Has anyone been diagnosed with chronic back pain and what do you do to maintain it?

2015-10-25T15:42:35-04:00

Chronic pain due to military service.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Oct 25 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-10-25T15:49:41-04:00

Yes --- I have tried many things but, mostly, I just deal with it.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Oct 25 at 2015 3:53 PM

2015-10-25T15:53:00-04:00

I have chronic neck pain and my answer is the same as GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad . I read a lot of articles on posture, and proper support. I've readjusted how I sit at my desk, the computer screen level, good support while I sleep, etc.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 25 at 2015 4:18 PM

2015-10-25T16:18:06-04:00

You have a bad job for chronic back pain. I feel for you. There were times I needed a ladder to get on my Bradley. Can you see if you can get a HQ master gunner position or see if the CSM can find you a staff job? How many years do you have in?

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Oct 25 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-10-25T16:54:21-04:00

TINNS unit, acupuncture, chromatic and yoga.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-10-25T17:06:21-04:00

Yes. I do a lot more core exercises, continue to take my GNC Triflex, and pay attention to how my back feels during leg exercises.

Response by Sgt Dee Watts made Oct 25 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-10-25T17:13:26-04:00

Been dealing with service connected back and neck pain for almost 30 years now. Unfortunately once you've got it, it's gonna be there always. Keep your core strong and stay active as much as you can. Avoid high impact exercises, like running, if possible. Biggest thing is to maintain core strength. It won't cure it, but it'll help.

Response by SPC Donald King made Oct 25 at 2015 5:15 PM

2015-10-25T17:15:02-04:00

Yes I have and its frustrating when its all in service jacket and v.a. is denying. I still push on. I have 13 years of service and there's an eight year rule where anything prior to service counts as service connected. I'm getting a vet lawyer on this. As far as maintaining my back? Just very carefull and pain meds when needed.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Oct 25 at 2015 6:14 PM

2015-10-25T18:14:52-04:00

Core strength exercises are the best thing if it's muscular, or even if it's a spinal issue.

If it's compressed nerves due to bulging disks, osteophytes, etc, physical therapy, medicine such as gabapentin.

Do not get surgery unless you are falling, or are having urinary or bowel problems (either difficult voiding or incontinence). Surgery is not effective at ending pain...

Feel free to contact me off line for more help...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 6:20 PM

2015-10-25T18:20:52-04:00

I've got degenerative disks from L1-S1, so yes, I've got chronic back pain. I take pain meds and anti-inflamatories in the morning and before bed. Additionally, I do daily core exercises. The exercises keep me from bulging disks or throwing my back out. I still run, but change out my running shoes every 6 months. I don't run distances, unless we're doing a formation run. I ruck for distance cardio. No profiles as of yet, but I'm sure it's in my future. Key is core fitness.

Response by SPC Jennifer Alterman made Oct 25 at 2015 6:23 PM

2015-10-25T18:23:10-04:00

I started yoga and pilates. The results were so awesome, I started teaching them. It has been 15 years now and I only notice pain now when I travel or if I haven't been working out for a few days, like on vacation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 6:38 PM

2015-10-25T18:38:22-04:00

I divorced her! Lol

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 25 at 2015 7:01 PM

2015-10-25T19:01:26-04:00

I have had numerous procedures including nerve ablation. I have three herniated discs in my lower back.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 7:07 PM

2015-10-25T19:07:23-04:00

I have found that lifting heavy objects with my back in a jerking twisting manner helps. In all seriousness, the answer to this is going to be dictated by the cause. Muscular pain is one thing, but if we're talking about damaged nerves or a spinal condition then you're in this for the long haul. Muscles will heal and the pain can be lessened by standard NSAIDs, but for nerve or spinal causes then only a doctor will be able to give you accurate advice. This isn't necessarily a one size fits all type of thing we're talking about here.

Response by SMSgt Gary Calhoun made Oct 25 at 2015 7:27 PM

2015-10-25T19:27:08-04:00

Yes. Beer. The VA can't/won't treat chronic pain. At least they tried acupuncture (didn't work for me).

