Newly diagnosed..any tips on managing pain?

sjm1
sjm1 Member Posts: 3
edited 25. Feb 2025, 11:39 in Coffee Lounge

Hi,

just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of spine with degenerative disc disease. I’m 45 fairly fit and active with a very physically demanding job. Have had previous wear and tear in knees and finger joints but they are okay just now but the back is so unforgiving. It has been described as fairly mild but the pain and fatigue are hard to manage. Next steps are core strengthening physio and a GP follow up appointment to discuss pain management..just wanted to gauge any advice on here?

Cheers


simon

Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,959

    Hi @sjm1 Simon. welcome to the online community. I see you have a recent diagnosis of DDD an osteoarthritis of the spine.

    Indeed strengthening your core is very much key to supporting your back. I am very glad to hear you have physio booked already.

    We do have some information about managing pain on our main site:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

    I'll leave you now to hear our members' experiences and tips for coping with pain.

    Best wishes

    Ellen.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,341

    I do indeed feel your pain @sjm1

    I also have DDD arthritis lower back and neck in addition to an inflammatory type of arthritis. There is nothing like pain in the spine because it affects everything you do from breathing to using the loo😳sneezing to sitting down. I have been in so much pain with it that I have in the past heaved with it - makes it worse as you can well imagine!

    In general nowadays (had back surgery many years ago) I know my back and neck and am able to head things off at the pass when it looks as though things are getting iffy. That means resting as soon as humanly possible before it gets hold of me. You will be able to spot warning signs in future. I sleep on my side with a shaped pillow and a pillow between my knees to align my spine. The handlebars of my bike are high up so I don't lean forwards and my workspace is at the correct height.

    For now though getting that core strengthened is priority as is probably pain management. there are lots of options for pain management the information given above is excellent so do read it.

    I use some simple techniques too to help with pain - if heat helps you can buy stick on heat patches (useful for work or driving) I have microwavable wheatbags too and use some MSN gel to rub in as well as a tens machine. All non medicinal.

    If paracetamol/OTC anti-inflams like ibuprofen aren't helping though your GP is where you need to go, unfortunately, for anything stronger.

    Best of luck Simon

    Toni

  • sjm1
    sjm1 Member Posts: 3

    hi Tom

    Thanks for the helpful advice and tips. It all seems to ring true and is much appreciated.

    Hopefully the work with physio will help a bit and give me something to go on. A GP visit to discuss pain management as well feels like there is at least a plan.

    My main problem to be honest is when we are busy at work then I am just done in and sore for a good while. It may be I can get through the day okay but as soon as I’m home and sit that’s me beat and it’s not fair on the kids and family I feel. For context I work with electricity company on the overhead lines and underground cables in a remote area so a lot of walking through rough heavy ground, climbing bending twisting, lifting heavy loads etc..all not ideal for this condition in beginning to realise.

    Trying to be positive and get as fit and flexible as possible is my aim though

    Thanks again for advice


    simon

  • sjm1
    sjm1 Member Posts: 3

    Toni even..🤦🏻‍♂️ appologies 😂

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,341

    Hehehe! no offence taken @sjm1

    As soon as you said what you do for a living I got it! Ouch twisting stretching bending. Yes not good.

    I very much hope starting your physio and getting your core stronger will help you a lot (it should if the damage isn't too bad), but in the meantime you feel as though you're letting your family down.

    When I had my surgery on my back my children were 8 and 5 gosh I felt guilty (at that time I was also a single parent) in spite of fantastic support from their Grandparents.

    However they are older now and tell me it was fine no children were harmed due to my back!. You know we can give as much to our children by giving them our time, listening to them and loving them as by running around with a football.

    Don't beat yourself up you are doing what you can Simon.

    Take care Tom AKA Toni😁

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