It's not tendonitis. :( Problem is my spine

[Popmom]

I finally had to break down and see a doctor about the pain in my hands, arms and shoulders. After x-rays and an mri, the doctor has determined that my pain is caused by a bulging disc, bone spur, and degeneration of the vertebrae in my neck. It's all compressing the nerves that run down my arms causing my chronic pain. Not the diagnosis I was hoping for.

I took a Medrol Dose Pak, and I'm also taking a prescription NSAID. I think it has helped some. The doctor wants me to have a cervical block, but I am trying physical therapy first. I'm terrified of having injections in my spine up that high. The doctor also mentioned surgery as a definite possibility in my future. Not what I wanted to hear, but my husband has been living with bulging discs in his lower back for 30 years and hasn't had to have surgery yet...

This is the second post I've typed up tonight, and I'm not miserable. That's an improvement over a couple of weeks ago (when I was only able to hunt and peck type with a thumb knuckle I was in so much pain), so I'm hopeful that physical therapy can help me.

I still hurt everyday, but it's been mostly tolerable. I still enjoyed camping this weekend and was able to avoid doing much of what aggravates my pain.

If you've been through something similar, I'd love to hear your experience--particularly if it's not a nightmare story. I still have to really limit my time on a keyboard and mouse, but I'll definitely check back soon.

 

[Shrimpburrito]

There are no great ways to fix this anatomical problem, unfortunately, since discs do not regenerate. Ask folks who have had back surgery, and many will likely tell you it's still a long term process of managing pain as opposed to fixing things. But you can certainly do things to help, most likely, and some may help quite a bit -- perhaps even alleviate pain altogether, but they all require lifestyle changes. No magic pill.

• Losing weight: The spine has a big job in keeping your body upright against large forces. Being overweight significantly increases those forces, so anyone having this problem that is even marginally overweight could see some improvement in symptoms by losing weight. And even if there is no symptom improvement, it may at least stabilize things to prevent it from getting worse.
  
  
• Stress reduction: When your muscles tighten up, often due to stress, they can do things like pull on nerves or push nerves up against something to cause painful stimulation. So reducing muscle tension can help, and alleviating stress can help in that regard. And getting enough good quality sleep.
  
  
• Exercise: Sitting is hard on your back, especially when it's for long periods. Since your muscles are generally not moving while seated, long periods of sitting day after day does nothing to stretch your muscles. Stretch several times throughout the day, and exercise regularly. Even a daily 30-min brisk walk can do wonders. PT can certainly help too, and once you get trained on what exercises you should be doing, continue doing them at home as often as they recommend. That will be at least several times a week, and maybe every day.
  
  
• Ice: Get the biggest ice pack you can find, and put it over the affected vertebrae. I like this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QFZRNE It may not offer much relief, but it might help, as it certainly can help reduce swelling. And there's nothing to lose by trying it. When I have lower back pain, I find it FAR more relieving than heat. Lay it in the freezer, and when ready to use, slip it in a pillow case before putting it on your bare back.
  
  
• Don't sleep on your stomach: I've heard from several physical therapists that sleeping on your stomach is bad news for your cervical spine because your neck is strained when your head is on the pillow. The idea is to keep your spine in a neutral position when sleeping, so sleeping on your side is probably a better idea. Ask your therapist when you visit -- most of the ones I have interacted with are very helpful and knowledgeable, sometimes more so than physicians.

Dave

 

[Popmom]

Thanks, Dave, this is very helpful. I have been going back and forth about the weight issue. It's in my neck. I could see if it were my lower back--that extra weight or a weak core could exacerbate the problem. BUT I have gained 25 pounds in the past nine months due to menopause (TMI--sorry). My mom and I have been talking about whether this could be part of the problem. I went from 115 lbs to 140. I'm 5'5", so I'm not terribly overweight, but it's a dramatic change for my frame--I'm very "small boned". 115 was probably a little underweight for my age. My goal weight is 125--I'm working on it, but menopause has not been kind to me. It's frustrating because I'm only 46.

I do catch myself sleeping on my tummy. Not good, I know.

 

[BrucePerens]

Valerie in her 40's had trouble standing for more than a few hours before the back pain got bad. Exercise helped her the most, she got on a rowing crew for a while to strengthen her back and these days swims a lot and does aerobics. Now in her early 50's she has stiffness in her hands and feels that swimming helps that the most.

I will be 59 this month and my main strategy is to get away from the keyboard and do heavy work.

 

[Kidkraz]

Mom,

Sorry for your bad news. Totally understand the menopause, BTDT. I deal with my own pain issues; too many dumb things when I was young and invincible. I don't want surgeries or other things yet. So I've been doing acupuncture to help me manage my pain. It's noninvasive and it works. The docs tell me if it works and can hold off the knife...then they're ok with my decision.
Hoping all goes well for you.