I'm really not lazy...but I need advice
If you can tolerate walking, that would be a good option. I was told that strengthening your core (muscles in your belly, sides and back) helps to stabilize your spine. However, I'd advise against starting any new exercise regimine without clearance from your doctor. You could do yourself more harm than good.
In general, if you have back problems you should avoid heavy lifting, repetitive bending, wearing hard soled or high heel shoes and standing in one spot for long periods of time. Use chairs that have good lumbar supports. If you work at a desk, arrange your work station so that it is ergonomically comfortable for you.
FYI - The picture below shows two spinal vertebrae from the back view. The Pars Interarticularis of the lower vertebrae holds the upper vertebrae in place. When you have a Pars Defect this means that portion of your spine is damaged. This could be caused by trauma, a stress fracture, arthritic changes or a congenital abnormality.
When an upper vertebrae starts slipping forward over a lower structure, this is called Spondylolisthesis. The type of treatment that you receive for it will depend on how far forward it has moved, whether it is affecting other bodily functions and also on how unstable is your spine. Sometimes it can be controlled simply by modifying activities and occasional pain meds. Some people wear a back brace. The most severe cases require surgery.
I've had Spondylolisthesis since I was a child. I had pain that radiated down my legs for years, but the back pain didn't start until I was older. If it makes you feel any better, they thought I was faking too. I even had doctors tell me that I just needed to lose some weight and I'd be fine.
I wasn't properly diagnosed until I was in college. By then, my lumbar spine had shifted forward more than half way off my pelvis. Like you, I also had a pars defect. Mine was caused by an undiagnosed case of Spina Bifida Occulta. The surgeons had to decompress the spinal nerves that ran down to my legs and also fuse my spine to stop it from moving any more. I did fine for about 10 years, but then started having problems again - severe pain to the point of having to walk with a cane. Unfortunately, I had to have another lumbar fusion. After that, the doctor told me I couldn't do physical work like I'd been doing before.
I've been doing fine since I got a desk job. I've learned what kinds of things will aggravate the pain, so I've learned how to manage it. Most days I'm pain free.
God is good!
In general, if you have back problems you should avoid heavy lifting, repetitive bending, wearing hard soled or high heel shoes and standing in one spot for long periods of time. Use chairs that have good lumbar supports. If you work at a desk, arrange your work station so that it is ergonomically comfortable for you.
FYI - The picture below shows two spinal vertebrae from the back view. The Pars Interarticularis of the lower vertebrae holds the upper vertebrae in place. When you have a Pars Defect this means that portion of your spine is damaged. This could be caused by trauma, a stress fracture, arthritic changes or a congenital abnormality.
When an upper vertebrae starts slipping forward over a lower structure, this is called Spondylolisthesis. The type of treatment that you receive for it will depend on how far forward it has moved, whether it is affecting other bodily functions and also on how unstable is your spine. Sometimes it can be controlled simply by modifying activities and occasional pain meds. Some people wear a back brace. The most severe cases require surgery.
I've had Spondylolisthesis since I was a child. I had pain that radiated down my legs for years, but the back pain didn't start until I was older. If it makes you feel any better, they thought I was faking too. I even had doctors tell me that I just needed to lose some weight and I'd be fine.
I wasn't properly diagnosed until I was in college. By then, my lumbar spine had shifted forward more than half way off my pelvis. Like you, I also had a pars defect. Mine was caused by an undiagnosed case of Spina Bifida Occulta. The surgeons had to decompress the spinal nerves that ran down to my legs and also fuse my spine to stop it from moving any more. I did fine for about 10 years, but then started having problems again - severe pain to the point of having to walk with a cane. Unfortunately, I had to have another lumbar fusion. After that, the doctor told me I couldn't do physical work like I'd been doing before. I've been doing fine since I got a desk job. I've learned what kinds of things will aggravate the pain, so I've learned how to manage it. Most days I'm pain free.
God is good!I have Spondylolisthesis - it triggers from my low back to my thighs. I dunno when I developed it.....could have been congenital and just never had any issues til now, could have been from an car accident I had over 10 years ago but I know I'm in constant pain. According to my doctor some folks only develope it on either the left or the right side of the spine......mine is on both sides of the spine. How far the damage is....I dunno, I'll find that out next week. I'm so glad you chimed in cause I felt so alone, thinking "why me". I trust and believe God to take care of me. Thank you Sue!
Mrs. Trina
You're not alone and it's going to be OK. It's pretty common for neurosurgeons to order nerve conduction studies and myelograms to gather more information. I've had both. I got a headache after the myelogram, but other than that it wasn't too bad.
Here are some Web MD links just in case, so you can know what to expect.
http://www.webmd.com/brain/electromyogram-emg-and-nerve-cond uction-studies
http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/myelogram-16147
Okay T, first I have to apologize for not taking a peek at your post earlier.
I too just had a back injury. The last time my back went out on me was in 1998 when I was tipping the scales at 256. I was in so much pain that I had to crawl to the bathroom and my kids (in elementary school then) had to help me onto the toilet and off the toilet. Anyway, my doc then gave me some muscle relaxants that really took the edge off the pain and at least made it to where I could stand up straight. He ordered and MRI, but because I am claustrophobic
I couldn't go thru with it.
Recently it happened to me again while lifting weights at the gym. I was in so much pain again. I went to ER (no xrays) a few days ago and doc ordered Vicodin, an inflammatory med and Flexerill (muscle relaxant) I don't know what happened, but the Flexeril did nothing for me. I need to find another muscle relaxant until the pain and stiffness goes away. The ER doc recommended that after I start to feel better to begin Pilates. He says that it helps straighten the core(abdominals) of your body, which would help with your back and you're still getting a really great workout. He recommended that I pay for personal sessions though. Not the Pilates class.
Question: What name brand muscle relaxant did you get from your doc? I might have to switch. Flexeril is not helping.
Hugs!
~Catt~
I too just had a back injury. The last time my back went out on me was in 1998 when I was tipping the scales at 256. I was in so much pain that I had to crawl to the bathroom and my kids (in elementary school then) had to help me onto the toilet and off the toilet. Anyway, my doc then gave me some muscle relaxants that really took the edge off the pain and at least made it to where I could stand up straight. He ordered and MRI, but because I am claustrophobic I couldn't go thru with it. Recently it happened to me again while lifting weights at the gym. I was in so much pain again. I went to ER (no xrays) a few days ago and doc ordered Vicodin, an inflammatory med and Flexerill (muscle relaxant) I don't know what happened, but the Flexeril did nothing for me. I need to find another muscle relaxant until the pain and stiffness goes away. The ER doc recommended that after I start to feel better to begin Pilates. He says that it helps straighten the core(abdominals) of your body, which would help with your back and you're still getting a really great workout. He recommended that I pay for personal sessions though. Not the Pilates class.
Question: What name brand muscle relaxant did you get from your doc? I might have to switch. Flexeril is not helping.
Hugs!
~Catt~
"Sometimes Losing Is Really Winning!" And, being me is F-A-B-U-L-U-O-U-S!!!!!! by Me
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