I have been diagnosed about 7mos ago with Degenerative Arthritis in my Lower Lumbar (L4). I can not take my med's when working, makes me very tired (Vicodin). I have a sit down job (Desktop Publishing) and after a few hours, my back is killing me. I have the chair supports for my back and get up every 30min or so to stretch. What kind of exercises could I do that help to strengthen my back muscles that won't be too over-exerting? And would Advil or Bayer be better for the inflamation?
2007-10-18 08:03:57 · 6 answers · asked by eZonis34 4 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
DO NOT answer this question if your gonna say to ask my doctor.
It is asked in general to those who are in the same situation.
Thank you for the helpful responses, thus far.
2007-10-18 08:37:08 · update #1
I come from a family of arthritic individuals. What we have found really helps is an herbal supplement, either glucosamine chondroitin or Osteo-Biflex. They often have a buy one get one free at Walgreens, so watch for their ads!! It's not an immediate relief; it does take a week or two, but we do notice the difference. Also, I have heard that acupuncture can help, but I have not needed to pursue that avenue yet. Also, walking is very good for arthritic people...just make sure you have good shoes, as the impact can really take its toll. If you have the extra money and room for it, those glider things (not a treadmill) that look kind of like skiis are good...they have virtually no impact on your joints, which is better for your whole body. Hope it helps, and good luck!!
2007-10-18 09:19:23 · answer #1 · answered by kendi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First DDD is Degenerative Disc Disease, which is part of the aging process. However you state Degenerative Arthritis so I assume you mean Osteoarthritis, or wear and tear. Yes pain medication and employment do not go hand in hand.
OK first you need a anti-inflammatory drug and I am surprised your Doc has not prescribed one. Anti-inflammatory will help kill the inflammation in the muscles surrounding the L4. In fact anti-inflammatory like Difene might just solve the problem? Outside of that you need to find a Pilates Class in your local area. Pilates will teach you how to build 'core stability' or use the tummy muscles to hold the spine stright. I did Nine Month's once a week, one hour session and the first month I was exhausted and crippled, had to go to bed as soon as I got home. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis wil prolapsed disc. However once I got over the shock and it was a shock, could not find whatever muscle I was supposed to be contracting, life got so much better. I started in Beginners Class and thought I was still in it, but seems I did Internediate and so they wanted to put me into advanced with the teenage males, who would distract me. I learned the techniques and now do them at home. Likewise get yourself into some flat shoes with correct support as this will also help. Now I am doing Aqua Jogging, wear a belt that keeps me upright in the pool and takes the pressure off the lower spine. Only problem being, I have to get out of the pool which is akin to coming back to Earth and Gravity from Space. The answer is in the 'core strength' you have to train your tummy muscles to support your spine.
2007-10-18 13:42:13 · answer #2 · answered by gillianprowe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is so similar to me...i have a couple more issues. Monday, I had my 1st spinal block and feel so much better!!
I get up 1 x per hr at work, walk, stretch and go back to work. I am losing my gut, walking after dinner, 30 minutes of stretching in the AM and PM and feel 25 again! I am 36 and shooting for feeling 20 again.
Get the shots if you can handle it! it has been the best for me...along with the other stuff. No 1 thing will do it!
2007-10-18 08:09:09 · answer #3 · answered by I don't look like this 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are prescription strength anti-inflammatory meds that you can take to help ease the pain and inflammation. They are not a cure all but they do help some.Do you see a rheumatologist? If not you should, they are specialists and can decide what is best for you including maybe some physical therapy. Many places are open at night for those that work.
I have arthritis too and it is affecting my back so I can sympathize.
Good Luck! :)
2007-10-19 06:07:24 · answer #4 · answered by C M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would be careful with the Advil, it can make holes in your gut and cause leaky gut syndrome. Go to a chiropractor and maybe try acupuncture.
2007-10-18 08:08:58 · answer #5 · answered by maur911 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
YOUR PROBLEM REQUIRES DETAILED QUESTIONING,THOUROUGH PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND RAYS AND BLOOD/URINE TESTS.THE BEST COURSE WILL BE TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR RATHER THAN TAKING SOME HOME REMEDIES/OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS
2007-10-18 08:15:06 · answer #6 · answered by macmillion46 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