Getting Old and Back Issues

[Outnumbered]

I realize that there are quite a few of us OTT folks that are in our 6th decade and beyond. That said, I am looking to hear what some of you may have already experienced. In the last several months I have been dealing with lower back pain and sciatica. The back pain has been tolerable and not really impactful the dang sciatica on the other hand is a pain in the butt down to my toes. Long story short, tried the normal therapy stuff and that worsened my symptoms. Then back to the Dr and scheduled an MRI. Most of my issues are from my L3 down to my S1. Nothing extremely bad other than a dang synovial cyst at my L4-L5 which appears to be the culprit for the sciatica as it is against the nerves. I am heading for a couple of shots Wednesday and the Dr said that if that did not resolve the issue that surgery would likely be the next step. This is where my concerns are.

It seems that the removal of the cyst requires a bit of bone removal, that makes sense but he also said a fusion of the joint may be recommend as well and frankly that concerns me as I am very active and don't want to move from the tractor to the couch for my retirement. Heck the thought of 3-6 months of initial recovery and potentially a year or more for the optimal result is not really appealing either. I have not discussed it with the doc yet but is this something that can be deferred or is there risk of permanent nerve damage from the tingling, numbness and pain I am dealing with now . I am just looking for what any of you senior members of OTT may have experienced. Thanks in advance!

 

[OntheRidge]

Find yourself a good chiropractor, or an orthopedic massage therapist, both have helped me tremendously with my back and hip issues. Best of luck.

 

[lugbolt]

good timing.

had an episode Thursday. Leaving work, got in the car, back started hurting. I got home and parked in the garage, like every day. Went to get out of the car, uhh, NOPE. I fell out. Back hurt so bad that I couldn't move without hurting. Laid on the floor half under the car, called the wife and she had to kind of carry me in. Laid in the bed all night, all day Friday (took off work), all day Saturday, most of the day Sunday. On Saturday, she drove into town and got me a heating pad. She don't usually get out of the house much but she did it for me for which I am grateful. Those things are magical. I laid on the pad for a few hours and felt a lot better today. Mowed the grass, ran the weed eater, even drove around on the Polaris and picked up some sticks and such that got blowed down in yesterday's windy weather.

Our honeymoon begins next Monday so I was NOT ready for this back pain. Thankfully I "think" I'm on the back end of it now, but this week at work I'm gonna have to be REAL careful. I'm supposed to put a battery bank in a Polaris EV tomorrow and that is never fun, nor lightweight-so maybe I can get some help with that.

 

[Fedup]

+ 1 on the chiropractor option. I've suffered from lower back pain (as well as other joints) for many years. Mostly a result of issues with an L5 vertebrae and an associated disc that tends to push out sideways under certain conditions. I've spent days, even weeks in pain from it many times over. Often to point of spending hours walking slowly with an ice pack strapped to my lower back because it hurt too much to stop and sit down.

I found that a good chiropractor is extremely helpful, and luckily I have one close by. Whenever I feel that familiar twinge and lightning bolt flash through my back that's where I go. It may happen a few times a year. When it does, a visit or two per week for a week or so usually gets me back up and running again.

 

[jyoutz]

Find yourself a good chiropractor, or an orthopedic massage therapist, both have helped me tremendously with my back and hip issues. Best of luck.

Agree. Sciatica is something that good chiropractors can relieve. The key is to find a good one. I’ve experienced a few that were nearly useless. I have a good one and do monthly appointments. He keeps my back tuned up and working well. One note of caution: if the chiropractor doesn’t do an X-ray to diagnose your problem on your initial visit, run away and don’t let them treat you. Good chiropractors will do X-rays and spend time with diagnosis before doing any adjustments.

 

[Russell King]

If the doctor recommends the fusion, I would recommend getting it sooner than later. You can recover faster now than when you are older.

My wife had lower back fusion and it didn’t affect her flexibility much at all. I doubt you are flexing those joints much. She had the old style fusion from the back side but I think they would go through the front these days. They had her in a brace and standing up three days after the surgery. She was done with recovery in just a few months. You will have to do a lot of walking during the recovery!

But see a couple of different doctors for their recommendations. Get comfortable with the doctor and if you don’t feel good about the recommendation go see someone else and see what they recommend.

