Lumbar spine osteoarthritis

Paddington55

A First on this poxy osteoarthritis journey. I couldn't go to brum with my Daughter, Granddaughter and great nephew. I knew I wouldn't manage the walking, even with my tens machine and walking stick.
It's knocked me sideways . The realisation that I can't do things I normally love to do . There has to be something to improve my mobility ? I've had steroid jabs and nerve ablation ( which made it worse) . Any ideas from fellow sufferers would be appreciated . I feel I'm losing ME to this condition 😞 💔

stickywicket

Hello and welcomè.

I'm sorry you missed out on your trip but it sounds as if hat has prompted you to look into how you might manage something another timè. I so agree. It's not about 'I can't' but 'how can I?'

Well, I thinnk the Red Cross still loans out wheelchairs. Ànd many tourist places / sHopping centres loan out mobility scooters.

To improve matters generally mY go to method is exercises. Check our VersUs Aŕthitis's ones.

And I wish you many happy future outings.

Ellen

Hello @Paddington55

What a shame you weren't able to join your family in Birmingham. Your Osteoarthritis is clearly affecting your mobility. I wondered whether you were seeing a consultant at all and whether surgical options had been considered.

I was also going to suggest you consider using some equipment such as a mobility scooter or wheelchair for situations like these. I know many of our members find it difficult to use something like this, but you might think it far better than missing out on fun activities with your family. Some people use walker which have a seat attached for rest periods too.

Stickywicket mentions exercise as an option to help if you are interested there are some here you could look at which are very gentle:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/october/new-stretching-videos-to-help-keep-moving-and-manage-your-arthritis/

I will leave you now to meet some more of our members hopefully they may have some tips for you.

Best wishes

Ellen.

Lowebug

Hi there. I’m in a similar situation. Four months into constant back pain that medication and physio aren’t alleviating. Finally the MRI shows beginnings of osteoarthritis in lumbar spine. I’m learning to adapt. A lot less walking (I used to walk a lot with my family and dog) but more swimming and gentle cycling with a second-hand upright e-bike (Dutch / shopper sit-up-and-beg type seems reasonable on my back as my mountain bike is too painful). I know how you feel though as it’s upsetting not being able to join in on the things you used to love. Finding this site is a great support. Some thoughts on diet, supplements and medication would be helpful if others have some advice please. Thanks all. Cx

PeterJ

Hello @Lowebug and welcome. I hope that the gentle exercising is helping you. You ask about diet etc so I've put a link in below from our website and also one on Osteoarthritis of the Spine which might help.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-spine/

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/diet-and-nutritional-supplements/

Please le us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Peter