New diagnosis- OA of the lumbar spine

jpweaver

Hi. I’m new to the site and this is my first post today.
I’m 42 and recently diagnosed with OA of the lumbar area of my spine. I’ve had a battle to get the correct treatment with NHS but hopefully now there is the appropriate plan in place with physio and pain management team. Had an op 18 months ago to remove part of a collapsed disc which damaged a nerve to my leg, this subsequently sent most of my leg and foot numb, which has never recovered.
The pain and heavy, dull aching has been on and off over the last 3 years but it is almost constant in my back lately whether sitting, standing or lying down, so it is affecting every part of my daily life currently. I’m signed off work for another 10 days (been off for 10 days so far) and feel so down currently, as it’s affected my entire lifestyle virtually. I’m on codine and amytrptaline medication.
Just thought I’d reach out to see if anyone has the same OA as me? And if so, if they have any advice on how they manage their condition, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

annabanana

Hi @jpweaver First of all, welcome to the online community, it is great to have you here!
I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of OA in your lumbar area - I unfortunately don't have any advice that I can give you other than a couple of websites but hopefully someone else within the community will come along and be able to give advice.

I wish you the best of luck and I truly hope things improve for you!

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/

jpweaver

Many thanks for the website links. Much appreciated. I will take a look.

MaryL44

Hi @jpweaver Sorry to see that you're having a tough time. I have not been diagnosed with arthritis of the spine but have had a 'bad back' for a very long time with occasional flare ups of sciatica. In recent years I managed to see a physio on the NHS and his advice was to strengthen the muscles around your back (basically glutes and core) in order to support it and I've now become a gym bunny. Even though I can't claim to be cured, exercise has made a great difference to managing it all.

Mary

jpweaver

Thanks Mary. That’s what the physio is looking to do with me also. Have numerous exercises to do on a daily basis. It sounds like you’re in the position where I was 5/6 years ago.

Thank you.
John.