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Oct 25 at 2015 7:31 PM

2015-10-25T19:31:12-04:00

Yes, naproxen. I take it before I do any strenuous work.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-10-25T20:26:50-04:00

As a Physical Therapist for the past 20 years, I recommend looking for a well-trained Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist. The Military has quite a few. The Army-Baylor Physical Therapy program and any of us going through Continuing Education with them have access to spectacular training in this aspect of practice. I am open to questions but still feel that getting qualified, good (not always the same) professional (PT or Chiropractor) for an actual evaluation/consultation is the best bet.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 25 at 2015 9:02 PM

2015-10-25T21:02:02-04:00

Started when a tracked vehicle blew my butt into my brains in Antarctica. Aging doesn't help. So to keep refereeing soccer, I use a prescribed cream that has 5-6 ingredients including dichlofenic (3x Volteran Gel), strong topicial somethingcane, and nerve inhibitors which block pain to and from the brain. I have a "hole" there that is calm and makes things doable. It was prescribed by a pain specialist MD who used to be an Olympic rower. I have to remember that I'm still injured but the pain is taken down from 7 to 1. Unfortunately TRICARE ditched some ingredients so I have to pay the full ride. They are getting away from the compounding medicine support business. The cream works well on my knees when I'm having to do 4 games a day at the summer tournaments in Europe. Can't do that much longer but will be there next year and take it a year at a time. I have to stay away from NSAIDS (grunt candy) as my liver was already stressed by an uncommon malaria strain in Northern Cambodia. Bottom line, you can treat backs stronger with creams that put more medication at the spot vs. pills that have to be low dose because of your liver.

Response by SPC Simon Garcia made Oct 25 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-10-25T22:31:03-04:00

I have found the best relief for me to be soaking in very hot water

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 8:30 AM

2015-10-26T08:30:19-04:00

I find that if I don't run and properly stretch, it gets worse. I workout my core, and it helps tremendously. I HAVE to stretch though- if I don't, bad juju. Lower back pain since first deployment in '05-'06.

Response by SFC David Davenport made Oct 26 at 2015 8:33 AM

2015-10-26T08:33:40-04:00

Do your best to stay in shape. There are some common sense things as well like stretching and avoiding impacts from running and jumping. Sadly there is no real cure for most once it starts.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 26 at 2015 8:47 AM

2015-10-26T08:47:21-04:00

Yes diagnosed, and Maintain it? I do nothing ,and it maintains itself.....Sorry... I know that's not what you mean.
You run though the gambit of non surgical options ...FIRST..Surgery is a LAST option and go into that knowing it will not be a lasting option if it relieves pain at all.,..More on that later.

SO you start with the easy stuff, core strengthening to support the damaged and effected area. You need your Doc to pinpoint the damage...is it Stenosis of the spine in Cx and Cy is it fractured vertebra, is it????
Then work with a physical therapist or sports medicine Doc to devise a strength training plan to help. Meds along the way to help you maintain quality of life..NOT remove all pain....Do not jump straight to the opioids, see if other stuff works well enough first.
Perhaps steroid / pain med injections will help.. Need to see a pain doc for that.
There is a TENS machine that is said to provide some temp relief for some...it shocks the nerves and I guess confuses them,leaving you pain free temporarily.

As a last option there is surgery ...a GOOD surgeon will talk about both success and failure ...about likely success and longevity of the fix... Will discuss openly that it may not work at all, and will not last..talk about what comes next after "That day"
Think of Surgery as you should with Sched II drugs..only if needed for quality of life..not as a pain reliever.

Response by SSG John Mitchell made Oct 26 at 2015 9:44 AM

2015-10-26T09:44:17-04:00

Where to begin. Lets just say that I had a spinal fusion of L-4 to S-1 2 years AFTER I shattered the facets that hold your spine together. My spine was actually touching my spinal cord by then. Spent another 8 years AD.

For the most part it's a "Suck it up and Drive on" situation for me. The pain never goes away. All I can do is take the pain meds Doc gave me to take the edge off but only after it gets to be too much. I HATE prescription Meds. with a passion! I watch what I eat so I don't gain any weight that will put a strain on my back. I have to be careful what I do, how I do it and stay off my feet for any length of time. What the Doctors can't seem to get through their head is the instability that I have in the rest of my spine because of it. I have repeatedly asked for a consult with a Chiropractor. That was the ONLY thing that ever relieved the pain before I got booted but it only took Ft Bragg my entire time there to recognize that Chiropractic treatment was a legit treatment for a multitude of issues.

