Back update

I wanted to do an update of my back. This note a sympathy post, but info for me if I need it if I have to see a specialist down the road AND to share with you what I've learned so far. I've had a couple of e-mails from you that are going thru the same thing.


Anyway I am going to PT and will for 6 weeks, hoping it will work. They started traction treatments Saturday and that gave me some relief until they took me out of traction. We are trying different things and I was finally able to sleep for 3 hours last nite the longest in several days so that was a good thing! DH also gave me a massage before I went to bed and I think that helped calm down the muscle spasming as well.

She had me sleep with a laundry basket and I put my legs up on it with my right (my bad side) knee to my chest and my foot against the basket. Sounds bizarre, but it gave me some relief and I was able to sleep for 3 hours (until I woke up coughing! Ü). Being in this weird position took away the shooting pain down my leg and foot. I still have pain in my hip area, but she (my PT) says for now that is okay. It's the pain down the leg that is dangerous if it lasts too long.

She said every day to try to walk on my heels and tippy toes. If I can't do it, then I will have to see a specialist right away as that is a sign of severe nerve damage. Some can go longer than others with the nerve pain down the leg. I am on day 13.

Another thing she had me do is get a brace for my back. I already had an elastic one from years ago and used it today and could tell a difference. My muscles aren't working very good right now and she said this would give me some support until we can get them to work.

I did a lot of reading and research today on sciatic nerves and everything I read she suggested we do, even the time line, so I am confident in the direction we are going. It even said ibuprofen is the best meds to take and if that doesn't work, narcotics, which I don't like.

Another thing I read is to try to stay as active as possible. I know that doesn't seem possible when one is in so much pain, but I am definitely trying it and plan to keep working as long as I can.

I hope some of this helps you if you are going thru the same thing. If you have anything that has helped, please feel free to share. Everyone is different and responds to treatment different, but if anything that helps me can help someone else, I want to share.