arthritis or tendonitis or something else?...Help!?

Question

Doc says have arthritis in lower back but most of my pain is in and around the hip areas. Get severe muscle spasms (charlie horses) in hamstring muscles in back of thigh during the night. May be work related. Climb about 30 flights of stairs and walk a couple of miles a day as a prison guard. Pain got worse after a course of celebrex. Side effects were awful also. Pain does not seem to be in joint but more in muscles or tendons. Muscles in back of legs very tight. Can no longer stretch them out without a lot of pain. Am confused about what to do next. Local radiologist thought pinched nerve in back but spine specialist said arthritis. Anyone else have these kinds of symptoms?

Answer 1

Dehydration and potassium deficiency could be causing the charlie horses. I think you need to speak with your doctor about other anti-inflammatory drugs besides Celebrex. Also, a muslce relaxer such as flexeril or Valium. A course of physical therapy to help you stretch your muscles also sounds like a good idea. Ask to see a sport's medicine specialist of a physiatrist. Good luck.

Answer 2

This might sound silly but I get tendon, back and muscle pain when I'm dehydrated. I now drink lots of fluid and cut down on dyeretics (if thats how to spell it) like tea, coffee, coke, alcohol etc. I drink a frequently as opposed to a lot once or twice a day, if you know what I mean. I'm not a doctor but this works for me. I have also heard about bad posture causing all sorts of muscle and back problems. Have you seen a phsiotherapist?

Answer 3

Hi, I work on my feet and walk all day too. I found that when I had this problem, (sounds just like yours) I needed better shoes. I had amazing results just by trying SAS or other work shoes that supported my lower back and hips.

hope this helps.