Did the military leave you with back pain?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:42:06 -0500

LBP - lower back pain
86% of the population will suffer with it at some point in their life.
It has mechanical origins and organic causes as well.
I ask that you open your mind to the CAM option for treating your neck and back pains. CAM - Complimentary and Alternative...includes everything except medications and surgery.
It does include, Massage, Yoga, Chiropractic, Spinal Decompression, Inversion Therapy, Manipulation, Acupuncture, and Naturopathy. Chiropractic is what I practice, and has been beneficial for cases thst have been 'uncomplicated'. Have you tried CAM therapies for your back pain? Feel free to message me with any specific questions you might have? If you have dived into the CAM world to treat your pain, which one worked the best for you?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 3:27 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:27:25 -0500

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, I experienced severe lower back pain the last few years of my career. At that time, I could visit a chiropractor at the medical clinic on Fort Meade, and that absolutely saved the day! Before that it would typically take two weeks or so of walking around in extreme pain, stooped over, wicked.

Now I see a chiropractor once a month, for two reasons: (1) to keep that relationship alive and well in case I have another episode, and (2) to be able to get right in, in case I have another episode. I'm a fan of chiropractic.

Response by CPT Eric Diaz made Dec 17 at 2014 3:57 PM

CPT Eric Diaz — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:57:56 -0500

Already developing arthritis in lower back which is leading to nerve, currently trying everything to avoid surgery yoga, massage, acupuncture soon, and rest.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Dec 17 at 2014 4:48 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 16:48:24 -0500

Nothing has helped completely. I have bulging disk at L4/L5 and L5/S1 with L5/s1 pushing against the nerves to my lower legs I also have degenerative disk disease. I have tried inversion, tens unit, shots (worked the best but Waco VA does NOT have) and PT. I am on meds (Tylenol 3) for pain and it works so so and other meds.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 5:04 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:04:42 -0500

Yes I have back pain from military service and a accident while training. Three protruding disk, arthritis and degenerative disk disease. I do deep tissue massage and chiropractic every two weeks to keep it in check. I was totally against both until 2008 when my wife talked me into it, now swear by it. And I prefer not to have surgery. SFC Mark Merino just recently went through surgery and I think he's doing good.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Dec 17 at 2014 5:42 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:42:48 -0500

First let me say that my wife and I are owners of a physical, occupational and speech therapy practice. I am concerned that physical therapy isn't on your list however, I am more concerned and just want to caution everyone about giving medical advice or suggestions on line. Or for that matter taking medical advice online.

I can assure you that everyone's injury, disease or illness is different and therefore the treatment has to very. On top of that the healing process is different for each of us and that isn't even factoring in comorbidities.

Don't misunderstand me, I am very happy that you and others here have found effective treatment, but please don't think that there is one treatment that works for everyone. We run into this almost on a daily basis, that is, patients that are so happy with their outcome that they want to tell everyone what worked. The reality is that healthcare professionals go to school for many many years learning all of this and then gain additional skills mastering their profession over many years of practice. It is only in that way that we can tailor that treatment to each patient for successful outcomes. It makes a lot more sense to me to recommend the healthcare professional that helped you rather than the specific treatment. Just my two cents.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 17 at 2014 5:44 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:44:51 -0500

We have to be careful with recommendations because there is such a huge degree of back pain and issues unique to the individual. I met only one person who got relief from steroid injections. That being said, other than physical therapy, that will be ground zero of invasive treatment (if xrays/MRI shows potential problems). If you have shrapnel or hardware already, DO NOT TRY TRACTION OR INVERSION WITHOUT CLEARANCE!!!!!! I loved inversion. It was the only time I ws pain free. Within 15 minutes of walking it was like I never had it though. I had multiple conditions that required 3 seperate surgeries. I was MISERABLE for years. The Mayo hospital did more to help with their surgery that everything else combined. I'd also like to add that everyone should seek a second opinion before allowing someone to mess with their spine. When boo boos are made, it is usually at a catestrophic level. After 3 surgeries on my spine, I am terrified to do anything "fun." The pool is great exercise post surgery (after being released by the operating physician).

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 5:57 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:57:57 -0500

I have chronic back and joint pain. I've had it since my 20's but I can't point to my military service and say that it's connected. Anyway, I have been using a chiropractor and that has been the best treatment I've found so far. I can't say it's for everybody but for me its great. The only problem is that once you start using them you really can't stop because the pain comes back. It's a treatment but not a fix.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Dec 17 at 2014 6:08 PM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:08:13 -0500

Yep, I have disability for it. But the stupid VA won't cover the treatment that works for it because they define Chiropractic care as holistic medicine. Bunch of morons. First they want to drug me with pain killers then they want to cut on me. Not happy with the VA at all.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Dec 17 at 2014 6:16 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:16:18 -0500