 

[DustyRusty]

Not all chiropractors do x-rays in house. With the cost of the machine, expense of keeping it certified, and purchasing liability insurance, many today ask you to have them done at a local hospital or other facility that does them as a routine service for many doctors. I can remember back in the 1970s when every chiropractor had an x-ray machine in their office. Those machines are dinosaurs today and no longer being used.

 

[chim]

Until I was 37 I was 100% sure all chiropractors were just a bunch of quacks. Then I had one fix my back after suffering about 18 months. Used him and another several times between then and now (celebrated 75th birthday this Summer).

Had sciatica so bad about 4 years ago I was standing in the family room on crutches and hurt so bad I couldn't get to my chair and sit down. Had to have an ambulance come and transport me to the hospital. They gave me some good painkillers and I went to a chiropractor as soon as I got home. Walked in using crutches and when I came out I carried them to the car. A few more visits and I was fine again. He gave me some simple exercises to do at home. I can now can carry 80# bags of concrete again or walk around with a 40# kid on my shoulders. Usually a bit stiff for the first few minutes in the morning, but can't complain about that at my age.

 

[Gaspasser]

Always difficult to offer an opinion without knowing all the facts, seeing images and notes, etc. In general terms however, PT, chiropractor, normal body weight, smoking cessation, pool therapy are first line remedies that help many people. Sounds like you have progressed beyond the point where that would be helpful. The injections you mentioned are likely epidural or transforminal steroid injections which attempt to reduce inflammation of the tissues impinging on nerve roots. Results are variable but some folks get some relief with these. A cyst impinging on the nerve is tricky.. if it does not resolve, surgery may be the best solution. Discussion about a fusion implies you have additional issues beyond just a cyst. Pain and numbness (parathesia) are certainly undesirable but do not necessarily indicate surgery. Muscle weakness ( for example a footdrop) is a more concerning threshold and would suggest surgical intervention sooner rather than later. Getting multiple opinions and feeling comfortable with the right doc is important. Wishing you luck. Feel better soon.

 

[pokey1416]

A couple things help me manage my sciatica. Moved my wallet to my front pocket, amazing how that helped. Walk 30 minutes a day on treadmill. Oh, my wife’s a retired massage therapist and a good glute and upper leg massage on the pain side is amazing! When she was actively working most of our local chiropractors can follow up with a massage (usually in house) that insurance covers.

Good luck, sciatica flare ups are devastating.

 

[johnjk]

Sounds a lot like my journey. My back issues started in Jan 2020. I did chiropractor, helped for a bit. Regenerative Medicine (QC Kenetics) PT, again helped for a bit but the pain kept returning, worse than the last time. I got to the point May/ June 2023 where I couldn’t go on. Called my GP and said we needed to do something. I had to jump through the insurance hoops so back to PT in July 2023. This time they did nerve tests and MRI before starting therapy.

When I came in to review the MRI and start, he told me that my best bet was surgery. Steroid shots would give me a couple days relief. Initial consult with the surgeon was early Aug and I was scheduled in Aug 28 2023.

I was up walking without nerve pain that same evening. Yeah you give up time but you get back your life. They removed bone to relieve the nerve pressure and I had L4 out of position. They fused L3,L4 and L5. Was home by dinner on the 29th.

I was on pain meds and muscle relaxants for about 3 weeks. I was able to start working from home part time by Oct 16. Started Therapy right before Thanksgiving and was out of the back brace by 16 Dec. Cleared to resume mostly normal (including tractor work) in March 2024 with a 50lb lift restriction. Got my final release Aug 16 2024. My only restriction is no contact sports.

I feel the best I have in years. The worst part of recovery for me was building back core muscle strength. Each day the nerve pain would be less. Pain if I have it now is handled by 2 Tylenol. I was on the max dose of Diclofenec Sodium up to surgery. I was also doing a ton of natural anti inflammatory stuff at the same time. Haven’t touched any of that stuff since Aug 10th of 2023. Took me a while to be able to sit extended periods but I’m walking 3-4 miles a day pain free. We were able to do a drive to Asheville NC in April and flew to Durango in May. No issues.

I wanted recovery to go faster but in the words of my Surgeon. “Don’t screw it up”. You need the time to heal.

Would I do surgery again if I had to? Absolutely. BUT I would not wait as long and put myself and my family through my limitations.

PM me if you want to talk or more info. Best of luck on your journey.

 

[RCW]

Watching this thread.