Response by SGT Cody Skinner made Oct 26 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-10-26T09:59:10-04:00

I left the Service in 2006 and had chronic neck and back pain/stiffness. I had a hard time turning my head to look around, constant head aches, upper, and lower back issues. Yes part of it was the belly I developed from the lack of moving around and eating like crap. I started eating less and moving around more to slim down a bit, but going to a Chiropractor was the best decision I ever made. I never really put much stock into what they did, but was tired of being in pain and willing to try anything. After the first couple visits She made me pain free for a week. Then it was 2 weeks and after a while I actually went a month with out popping 2-6 Aleve a day. I went in for adjustment once a week for a month then to every other week now.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 26 at 2015 11:24 AM

2015-10-26T11:24:10-04:00

Physical therapy did the trick for me. learning to not to lift things I shouldn't, using a better lift form. Sitting correctly.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Oct 26 at 2015 11:36 AM

2015-10-26T11:36:01-04:00

I am actually going through this right now with my lower back, I was going to get some injections in my back but after speaking to a co-worker he said he had the same problem. He started dieting and stretching and his eventually went away.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Oct 26 at 2015 12:19 PM

2015-10-26T12:19:48-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I have had four back operations to include two spinal fusions (L5/S1). I have to take muscle relaxers and pain meds 2-3 times a day.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Oct 26 at 2015 1:00 PM

2015-10-26T13:00:53-04:00

My questions is did they do an MRI...and if so did they do a high resolution MRI. I was told i wasn't broken time and time again until they sent me for a high resolution MRI then they freaked out and started giving me pain pills. Try what you can but be careful of the military solution. I was on so many drugs I started missing PT due to my drugged state. Eventually I recieved a MEB and was retired.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Oct 26 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-10-26T14:35:48-04:00

If the pain can't be managed a chronic pain clinic may be the answer. An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist very carefully places an anesthetic agent in your spinal cavity at the nerve base where the chronic pain issue is present. While it won't relieve the pain, it will block the message for 3-6 months depending on the patient. In many cases this restores mobility and quality of life. It's a way to manage the condition without long term pain meds that over time can be addictive and lose effectiveness. The best thing I ever did as a Corpsman was start a pain clinic by manipulation at Camp Lejeune, NC. That place helped a ton of people.

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Oct 26 at 2015 4:42 PM

2015-10-26T16:42:12-04:00

I have been diagnosed with chronic back pain seen all types of back spc and nothing can be done they give me pain pills for it take one at bed time but I only take them every other day for it makes it hard to get up

Response by SrA Mila Lane made Oct 26 at 2015 10:54 PM

2015-10-26T22:54:03-04:00

I have been an u can take meds if u want too but mostly u deal with the pain

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-10-26T23:05:57-04:00

I do alot of stretching and go to the gym to work on strengthening my back muscles. Also massage works well too.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 26 at 2015 11:22 PM

2015-10-26T23:22:56-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member Try the Marine's 'Semper Fi'! Always be faithful to the stretches for your back and core!

Response by PFC Joseph Levi made Oct 26 at 2015 11:24 PM

2015-10-26T23:24:25-04:00

I was suppose to have a 3rd surgery on October
2nd for a spinal cord stimulator implant which did help a lot when I had the trial. But after I had an mri before the surgery, I had new findings so they cancelled the surgery. I'm still waiting for to see what they are going to do.

Response by CPO Kenneth Wilkinson made Oct 27 at 2015 3:05 AM

2015-10-27T03:05:16-04:00

I was injured in the Navy on the job. Had surgery then another which fused my l4/l5. I am always in pain. I do not quit. I just go and go. Then is rest. I will not be a cripple.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 8:16 AM

2015-10-27T08:16:14-04:00

Planks, core exercises and a most importantly a few naproxen with food first thing in the morning.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 27 at 2015 10:15 AM

2015-10-27T10:15:30-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I broke my back at the L4 L5 while serving in Iraq. I live with constant low back pain. I have tried many things. I do not like nor will I take pain meds. I stretch my back often. In addition, I spent a descent amount of money for a good mattress. I still use my TENS unit and this brings some relief. I also utilize inversion therapy and this seems to be a great choice as it take the pain away for hours, longer than anything else I have used. The VA provided me a back brace and I wear it as needed, but try to avoid it, as I want my back to maintain as much strength as possible.

