back problems

nearlybionic

Hi
I have been having physio for a few weeks to help low back pain and for post THR exercises. So far he has been concentrating on dealing with my back problem. The 1st couple of weeks were ok, he manipulated my back and pelvis whilst I lay on my side then placed a electronic wave machine thingy on my low back for 20 mins.
This week, oh my!!! Same treatment but I am in a lot of discomfort today. I have swelling mainly on right side of spine which had reduced slightly pre this weeks session. But I can feel it is more swollen today and the pressure is causing a strange sensation down both legs.
It is not decided whether my back problem is post op, due to dysplasia, or due to slight leg length discrepancy. I am due to talk to my surgeon in August about plans for surgery to correct dysplasia on my unoperated side (right).
Can anyone with spinal/back problems advise which is best plan to ease my symptoms. I usually try heat but any other advice will be gratefully received.
Thanks
NB

eckstardeluxe

Oh dear, that's sounds awful. I know physio can cause some discomfort but pain travelling down your legs too sounds a bit much. I'd take what you have painkillers wise and if not better, I'd give the Dr a phone. Maybe I'm being over zealous, someone might know better but that does not sound right. You take care x

skezier

Hi Nearly,

I wonder if you can bring your opd appointment forward as it probably is conected somehow? Mine swells quite a lot between L1 and L4 especially I also have a job to even begin to get my legs the same length as my pelvis is raised a bit one side and they do work against each other. Did you physio offer an idea as to what was wrong?

I use heat on mine, it works ok but I am a wimp and totally allergic to the cold so have never tried it! I also use rub in stuff and gentle stretching and a bucket of tablets Have you got deferred pain and is the swelling hot? Cris

wrenis

if you've recently been manipulated and are feeling numbness in your legs, I would call the doctor and ask questions (right away).
I have scoliosis, due to leg length too. one of my ribs is chronically popping out of place. after my cracker puts it back into place she gives a deep tissue massage, then it MUST be followed with ice (or swelling occurs and the pain is much much worse than before manipulation). Perhaps you were supposed to put ice on your back after?
Another thing I find helpful is deep cold gel. if you have someone to put it on for you it's easier. keep this stuff in the fridge and get it slathered all over your back, cover it with a towel and wrap yourself up in a blanket. Then try to sleep.
I hope you feel better soon,
take care
wren

debbieclap

Hi NB
sorry to hear you are in pain I have found heat and a tens machine helps I bought one from the chemist and its wonderful I would also see the Dr as you have pain going down your legs
Hope you feel better soon
Debbie

nearlybionic

eckstardeluxe wrote:

Oh dear, that's sounds awful. I know physio can cause some discomfort but pain travelling down your legs too sounds a bit much. I'd take what you have painkillers wise and if not better, I'd give the Dr a phone. Maybe I'm being over zealous, someone might know better but that does not sound right. You take care x

Thanks Eck
I will see what tomorrow brings and if no better will try to speak to gp or physio. It is worse when I am sitting/driving, but eases when I stand. I have plenty of choice re pills to take!!! :shock:
NB

nearlybionic

skezier wrote:

Hi Nearly,

I wonder if you can bring your opd appointment forward as it probably is conected somehow? Mine swells quite a lot between L1 and L4 especially I also have a job to even begin to get my legs the same length as my pelvis is raised a bit one side and they do work against each other. Did you physio offer an idea as to what was wrong?

I use heat on mine, it works ok but I am a wimp and totally allergic to the cold so have never tried it! I also use rub in stuff and gentle stretching and a bucket of tablets Have you got deferred pain and is the swelling hot? Cris

Hi Cris
My physio has a few ideas about what is causing what but it is a process of elimination. Back pain could be due to hip dysplasia and now one hip in correct position after THR and one still in bad position. OR, leg length discrepancy causing gait problems and back pain. Or general deterioration of spine!!!-Or a combination of all the above.
I have been offered a riser for in my shoe which I declined initially but I think I will try next time.
I do have pain in other areas, but don`t think it is hot.
NB

nearlybionic

wrenis wrote:

if you've recently been manipulated and are feeling numbness in your legs, I would call the doctor and ask questions (right away).
I have scoliosis, due to leg length too. one of my ribs is chronically popping out of place. after my cracker puts it back into place she gives a deep tissue massage, then it MUST be followed with ice (or swelling occurs and the pain is much much worse than before manipulation). Perhaps you were supposed to put ice on your back after?
Another thing I find helpful is deep cold gel. if you have someone to put it on for you it's easier. keep this stuff in the fridge and get it slathered all over your back, cover it with a towel and wrap yourself up in a blanket. Then try to sleep.
I hope you feel better soon,
take care

Hi
I wasn`t told to use ice afterwards, or I definately would have. It is strange as he has done same treatment twice before without these resulting symptoms. I have a freeze spray which I will tryt before bed. Although I hate cold!!
NB
wren

nearlybionic

debbieclap wrote:

Hi NB
sorry to hear you are in pain I have found heat and a tens machine helps I bought one from the chemist and its wonderful I would also see the Dr as you have pain going down your legs
Hope you feel better soon
Debbie

Thanks Debbie
I will see if things are the same tomorrow I will try to see gp or speak to physio for advice. Hope you are doing ok!!
I could do without this now I am back at work. Day off tomorrow though.
NB

woodbon

Hello NBB All I can say is the same as the others, you may have a nerve problem, as its after physio, I think it makes it important to have it checked out. My neck becomes swollen from time to time, when the nerve has been irritated. But if physio is ongoing you do need to know whats going on. Hope you feel better soon.#
Love Sue

colinone

Hi Nearly, no advice i'm sorry but i know how painful it can get, sometimes i think this sort of treatment can exasparate your pain. I do hope your feeling better soon. Take care
Colin

mistywillow

woodbon wrote:

Hello NBB All I can say is the same as the others, you may have a nerve problem, as its after physio, I think it makes it important to have it checked out. My neck becomes swollen from time to time, when the nerve has been irritated. But if physio is ongoing you do need to know whats going on. Hope you feel better soon.#
Love Sue

Hi NB
Sorry that one pain has been replaced by another. Sometimes when one area has been altered, your body has to adjust to a new position to move in, with different muscles having to work when you move, and they are not used to it. Any mechanical change of positon however small requires realignment of your body, and I wouldnt really call a THR for dysplasia small! Having said that any discomfort going down your legs might mean that muscle spasm in your back might be squeezing on nerves that go down your leg eg sciatic nerve. Ice is usually better for spasm than heat. All the same if things are getting worse it is best to see your physio again as they can actually see what is going on.
Hope your pain subsides soon
Gillx