Had issues since 12. Was an occasional “catch” back then.

Muscular, and typically avoided with needed physical exercise.

Thankfully hasn’t been a major problem for long time. Hesitant to point that out.

Had some sporadic sciatica problems but has been years. Not fun at all.

 

[jyoutz]

Sounds a lot like my journey. My back issues started in Jan 2020. I did chiropractor, helped for a bit. Regenerative Medicine (QC Kenetics) PT, again helped for a bit but the pain kept returning, worse than the last time. I got to the point May/ June 2023 where I couldn’t go on. Called my GP and said we needed to do something. I had to jump through the insurance hoops so back to PT in July 2023. This time they did nerve tests and MRI before starting therapy.

When I came in to review the MRI and start, he told me that my best bet was surgery. Steroid shots would give me a couple days relief. Initial consult with the surgeon was early Aug and I was scheduled in Aug 28 2023.

I was up walking without nerve pain that same evening. Yeah you give up time but you get back your life. They removed bone to relieve the nerve pressure and I had L4 out of position. They fused L3,L4 and L5. Was home by dinner on the 29th.

I was on pain meds and muscle relaxants for about 3 weeks. I was able to start working from home part time by Oct 16. Started Therapy right before Thanksgiving and was out of the back brace by 16 Dec. Cleared to resume mostly normal (including tractor work) in March 2024 with a 50lb lift restriction. Got my final release Aug 16 2024. My only restriction is no contact sports.

I feel the best I have in years. The worst part of recovery for me was building back core muscle strength. Each day the nerve pain would be less. Pain if I have it now is handled by 2 Tylenol. I was on the max dose of Diclofenec Sodium up to surgery. I was also doing a ton of natural anti inflammatory stuff at the same time. Haven’t touched any of that stuff since Aug 10th of 2023. Took me a while to be able to sit extended periods but I’m walking 3-4 miles a day pain free. We were able to do a drive to Asheville NC in April and flew to Durango in May. No issues.

I wanted recovery to go faster but in the words of my Surgeon. “Don’t screw it up”. You need the time to heal.

Would I do surgery again if I had to? Absolutely. BUT I would not wait as long and put myself and my family through my limitations.

PM me if you want to talk or more info. Best of luck on your journey.

I agree that there are situations like yours where surgery is required. But I would start with an X-ray and chiropractic treatment before moving on to that step. I had a bout of this about 10 years ago, and it turned out that a vertebra was pinching a nerve. Adjustments took care of this.

 

[johnjk]

I’ve been faithful to Chiropractics since 2007 after my auto accident. Got me straightened right out. I had a monthly standing appointment till it didn’t help. TENS and laser did help but it was only for a couple hrs or a day. Agreed. Try the least invasive stuff first and pray it works. For me as my body was compensating for the back issues, I was then having other symptoms ranging from pinched nerve symptoms in my neck, numbness in my arms and leg cramps for days. Right before surgery I couldn’t walk more than 200ft before my feet went numb. I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t live with it thinking it will get better with the next treatment if you aren’t getting real relief. Get an MRI and talk to a surgeon. My goal was to get rid of my pain and symptoms any way possible other than surgery. When I saw it was my only option, I did it.

 

[TerryKing]

Hi Everyone,
When I was about 65 I built a 32x32 foot 12 foot ceiling gambrel roof barn. Early on I did a dumb off-center lift on a long 8x12 inch beam on the ground and got RealBackPain.. Stumbling around, trying to sleep. Went in to the experts and a good MRI look. I was told I damaged a disc and displaced a vertebra a bit. I was told surgery could be done but probably after a year of excercise without surgery I would probably be the same result. I took that. Learned a lot from some good PT guy.

That was 20 years ago. Back then I put a 8000 pound winch and a crane boom on the front of my 92 GMC Yukon. Built that barn almost single-handed.

Now that barn has 3 of those harbor freight AC powered winches mounted on the beams. And another one in the house workshop. Oh, and one on top of the truck roof to haul up my Jonboat. I Love Winches. That's 6 so far not including the come-along.

And now I have a Kubota B7100HST-D with FEL and THAT lifts stuff.

I can lift 50-60 pounds no problem and my back usually feels fine. I always RUN up to the barn, do 20 pushups once or twice a day, a few weights. Cut/split firewood for heat. But I lift VERY Carefully the way that PT taught me 20 years ago.