I have done manipulation for my general back pain (I carry stress there). Unfortunately, I have some medical stuff going on that showed up on MRI/X-Ray on my C-Spine (neck). Most people won't touch the neck, and those that will, I won't let them. I have just started working with physical therapy to see if Cervical Traction will work. felt good during first use, no noticed improvement yet.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 17 at 2014 7:07 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:07:49 -0500

All i have done is heat, ice for mine. I have not tried chiropractics or Acupuncture because i dont see how it can work with out causing more issues?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 7:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:21:12 -0500

I have been through Physical Therapy, Injections of several types, Chiropractic and medication. The only thing that makes me normal for any period of time is meds but once my body gets used to them, they no longer help either. One day I am sure the Doc will recommend another specialist to evaluate my issue ( been to 4 already). I'm not really interested in surgery that has little chance of working. The reason I separated from the Army was due to this issue.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 10:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:11:31 -0500

Foot, ankle, knee, back, neck, shoulder.. I've gone the motrin and water route.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 17 at 2014 10:47 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:47:44 -0500

I returned from Iraq with a collapsed disk (L4,L5). They found it when I got my physical when discharged from active duty (I was Reserve). Sure effected my civilian job after I got back. Found I couldn't do as much as I could before, so I learned where my limits are and stick to it. In my last check up, doc said I was almost bone on bone there now. Most evening I got to bed with a hop pad on my back and a support to elevate my knees to the right level to relieve the tension on my lower back. I will lay like this for a couple hours and usually works good for me.

On a really bad day I'll drink a couple beers(Tuborg), take a couple pain pills and do the above.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Dec 18 at 2014 12:09 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:09:17 -0500

Every case is different. So what I do may not work for others.

I swim 3 to 5 times per week to strengthen the core muscles. I do swim with at US Masters team on post.

I have an inversion table for some situations. I do have an electro stimulant machine which is a must when flying or driving for a long period of time. Of course there is back massage by my very thoughtful wife. I am looking at trying Yoga and Acupuncture.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Dec 18 at 2014 3:13 AM

Cpl Dennis F. — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 03:13:35 -0500

I have used all of the above. The last, spinal injections finally gave me about a year pain free...but I'm afraid it is time to seek out surgery as a last resort.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 3:40 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 03:40:36 -0500

Although my back pain wasn't service connected - I've had severe sciatica in the past. This was greatly alleviated through Eastern medicine - acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion. I'm always open to both Eastern and Western medical practices.

Response by 1LT David Moeglein made Dec 18 at 2014 5:55 AM

1LT David Moeglein — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 05:55:32 -0500

I've had great results with chiropractic, yoga, and massage, as well as nutritional supplements in the form of a powerful antioxidant (acts as an anti-inflammatory) and a broad spectrum amino acid supplement (gives the body what it needs to create endorphin). I have also steered clear of wheat and legumes, and take supplements to control anxiety and depression. If anyone has questions, I'd be happy to share what works for me.

Response by Cpl Gregory Hajder made Dec 18 at 2014 8:54 AM

Cpl Gregory Hajder — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 08:54:37 -0500

The back pain I suffer is caused by my hips. I abused my body for years in the service, and not it is coming back to haunt me.

Response by Cpl Robert Clark made Dec 18 at 2014 12:07 PM

Cpl Robert Clark — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 12:07:17 -0500

2 herniated disks. Not sure where or when it exactly happened but I am pretty sure riding across the Arabian desert in the back of an AAV didn't help any. Started with chiro, made it worse, finally had to get an epidural. 95% better but still have twinges of pain letting me know it isn't going away... ever.

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Dec 18 at 2014 12:17 PM

Cpl Matthew Wall — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 12:17:21 -0500

I haven't tried some of the others, but my Chiro recommended that I do planks and Yoga in order to strengthen and stretch my back.

Response by SGT James Hastings made Dec 18 at 2014 12:24 PM

SGT James Hastings — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 12:24:17 -0500

Acupuncture was temporary relief only. Tens unit also temporary. Stretching exercises some help for me.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 18 at 2014 6:15 PM

SSG Tim Everett — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 18:15:55 -0500

I fell out of a helicopter (it was only six feet off the deck) and injured my lower back. This was when I was 20. Suffered through it for a long time until I finally got the civilian help I needed. Sad to say, the Army doctors that dealt with it were largely oblivious or incompetent, I feel.

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made May 15 at 2015 11:06 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Fri, 15 May 2015 23:06:46 -0400

I have a variety of back pain issues from the service and I have tried the majority of the suggestions on your list. After taking a handful of pain pills daily courtesy of the VA, I ended up with a life long stomach and throat issue which causes me to experience esophageal spasms (blood in the esophagus which mimics the feeling of a heart attack). Now I practice yoga, tai chi and I do a lot of core exercises to strengthen that area. I am down to about a tylenol every few weeks and have gained enough strength to complete a Go Ruck Tough a few weeks ago. For me it all comes down to listening to my body, regular self care and exercise, not being stupid and using meditation to deal with the pain.