Previously I had trigger point injections and they provided no relief. I have been prescribed and was desperate enough to try some of the pain meds, I hated them and as stated do not like them to begin with so I discontinued use. I have also attended physical therapy, but found the TENS unit and inversion therapy to be the better than the physical therapy.

Everyone's back and back injury is different. It make take some trial and error, but I suspect you will find what you need to make your back feel better.

Reach out if I can provide any additional information,

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Oct 27 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-10-27T10:28:07-04:00

As a physical therapist we see a LOT of patients with low back pain, most diagnosed as mechanical or muscular in nature, and there are those with more involved diagnosis. All in all though you cannot ignore the basics with all diagnosis; posture, core strength, obesity, fitness, flexibility, etc. Then of course there are patient specific self-care, exercises, and treatments. Best advice is start with the basics and see what changes, and make adjustments as needed, and if need be seek out care at a MTF or your local doc for a more detailed examination.

Best to all...

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Oct 27 at 2015 10:38 AM

2015-10-27T10:38:22-04:00

Lots of lower back pain, have to watch how I lift at work. Doctor gave me a list of stretching excersise that I try to do in the morning and evening. The stretching helps a lot.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-10-27T11:35:26-04:00

I use indometacin and think before I leap.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indometacin

Indometacin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Indometacin (INN and BAN) or indomethacin (AAN, USAN and former BAN) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used as a prescription medication to reduce fever, pain, stiffness, and swelling. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, molecules known to cause these symptoms.[1][2] It is marketed under more than twelve different trade names.[3]

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-10-27T14:11:53-04:00

I make regular visits to the chiropractor on post. I recently (four days ago) learned we have a pain treatment option that uses acupuncture with electrodes attached. I used this treatment for some time in Iraq in lieu of pain meds. Because of that experience I use a small TENS* unit to send pulses to the pain region. It is still temporary relief. Someone else I know is looking at surgery.
*Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

Response by TSgt Don Melton made Oct 27 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-10-27T14:15:15-04:00

As a back sufferer I feel your pain. Do some research on the procedure rhizotomy. This may or may not be for you. Only your doctor can say for sure. Pain management doctors usually are the ones that do this.

Response by CW3 David Covey made Oct 27 at 2015 2:24 PM

2015-10-27T14:24:01-04:00

Chiropractor.. That is the only thing that kept me functional for 20 years. Surgery would have put me out medically. I spent quite a bit of time on profile at different times until I was fit again, but never allowed them to make it permanent.

Response by MAJ Christine Zawadzki made Oct 27 at 2015 8:54 PM

2015-10-27T20:54:47-04:00

Hello! Yes, I was injured carrying another soldier while running for pt. I had a tear in my L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs and had surgery in 2008 to remove L4-L5 disc, put in a cage with cadaver bones and screws for a fusion. L5-S1 still has a tear. I had a pulmonary embolism following the surgery and lost part of my right lung. I also tore my right SI joint following the surgery. I would urge you not to have surgery unless it's your last option. Everyone's body reacts differently, but other issues may arise after the surgery fixes one issue.

It took me 4-5 years to feel like I was almost healed, as much as possible anyway. I've done physical therapy which really helps you get into a good routine of stretching and core strength building. I walk and stay active, as much as possible. I use a heating pad at night and in the morning to warm up my sore muscles and get a deep tissue massage every 2-3 weeks.

About 2 years ago, I started going to a pain management doctor at Duke, who prescribed oxycontin to manage my pain better than hydrocodone could. I was on that about a year and a half then switched to opana a couple months ago because the Dr said opiod rotation will help keep the effectiveness of the meds without continuing to increase the dosage. I hope that helps!! Feel better!