What do people without Tractors and Winches DO????

A few photos after too much Talkin'...

 

[dlsmith]

I had sciatica really bad for several years. Went to a often recommended chiropractor for over three years. The treatments worked for about a half hour. max. I finally went to a spinal specialist surgeon, got x-rays and an MRI. He showed me on the MRI exactly where the problem was, L3, L4 and L5. The spinal cord was being pinched and constricted by arthritis and stenosis. The only reliable fix was a laparotomy. Basically, they cut out the back of the vertebra, clean out the spinal channel open up the areas where the nerves are being pinched. Then, they use screws and rods to stabilize the vertebrae, and grind up the bone they removed and apply it to the sides of the vertebrae so it will attach and fuse them together.
Just the thought of it scared the crap out of me, but the nearly constant pain made me go ahead and schedule the surgery.
About two weeks before the surgery, I called and cancelled it. There was just something about the surgeon that was niggling at me, and didn't give me confidence in the surgeon, even though he was highly regarded and recommended.
Two years later, I was at my MD for my semiannual check up, and I related the story to her, and asked ij she knew a good spinal surgeon. Her reply was "Well, this is the guy all the other doctors go to," and gave me his name. She also set up an appointment with his office. It was a three month wait, but I finally got in so see his associate that does the evaluations, and I was instantly put at ease and really like him and his manner. I had had another MRI, and he also showed me where the problems were and that a laparotomy and fusion were the best treatment options. He told men and the surgeon confirmed that without surgery, within a year I would be in a wheelchair. He explained the surgery and that recovery would be a nine month to a year long process, with strict limits on what I could do during that period.
A month later, I went to see the surgeon, and I was immediately at ease with him. He also explained the procedure, expected hospital stay, therapy and recovery, again, as long as a year. I said let's do it, and the surgery was scheduled for January 26, 2023.
I was still somewhat apprehensive, not about the surgery, but the long recovery. The surgery went well, but instead of a five hour surgery, it took six and a half hours, due to the extent of all the tissue that was impinging on the spinal cord and nerves.
Woke up in recovery and it felt like someone had hit me in the back with and axe, several times. I ended up in the hospital for five days, but they were able to get the pain under good control, and was discharged with a walker and a couple of pages of dos and don'ts.
I went through all the therapy except for the water therapy, as I had a gall bladder attack and surgery during the time that was scheduled. I actually stopped taking pain meds after three weeks post-op. At two weeks post-op, I started walking and eventually got up to a mile a day after two months. All my checkups looked good and I was released after nine months with a restriction on not lifting more than 50 lbs. During my recovery, I kept busy reassembling my 1970 Chevy Nova, doing what I could while observing the restrictions. I think that actually helped my recovery by staying active. I would have gone crazy just setting around.

Would I do it again, definitely. I have no more leg pain or sciatica, although the feeling in the outsides of my feet hasn't come back. The surgeon said that would depend on how badly the nerves had been damaged as to whether it would come back or not. I really don't think the fusion has affected my flexibility or range of movement to a noticeable extent. I pretty do whatever I want to do, within limits.

My advice is to find the best spinal surgeon you can, check their reputation, possibly talk to previous patients, and see it you are comfortable with him/her. IF you are, just get it done, you'll be glad you did.

 

[Outnumbered]

Guys I really appreciate the responses, it helps with the overall picture I am now faced with. That said the injections did not happen today as expected as the referral was for a consult and not the actual injections as I was expecting. Oh well, one day at a time, I am now scheduled for late next week where they will hit my L4-5 and L5-S1 with a bit of juice to see if it helps, then it's a 4 week followup.

 

[Gaspasser]

Are they doing lumbar epidural steroid injections or lumbar medial branch blocks?

 

[Outnumbered]

Lumbar epidural steroid injections. Hopefully it helps as I would really like to defer the surgery thing if possible. I know eventually I am going to have to go that route but hope to avoid it for a few more years.

 

[L35]

I’ve had 2 lumbar injections for bulged discs (visible from a mri) pushing on nerve roots. They go in under X-ray guidance so it gets to the right spot. The first one worked almost immediately and was pain free. The 2nd one was sore for almost a week, worse than when I walked through the door. Then it started to fade and took the lumbar pain with it. Back pain is not fun, but for most with blue collar jobs or accident injury it’s sooner than later. Good luck, keep us updated.