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Lower Back Spasms

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Guest
Guest

I have spinal stenosis and failed back surgery syndrome l5 S1 I regularly have back spasms but this time it seems far worse than the other times. I cannot get out of bed easily I am using two walking sticks. It just feels as though my lower back has locked. I am taking methocarbamol, Tramadol 50mg slow release, paracetamol and diazepam. Have been in agony since Sunday. I have been applying Ice onto the area. Does anyone else suffer from these episodes? How long do they last for you? I am in constant chronic pain and have been for eighteen years but these episodes knock me for six, I know what steps to take and didn't call my doctor this time but maybe I should have done, so it is in my records but you don't want to trouble an overstretched doctor. 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • jessica_78456
    jessica_78456 Guest

    Posted

    Totally sympathise am 40 and have suffered with my back for 20 yr + I had emergency surgery 2013 for Cas disc s had collapsed and were pressing on my spinal cord. I had a discectomy l4/l5 . It was a failure nite it's not lasted long. Awaiting spinal fusion now. What op did u have

    • Guest
      Guest jessica_78456

      Posted

      I have had a discectomy and also a decompression but have so much scar tissue. I also have a spinal cord stimulator fitted for sciatic nerve pain but it doesn't work on the back pain 😔 Feeling pretty low today perhaps it's the side effects of the Meds and the pain x

    • jessica_78456
      jessica_78456 Guest

      Posted

      Maybe meds can make u feel like that.3 of my lower disc s are completely black compression on the siactic nerve. I also have erosion of the left facet joints too. As well as lumber stenosis infamitory joint diease. And hyper mobility. I need put down.
  • scott17436
    scott17436 Guest

    Posted

    Have you been back to see your consultant? I've just had my fourth surgery. 3rd was a partial success but need more scaffolding put in. Now have 16 screws, 2 cages and 4 rods across L4-S1. I'm not out of pain and still take Longtec 30mg slow release twice a day plus others. I'd try and get back to see your surgeon to see what else they can do. Luckily I have a great Ortho Surgeon. He's done three of my ops. Will help if he can and is happy to discuss things. I'll be using a crutch/stick for the rest of my life due to nerve damage but finally my back is barracks (just) but that simply due to pushing for things to get done!

    Don't take no for an answer and press to get things done. Good luck.

    • Guest
      Guest scott17436

      Posted

      I'm not able to have any MRIs now due to having the implant. I normally only use one stick because of nerve pain but using two now as walking is unbearable still! I have a wheelchair for long distances. I hate having these muscle spasms they are agony frown

       

    • Guest
      Guest jessica_78456

      Posted

      I have an inserted spinal cord stimulator which runs down each side of my spine and a box inside my tummy, this sends tens like tingling into my legs and feet for nerve pain and sciatica so am unable to have MRI scans 
  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX Guest

    Posted

    I had a bone spur crushing my sciatic nerve at L4 a number of years ago (fixed by simple laminectomy) and then fused L3 to S1 in 2015.  After a knee replacement in March 2016, I developed stenosis L1 through S1.  No drugs worked.  What makes it worse is that I walk bent over to avoid the spine pain (back through hips and butt, down both legs) so that put all the pressure is on my already weak quads which are fatigued from overwork.  Not a great situation...since October.

    Had the MRI last month that confirmed the stenosis.  Pain doc injected cortisone at L2/L3 last week to see if that made a difference (area of worst bilateral stenosis).  It worked maybe 70%.  The point was not to cure it but to indicate to the spine surgeon where to concentrate his efforts.  The result is that he's now doing an addition C-spine MRI plus a full myelogram/CT with contrast, to see exactly where he has to go to work.  These are scheduled in the next few days; see the neurosurgeon on February 2nd to plan the operation.  Hope to have it done soon.  Once completed, I should be back to 100% with zero pain...like both my previous spine ops.

    Doc says that my spine is a "junkyard" after 45 years of playing hockey...plus my right hip and left knee are all metal.  The myelogram with contract plus CT Scan is the definitive test for nerve root stenosis problems.  Basically, it provides the surgeon with a "map" of your spine so he/she can do their work.  I would suggest it.  I know the pain...not as long as you but I know its debilitating effects. Get the test...have the op...live a good life.

    • Guest
      Guest CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      I can't have CT or MRIs due to my spinal cord stimulator, wishing you good luck and great success with your procedures x

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