low back pain

[JHT2320]

IN 2004 I FELL ON ICE AND FRACTURED L5-S1, HAD SURGERY THEY REPAIRED IT AND FELT BETTER, THEN STARTED HAVING PAIN, SAW DOC AND HE SAID IT WAS THE SAME AREA, JUST OPPoSITE SIDE, NEEDED MORE SURG, NO INS, SO HAVE JUST DELT WITH THE PAIN, DID EXERCISES AND FELT BETTER. 2 DAYS AGO i FELL ON THE ICE AGAIN, CAME STRAIGHT DOWN ON MY BACK AND BUTT. NOW HAVING SAME PAIN??? STILL NO INSURANCE, any suggestions?????  
Severe pain with any movement, pain down left leg,  and after sitting numbness in leg.
JHT2320

[skmedlin27703]

Does your doctor or local hospital have Charity Care you can apply for? Normally they don't tell you about it... you have have to ask about it most of the time.... just an idea....

[Tuckamore]

Hi JHT,

Welcome to the Pain Management Community.

Have you checked with your local social services to see if there are any state insurance or even short term assistance available to you? In my home state there are programs available for those that do not have medical coverage. In larger cities there are also clinics that see patients based on your ability to pay, which can be free. If you haven't investigated your options recently, you may want to do so again.

Unfortunately you have already been advised to have a surgical repair. I doubt there is little that you can do that will resolve your pain to any great degree . However there are the usual and customary approaches you can take to any injury.

Remember RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. When it's your lower back Compression and elevation is difficult. So try the rest and ice. After several days many PCP will suggest that you rotate between ice and heat....if it brings you more comfort.

You can also talk to your pharmacist for a suggestion of a NSAID. It will help in the reduction of inflammation and swelling, which should also ease some of your discomfort.

Oh yes....and try to avoid the ice. :o)

Best of luck to you. Please let us know how you are going.

Take Care,
~Tuck