started but it became much more noticeable after i had to carry a keg of beer from a cooler across a restaurant to the back of the bar where i used to work. From then (July) it was barely tolerable until I was in a car accident in October. Since then it has been excruciating unless I find any sort of powerful pain killer. I don't like to rely on medication for any reason and never have, and i definitely do not have the money to see doctors or chiropractors. I really do not want to live like this for the rest of my life as I am sure it will continue to grow worse and I am only twenty years old. Matt

A: Hi Matt, Thanks for sending in your story. I hope you can find some relief soon! Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: My father has a back pain since 10 Yrs. He has a feeling that his muscle on left part near waist is displaced and is moving.....in fact he undergone an operation 3.5 years ago on the same.....but now he is constantly feeling that there is muscle which is moving upside down and pulled by some thread...which causing friction, pain and he is totally disturbed by the same.........we have vistied many times specialist doctors but nothing is appearing in MRI Scans or any x-rays..hence there is no proper diagnosis. Please suggest, Niketan

A: Hi Niketan, The symptoms you describe are structurally illogical and seem to be psychosomatic. This is reinforced by the multitude of unsuccessful diagnostic attempts. I highly recommend knowledge therapy. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: my name is mark and I have had chronic neck and back pain for the last 6 months. I had a CT scan and it said I had three disc bulges from l2 to L5. It also revealed I had scheuermans degenerated discs T7 to T11. I have experienced pain all around my pack. Head and neck pain, numbness in my hands and feet, tightness in my gluts and groin and hamstrings. I have had treatment with my chiro but it still seems to flare up. The pain is continuing and I was wondering what treatment you recommend

A: Hi Mark, I advise you to have several spinal MRIs to accurately depict all the symptomatic areas of the spine. If you can get these done, please send me the reports so that I can advise you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi,I was hoping to get your input. Last year I stared getting abdominal/back pain that would radiate to my testicles. I went to see my GP and he suggested I had a infection (although my urine/blood work was fine. The pain never really went away and I stressed on this for a couple of months until I thought I was dying. My stomach was churning all the time and I started having numbness in my foot, I finally went to emergency and had more blood/urine tests along with a ct scan of my abdomen and ultra sound of my scrotum. Everything came back good. Shortly after that my symptoms subsided and I had about 5 months of very little discomfort. Everything was great until a couple of months ago ny 7 year old nephew was diagnosed with a very bad type of cancer, since then my symptoms are back 10x I sleep with a heating pad I get back and stomach spasms along with tingling in my buttocks. I feel like i'm dying and am going crazy in my head. I know if I go back to my doctor it will be the same old.My thinking is a month before the symptoms ever started I was trying to max out on squats and really felt like I compressed my spine. I am not sure I could have a delay like this. Please let me know if you can point me in the right direction.,Regards, Kevin

A: Hi Kevin, Everything you report is illogical from a structural standpoint and 100% logical from a psychosomatic viewpoint. I advise knowledge therapy. I am sure you will be fine with this treatment. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have no idea what I have that is causing my back pain. Maybe you can help. First of all let me tell you that I am a bus driver who drives for usually 3 hours straight, then after a 10 min. break drive for another 2 hours. My back pain usually intensifies after about an hour of driving, but only to the very uncomfortable level (not so painful, but sort of like a bad headache in my back. When I get out of the bus it almost immediately gets better, but still persists to a lesser degree. My pain is hard to explain. It is definitely on my left side near my dimple area of the buttocks close to my spine, but on the elongated lower back muscle. It is feels very stiff all the time except after I workout or take a very warm shower. I always feel like someone is digging their knuckle in that spot. Sometimes when I turn to certain angle, I get a "zinger", like a stungun has shot me and I have to stay motionless for a second or two, but then slowly straighten out my back again. This leaves my back in a weakened state and usually gets better within about 3 days. I also have slight pain in my lower left rib cage area. Sometimes when I am just lying down I get slight muscle spasms along the left side of middle left back muscle. Sometimes the pain switches to my right side of my back, lower and middle along the right side back muscle, but doesn't stay there more than a day. It even starts getting very tight while walking for more than 20 minutes. I can lift weights without pain except for the standing barbell curls, which gives me a "zinger once in a while".Also after about an hour of either sitting, walking,driving, or anything I get an overall pins and needles feeling mainly in the left side of my back. I got an x-ray on it and the dr. said he thinks I have a slight fractured vertebrae, but wasn't sure, so he sent me to get an MRI. That dr. said he sees nothing, accept a nerve which is close to something, but in his opinion shouldn't be causing me any problems. I said to him,"By any chance is this near my lower left dimple area of the buttocks?" He said yes, but still shouldn't be causing any problems. But it IS!! I have tried everything from total rest, which seems to make it worse to lifting weights (bench press,shoulder press, etc. Nothing is curing it. What the heck is my problem? Any suggestions? Thx, Alan

