I have been in a serious battle with severe lower back pain since February. I ended up in the Emergency Dept. when my back spasms were so bad that I couldn't get up off the floor (where I landed during the spasms!). After the ED let me go I started Physical Therapy at my Family doctor's office.

I was doing the exercises and stretches but I was not getting better. After 6 weeks my therapist told me I had to go back to the doctor before she'd see me again. My doc of course told me to go to an Orthpod. I'll finally see him Wednesday (took a month to get an appointment).

Meanwhile, I have days, like today, where the pain gets so bad that I"m scared to get up & go to the bathroom. It's a really heavy ache. I can't take care of my house, look for a job, walk the dog (God bless my neighbor who takes her!). Being in pain all the time is getting me really down.

I have been offered many prescriptions for pain and all of them, except Advil, have caused more grief than relief. THe pain meds made me so dizzy and nauseated, ugh.

It's hard on DH because he has to do a lot more around the house with me on the fritz and he already works 10 to 12 hours a day. On top of the pain, I'm feeling so guilty - like I'm really letting him down. I'm afraid that, even just a little, he thinks that if I were in shape and not obese I wouldn't have a back problem. Maybe yes, maybe no. I know that my weight/fitness makes it much worse, that's for sure. He's kind to me about it because he had to have a laminectomy years ago before we were married - he said his leg would get so numb he had to drag it behind him. Still, I feel bad asking him to get my pills, get me something to drink, go get my purse because I can't get up just now.

I am very glad you all are out there and I can reach out to someone! It helps a lot.

I have to say that even with this pain I have been able to stay on my eating plan and I'm still losing weight!

Hi, I'm in pain toooo!

Not as bad as you, mine is fibromyalgia, like arthric muslces! it's awful, but I feel bad when I can't do things around the house, or when I have to sit at work (I have a job where everyone else stands) feel better soon!

hopefully the Orthpod will be able to help you find a way to stop the pain. Good luck!

Oh MissKoo, I feel for you. I have had my back go out before, couldn't walk, or stand, no position offered any relief. I hope the ortho doc can help. It's no fun beig in pain and not being able to do normal everyday things for yourself. I pray you get relief from the pain soon.

I feel your pain, literally. I have a herniated disc, it's been pain in the tailbone and left butt cheek, I have to sit on ice all the time. Went to therapy, been going to the gym four times a week, and nothing. It's so miserable to never be comfortable sitting or lying down. I guess I'm blessed that it doesn't hurt at all when I'm walking or upright. Mine has lasted 1 year and a half already

I had horrible pain in my back for years--- eventually I had spinal stenosis, which is offsetting and pinching of the spinal cord. It took a year or more of pain to get rid of that. I also had tail bone pain. I have learned the only thing that helps is long term, and similar to dietary choices, because it is through choice and action, and that is exercise. As painful as it was, I did back-strengthening exercises. Even the doctors told me this is the only way to stop certain pain. They were pretty sure that my pain was caused by favoring one side of my back which I had to do because of work. I think that by not working and moving around, you may be adding to the weakness of your back muscles. Without strong back muscles your back bones will move all over, and pinch your nerves. I also have felt that all of my cartilage has benefited by sleeping more, and also taking fish oil. I can't say that I am totally pain free. I am 50 years old and still overweight by at least 75 pounds. I feel losing weight will help.

I am so, so sorry to hear about your pain. I too live with chronic pain - on and off. (foot/ankle & back stuff). It is so hard to ask for help, I know. You are used to 'doing' for yourself, doing your normal routine, and taking care of others. It's very hard to let people take care of you. You must allow your dh to help you. Wouldn't you do the same for him if the tables were turned? Do you think he's mad - probably not. Maybe frustrated. Remember - it's through sickness and health when you get married. (I know...easier said than done.)

As it being because of your weight...maybe or maybe not. It doesn't matter, really. Just take care of yourself - do what the doc's suggest.

You take care now.

I am so sorry that you are in so much pain. I hope that the orthopedist will be able to help. It is great that you have a husband who is willing to help you. Try not to feel guilty about that. As an person who has been married 33 years, I can promise you that a time will come when he needs your help. A huge part of marriage is about sharing the hard times. Just tell him how much you appreciate him.

I so feel for you and hope you get some relief soon! I live in constant pain myself so I understand your feelings your dealing with. I have often had those same thoughts about how my husband feels when I can't do something. Having those worries doesn't help that's for sure! Just remember and I try to remember this as well. If your pain is associated with your weight, that you ARE doing something about it. Your not sitting there doing nothing. I'm pretty sure that my problems are due to weight, lyme disease and I'm not sure yet why my back and tail bone hurt but one thing at a time. One thing I know is that being heavy doesn't make anything easier. So keep on keeping on and remember that you are doing good. Don't get too down on yourself. If you need a shoulder, were all here for you.

I hope that you can get some relief tomarrow. You are doing great for continuing to lose weight!!

Have you tried a chiropractor? I have some buldging disks in my back.. spent months in physical therapy for them, didn't get much relief. Visited a chiro for the first time ever and the relief was unbelievable! I haven't had much trouble from them in years now, and have only had to go back to the chiro once since then.

I feel your pain, too, and have felt the guilt you're feeling now, too. I have degenerative back disease, herniated disk, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis...mainly due to having a hysterectomy when I was 20 years old. Go to a back specialist if you can...they have injections they put in your back that helps somewhat. Get some good sneakers and try to tolerate walking. Physical therapy also helps. And a chair that has a back that fits you right. Those big, fluffy chairs that you sink in with no back support are the worst!

Sorry to hear you haven't been doing well. I had some very bad back problems as well... I had a similar back spasm experience and couldn't get off the floor. I started going to the chiropractor though and it has made all the difference in the world! I have been going for about two years now and can't imagine not going... I'm not a doctor but I know it has done amazing things for me... just something to consider looking into.

sending out huge hugs, the crippling pain associated with backs! argh! I've had my share, but I've never not been able to get up, so I can't even imagine how much WORSE it feels for you! Before I lost a lot of weight, my hip joints were absolutely on fire for about 3 months, and then that went away so there might be some relief as you travel your way down the scale.

and remember, if it were your hubby laid up you'd happily help him -- no reason to think he' do any less for you