Response by MAJ Thomas Person made Oct 28 at 2015 1:29 PM

2015-10-28T13:29:43-04:00

SFC Patrick-I have a 50% slipped L5/S1. Every surgeon I have talked to trying to avoid ortho surgery number 12 since 2011 has told me: research shows college football linemen and people who hump rucks suffer from spondylolisthesis. Only 5-6% of the population suffer from this condition. Good luck brother because it is like being the number one breacher....over and over

Response by MSgt KathyDavid Smyth made Oct 28 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-10-28T13:37:18-04:00

So far, I have had 9 surgeries due to back issues from military services and the next one coming up on Nov 30th. Once I recover from that, it will be time for a STIMS unit to be installed to help with the pain. MS Cotin does not touch the nerve pain, but helps with the rest.

Response by 2LT Earl Dean made Oct 28 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-10-28T14:32:13-04:00

I broke my back during Desert Storm and have dealt with back pain since then. the best you can do is stay away from the drugs like Vicodin as much as you can. Get on all fours and rock as far as you can forward and back to loosen the Musial and deal with as much as you can. But also going to the VA and getting Physical threopy, and get a good chair that supports you back when sitting. Exercise!

Response by Sgt Frances Krieger made Oct 28 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-10-28T14:56:11-04:00

Maintain core strength.

Response by SGT James Hastings made Oct 28 at 2015 3:00 PM

2015-10-28T15:00:12-04:00

Well, whatever I'm doing I'm apparently succeeding at maintaining it. It hasn't lessened much! lol

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Oct 28 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-10-28T20:23:38-04:00

Since March '13 I have had 2 back surgery's and 7 epidural steroid shots. Nothing worked very well. I tried several other drugs (Neurontin, Celebrex, etc) they didn't work well. Some had pretty bad side effects. I recently started taking Nucynta ER. It works pretty well for me. You will have to try several other meds before Nucynta though. It is extremely expensive so your Dr will not jump straight to it. One other thing to keep in mind is Tricare will not approve Nucynta IR only the ER.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Oct 29 at 2015 9:13 AM

2015-10-29T09:13:52-04:00

When I retired in 2006, the VA diagnosed me with Degnerative Disc Disease in my low back and the same in my upper back; Lombar region and Cervical region respectively. It has gotten steadily worse in the past 9 years. The upper back seems to be stable but my low back just keeps getting worse (a spine specialist has graduated me to Spinal Stenosis between L3/L4/L5). I have tried Physical Therapy, Chiropractors, Exercise, Spinal Shots, professional massage, and I even sucked it up and tried yoga. None of it has provided long term relief. I am scheduled for my last shot tomorrow. If it doesnt work, the only option left will be a surgical repair with a 70 - 80 percent success rate. Take care of your back when you are young! You do NOT want to try to fix it when you are 50ish!

Response by SGT James Carlson made Oct 29 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-10-29T12:07:19-04:00

I'm sure 10 years of military life had something to do with it , 17 years of delivering mail on Beacon Hill in Boston did me in

Response by SSG Ronald Rollins made Oct 29 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-10-29T17:01:33-04:00

I have had 4 back surgeries. It does not help. I have had injections, physical thearpy, braces, pain pills (that i got hooked on) and none of it works. I retired in 2012. If no has told you do all you can to avoid surgery unless it is not a choice. Mine was not a choice. Had bone going into my spinal cord. Try exercise and core strenth execises. Surgery just made my pain worse. But at least I can walk some with a bad limp. I am going for a MRI and CT scan to see if a screw they put in broke. I can't sit, stand or walk very far. I use a cane now and sometimes 2. I had a spinal cord stimulater but had to get it out because of a staph infection in my spine because of it. They did not think I was gonna pull thru that! Scared me. Got a Fusion and still have a lot of pain.

Response by SPC Tyler Frampton made Oct 30 at 2015 1:00 AM

2015-10-30T01:00:20-04:00

Yoga and pain management, I blew out three discs and herniated one. That's what I do to help.

Response by SP6 Eric Pollack made Nov 1 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-11-01T17:09:05-05:00

Keep up with pt strengthen your core. Stretch. Green meds if your able to with out leagle issues. Stay off the pharmaceuticals if possable. And if your a tabbacoo user quit.