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Hello-
Brand new here, I am a 59 year old male. Active my entire life, I was at one time a nationally competitive bodybuilder winning the California 88. I have been very lucky in many ways. I was almost "bullet proof" until about 2 years ago. Lower back pain. At this point I am just in awe at the pain this can cause. Most of today barely mobile, I hate to admit this but it is true. I have had a great colorful life with lots of incredible events. I never imagined pain could be this limiting. I know I was naive through my good fortune of never having to deal with it.
I am feeling more defeated than ever and realize I am going to have educate myself. I am with Kaiser and so far the treatment has been pills, physical therapy, pain meditation classes etc, I don't like to take pills if I don't have to. The only pills that seemed to have an effect was Prednisone. I did just now start Gabapentin. I am searching for both long term and short term answers. I have never delt with pain like this and very much appreciate any hope.
The MRI last week showed the following-
L1-L2 Disc Bulge, no canal stenosis, Mild right foraminal stenosis
L2-L3 Disc Bulge, facet athropathy, Mild canal stenosis, Moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis
L3-L4 Disc Bulge, central protrusion, Facet athropathy, Severe canal stenosis, Severe bilateral foraminal stenosis
L4-L5 Disc Bulge, facet arthropathy, Severe canal stenosis, Severe bilateral foraminal stenosis
L5-S1 No canal stenosis, facet athropathy, no foraminal stenosis.
Apologies if this is too much info or if I am simply in the wrong place. I'm just brand new in pain and seeking answers.
Brand new here, I am a 59 year old male. Active my entire life, I was at one time a nationally competitive bodybuilder winning the California 88. I have been very lucky in many ways. I was almost "bullet proof" until about 2 years ago. Lower back pain. At this point I am just in awe at the pain this can cause. Most of today barely mobile, I hate to admit this but it is true. I have had a great colorful life with lots of incredible events. I never imagined pain could be this limiting. I know I was naive through my good fortune of never having to deal with it.
I am feeling more defeated than ever and realize I am going to have educate myself. I am with Kaiser and so far the treatment has been pills, physical therapy, pain meditation classes etc, I don't like to take pills if I don't have to. The only pills that seemed to have an effect was Prednisone. I did just now start Gabapentin. I am searching for both long term and short term answers. I have never delt with pain like this and very much appreciate any hope.
The MRI last week showed the following-
L1-L2 Disc Bulge, no canal stenosis, Mild right foraminal stenosis
L2-L3 Disc Bulge, facet athropathy, Mild canal stenosis, Moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis
L3-L4 Disc Bulge, central protrusion, Facet athropathy, Severe canal stenosis, Severe bilateral foraminal stenosis
L4-L5 Disc Bulge, facet arthropathy, Severe canal stenosis, Severe bilateral foraminal stenosis
L5-S1 No canal stenosis, facet athropathy, no foraminal stenosis.
Apologies if this is too much info or if I am simply in the wrong place. I'm just brand new in pain and seeking answers.
Your symptoms and imaging sound like mine before I had lumbar fusion surgery several years ago. I no longer have severe pain but I must deal with the symptoms of lumbar stenosis. I’m gradually getting better thanks to physical therapy and the use of a rollator-style walker that enables me to rest a bit when I’m out for a walk. See a good surgeon and use your body building training to guide your recovery and rehab. Good luck!
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