A: Hi Alan, I can not tell you what the problem is, but I can suggest some information for you to consider. First, the pain may well be work related. This is very common and linked to emotional issues, not physical ones often blamed (like sitting...). Next, the symptoms are not likely to be from a structural cause, since they are diverse and change sometimes illogically. Last, you have had an MRI which does not even show a scapegoat condition to blame. All these things to me add up to a regional ischemia condition, which is my theory. I advise treating it with knowledge therapy. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I know this is emotional, but I can't seem to find out why! Please help! Tina

A: Hi Tina, If you are following knowledge therapy, then you know that you should be spending time in introspection and journaling, as well as all the other emotional exercises I recommend. Are you doing these things? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am having trouble walking. My specialist says could be disc in my neck causing these problems. I have not had any pain until recently. I now have pain in my neck and across my shoulders. Is there any thing that I can do for this except surgery? Janice

A: Hi Janice, Funny how you had no pain there till your doctor mentioned it, huh? Happens all the time due to the nocebo effect. I will be happy to provide my opinion, but you have to send me better diagnostic info, so that I understand exactly what you are dealing with. An MRI report is preferred. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hello, I don't even know what your name is, but you are offering a chance to ask someone who seems to know something a question, which is more than I can say for most websites dealing with back pain. Thanks for the opportunity. I'm having some unusual symptoms that are persisting, and, as you know, the mind can create all sorts of scenarios when it doesn't understand what's going on. I had a back injury due to a lift while performing that really took a tole on my lower back. I had chills, fever, pain, and a pulling sensation all throughout my body. I've been resting and doing physical therapy while taking anti-inflammatory medicine and muscle relaxers for three weeks now. I no longer have the severe pain you've mentioned for the most part, and the pains and pressures down my legs has subsided. What remains is strange though, and I can't find it anywhere when researching back injuries. At a specific location in my lower back there will be a crack/pop sensation and something in my body (I'm guessing muscles or some kind of tissue) will then feel like it's moving down and to the right. The injury was primarily to the right side. I will then feel pulling all over my upper body down to the area, including from my hips, mid and upper back, neck, and into my head. The lower right buttock area will then feel swollen and sensitive while the muscles in my legs spasm. It is scary because the muscles in my head and neck feel pulled, and sometimes pop painfully when they are stretched. If I breath in my lower body feels restricted. Then, if it releases, the muscles/tissues feel like they travel back up to where they should go sowly until the popping happens again in my lower back and everything shifts again. Does this sound like anything you've encountered? Any information you have to offer is appreciated. Sorry for the huge length of the question. -Nathan

A: Hi Nathan, The "injury" seems quite illogical for any particular singular physical cause. I recommend that you consult a doctor for a comprehensive exam if the issues continue. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have back pain everyday. i to feel its from stress, but do not know how to over come it. i feel it is my subconscious. please if you have any recommendations for me i would truly be grateful. thank you, Norman

A: Hi Norman, If you feel stress may be involved, then why not try knowledge therapy. There is no cost and no risk, so in essence, there is nothing to lose and a cure to gain. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi, I wanted to write to you to get advice. I am 23 and have been diagnosed with a herniated disc in my L4-L5. I have tried therapy, acupuncture, cortisone shots for nearly two years now, and the pain doesn't seem to subside. I cannot sit or stand, really, for longer than one hour. Sometimes there are periods of time when I feel much better, but lately it has been much worse. I often feel very hopeless and, while I am looking into surgery, I have heard that it often doesn't solve the problem either. For me this may be a structural issue, but I am very young and have had to put my life on hold to deal with this. It is very hard to keep going sometimes. Do you have advice on how to fuel myself and have the "right" attitude? Will things get better? Thanks... Olga

A: Hi Olga, If you have read my site, I am sure you know that most herniated discs are not the real symptomatic issue in most patients. If you would like to send your MRI report, I will be happy to provide an opinion on your particular case. Once I know what type of condition exists, I can make recommendations for treatment. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: my husband has a back surgery 6 year ago; thanks god everything is ok, but when he has sex,it is dry sex. i mean he don't have any sperm and i want to know why? and what we can do, because we want to have one more baby. thanks on any help you can give me, Heidi

A: Hi Heidi, This is a question beyond my area of expertise. I suggest he meet with a qualified physician to discuss this issue and the possible solutions. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

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