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Need help with back pain
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Need help with back pain - July 13, 2005 3:27:00 AM
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RunningMan
Posts: 2
Joined: July 12, 2005
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Longtime runner desperately needs some assistance. I had a severe episode of back pain this past January while training for a marathon. Went to PT, who said it was probably a tear in the outer part of the disc, but not a herniation. I did rehab for about 6 weeks and felt great.
About 3 weeks ago, I was cutting wood and re-injured myself. I had x-rays and the only finding was a complete loss of the curve in the low back.
My symptoms have gotten progressively worse. I can extend my back without being nearly-knocked to the floor. I have burning pain between the bottom of my rib cage in the back and my tail bone; my butt cheeks burn as well, and there is a deep ache in the front of my right thigh. The pain stops just above the knee, and no bowel or bladder changes.
Today the pain is deep and throbbing. It feels like it is radiating from the back of my spine through the front into my bowels and kidney area. As I sit here typing, the area over my kidneys throbs. The only position that relieves my pain is lying flat on my back with my hips and knees bent and supported by something.
I need to know what to do. PT helped a lot, so should I go back there first? There are no doctors in my area that know much about backs, except for a physiatrist/spine specialist. Do any of my symptoms indicate involvement of something besides my back?
I greatly appreciate any help. I am in a rural area and have limited access to healthcare.
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Re: Need help with back pain - July 13, 2005 5:30:00 AM
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JLS_PT_OCS
Posts: 1684
Joined: January 30, 2005
From: USA
Status: offline
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Running-
I don't think anyone could attempt to diagnose or treat you from your post online, but I think a prudent idea is to go back to your previous therapist or your doctor for the professional evaluation and treatment you need.
Certainly this pattern of better-worse is quite common, and the proper treatment will go a long way toward helping you feel better.
Good luck.
J
_____________________________
Jason Silvernail DPT, OCS, CSCS
"It isn't what you're able to do that requires your courage but rather what you have come to understand and are willing to express." - Barrett Dorko,PT
**I no longer post on RehabEdge**
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Re: Need help with back pain - July 13, 2005 5:48:00 AM
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Diane
Posts: 1477
Joined: March 9, 2001
From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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Meanwhile for a bit of relief you could try stretching out your shoulders/lats a little, should be safe to try. (Back off if you don't like the way it feels..) Slowly stretch arms overhead in sidelying, while slow deep breathing with the abs. (Pretend your lungs are in your belly.)
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Re: Need help with back pain - July 13, 2005 8:34:00 AM
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Shill
Posts: 1048
Joined: February 13, 2003
From: Madison WI USA
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RunningMan,
Dust off the exercises you were given from your prior bout of PT. Your therapist will want to know if you have tried these yet, and what was the effect. It is quite common that what worked for you before, will work again, as the problem may well be the same. Call up the clinic, see if the therapist who saw you in January can see you again, ASAP. Let us know how it turns out.
_____________________________
Steve Hill PT
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Re: Need help with back pain - July 13, 2005 9:00:00 PM
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Randy Dixon
Posts: 744
Joined: August 6, 2004
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I like to lie on my back, with my legs supported and knees and hips bent at 90 degrees. I do some abdominal breathing and just try to relax. Sometimes it takes a while but it usually helps.
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Re: Need help with back pain - July 13, 2005 9:02:00 PM
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Randy Dixon
Posts: 744
Joined: August 6, 2004
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Sorry, I just reread your post and saw that you are already doing that. That is probably an encouraging sign that this relieves the pain, but if it has been more than a few days you need to see someone.
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Re: Need help with back pain - July 14, 2005 1:16:00 PM
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nari
Posts: 1568
Joined: November 14, 2003
From: Australia
Status: offline
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Runningman,
Can you go back to the PT who saw you? It sounds as though you are quite concerned about the pain and that should be reviewed.
Nari
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Re: Need help with back pain - July 16, 2005 5:35:00 PM
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RunningMan
Posts: 2
Joined: July 12, 2005
Status: offline
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Thanks to those who offered advice. I went to an MD, and it looks like possible Annular tear and definite lumbosacral ligament trauma. He does not suspect disc problems, but has ordered an MRI. Should I get one, considering the high cost? If these episodes continue, should I at least see a physiatrist?
Nari-No, the PT I worked with is now moved across the country. This bummed me out because I really trusted her. Thanks for listening everyone. You are the reason I really believe that PT helps.
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Re: Need help with back pain - July 25, 2005 7:14:00 AM
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JLS_PT_OCS
Posts: 1684
Joined: January 30, 2005
From: USA
Status: offline
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Running
The Annulus Fibrosus is the outer part of the disc. By definition an annular tear is a "disc problem".
However, the bigger question is, do your MRI findings have anything whatsoever to do with your pain?
They may not.
You can find a PT in your area by going to the American Physical Therapy Association website at [URL=http://www.apta.org]www.apta.org[/URL] and use the Find A PT database.
Good luck.
J
_____________________________
Jason Silvernail DPT, OCS, CSCS
"It isn't what you're able to do that requires your courage but rather what you have come to understand and are willing to express." - Barrett Dorko,PT
**I no longer post on RehabEdge**
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