lumbarsacral spine

[jeb321]

I am a 64 year old female just diagnosed with osteoarthrosis of the lumbarsacral spine. My Dr said "you just have a little arthritis".  I have severe pain in the morning which disappears after about 15 minutes.  Does anyone have any suggestions of what they are doing to alleviate pain.  Any specific exercises to do?  Are you seeing a specialist?  I take 3 Advil for pain but have not figured out how to get rid of morning excruciating pain.  Thanks for any advice.

[LeftCoastChick]

I can completely relate - I wake up in the morning and pretty much my whole lower back is locked up, and sometimes my ribs get that way too and I find it hard to breathe. My lower back pain can actually get worse when I try to "walk it off" . I walk my dogs as soon as I am able to in the morning, and it's an agonizing 1-2 block walk, I can't do more then that.  Taking motrin does absolutely nothing for me,  I have flexeril, and have taken more then I'm supposed too and that isn't helping either. My GP said I have a little arthritis, but a little wouldn't cause agonizing pain would it?

[gnatelee]

Unless someone else has already suggested this, here is what I do for the severe pain;
Put your 'pain medicine dose' right on your nightstand.  Place water or whatever beverage you wish, to use to swallow the med (s).  Take the meds while still in bed, with as little movement as possible. Wait for the pain to begin to leave, thus making it easier to get out of bed and not have the terrible pain that you mentioned.

Unless you have otherwise done so, contact you Internal Med Doc and ask he or she would they would suggest.  Perhaps something stronger than Advil.  If your pain is only in the morning for about 15 minutes, perhaps you could ask your doc for a short-term pain med that you can slip under your tongue in the a.m.

To me, 15 minutes in excruciating pain with 3 Advil would be heaven, compared to constant and sometimes debilitating pain, where one must you several types of pain meds via the doc.

I hope you find a way to make your mornings a bit easier, upon rising.

[Dnmh]

Yes, physical therapy does help. Your PT can show you different excecises that help stregthen the muscles which in turn will help support the spine. I agree with txsilver, the nerve sensations you are having could be caused by compression either from the OA or a disk issue. You may want to ask for a referal to a neurologist. If caught early enough, the nerve "damage" is reversable.
Best of luck...

[LThomas]

There is a unit called "TENS" (temporary electrical nerve stimulator).  It is for cronic pain. The unit has 4 electrodes that send a tiny shock to the pads you place on your skin.  You have to have a prescription to get one.  

There is also a cryotherapy unit you can use.  It is a small cooler with a pump that has a pad attached to a hose.  It works opposite to a heating pad.  Cold water circulates in the pad cointuniously.  You have to have a prescription for it.

I use Sombra. It is a cream that is like some of the deep-heat-rubs but it is the only on that works for me.  

[txsilver]

Did they xray or MRI your back?  With tingling it sounds like you may have a disc problem.  Have you seen an osteo?

[jeb321]

I am careful in rolling out of bed - but also have so far always had the pretty severe pain  in actually standing.  That lasts a short while and then I get into hot shower.  Now I have feelings of a tingling down my leg for a very short time - but this is a new development. As I mentioned before my Dr (when I was told of my condition) said "you have a little arthritis".  I am thinking of insisting dr give me a physical therapy referral.  Has anyone had physical therapy for this problem?  Are there any specific exercises one knows of to help in strenghtning spine etc.?  Thanks for any advice.  

[txsilver]

I wish I had a secret to pass on to you.  My lumbar is also arthritic.  Have you tried rolling carefully out of bed and getting into a warm/hot shower?  I know that sometimes provides me with relief.