10-30-2016, 04:35 PM
*Disc-laimer*
I am not a back specialist, but my cousin is an Orthopedic Surgeon and good friend is a Neuro Surgeon. I have herniated L4 and L5 from old Karate injury in the 80's. They both suggested to try the list below, before the Cortisone shot.
Moist heat/heating pad, very soothing to me
Stretching exercises, they help slowly
Therapeutic massages, awesome but expensive
Yoga/meditation/relaxation, help with sleeping
Anti-inflammatory, I don't like taking pills
Muscle relaxants, make you drowsy and can create dependency, read above
Posture management, ergonomic seating at work
Inversion table, did not help much
Vax-D Therapy= Vertebral Axial Decompression, Chiropractors use this machine, I don't believe in it
Alternative drugs to manage pain like Marihuana, not for me, I don't smoke
Acupuncture, provides only temporary relief
TENS unit, for pain blockage and works best for me
Sometimes, I wear a fabric made weight lifting belt for support, it helps, but bulky
The Cortisone shot is a 50/50 chance at best, sometimes you need another shot. Problem is, when you feel good you might do something and injure worst. Hate needles and risk associated with the shot, so not for me.
I have not done surgery either. It is the last resource once you have: muscle weakness, sensation loss (numb area), tingling or burning sensation that doesn't go away, severe pain that doesn't respond to pain management and lastly loss of function.
Try any or all of the above before a shot or surgery.
Hope you get well soon, lower back pain sucks.
I am not a back specialist, but my cousin is an Orthopedic Surgeon and good friend is a Neuro Surgeon. I have herniated L4 and L5 from old Karate injury in the 80's. They both suggested to try the list below, before the Cortisone shot.
Moist heat/heating pad, very soothing to me
Stretching exercises, they help slowly
Therapeutic massages, awesome but expensive
Yoga/meditation/relaxation, help with sleeping
Anti-inflammatory, I don't like taking pills
Muscle relaxants, make you drowsy and can create dependency, read above
Posture management, ergonomic seating at work
Inversion table, did not help much
Vax-D Therapy= Vertebral Axial Decompression, Chiropractors use this machine, I don't believe in it
Alternative drugs to manage pain like Marihuana, not for me, I don't smoke
Acupuncture, provides only temporary relief
TENS unit, for pain blockage and works best for me
Sometimes, I wear a fabric made weight lifting belt for support, it helps, but bulky
The Cortisone shot is a 50/50 chance at best, sometimes you need another shot. Problem is, when you feel good you might do something and injure worst. Hate needles and risk associated with the shot, so not for me.
I have not done surgery either. It is the last resource once you have: muscle weakness, sensation loss (numb area), tingling or burning sensation that doesn't go away, severe pain that doesn't respond to pain management and lastly loss of function.
Try any or all of the above before a shot or surgery.
Hope you get well soon, lower back pain sucks.