Arthritis in the back

Wimbledonpark

Good evening, my husband has Arthritis in his lower back. Very painful. He had injections into his spine in December. They have not worked. Was wondering if anybody else has had the procedure and it didn't work, what the next step would be. Painkillers don't work, so the doctor has said if they don't help, well don't take them. Just wondered what the hospital can do next. Many thanks

tanith

Have they actually diagnosed his problem? If not he needs to be referred. Physio may help or at the end of the day after trying everything else surgery may solve his problem.

ManofLeisure_2

I'm afraid I think the injections are a bit of a lottery - they 'may' or 'may not work'. Has your husband tried physio? - that helps in some cases. I used to suffer with my back very badly, but my Consultant suggested that I try Tai Chi and I've never looked back - might be worth a try .

DomRavioli

Hi OP,

It will depend on what kind of arthritis he has, and whether he is under a consultant - if he is diagnosed, he needs to see a specialist - your GP can refer if not currently under one.

Dependent on the kind of arthritis, some can be treated with medication (both oral and IV), and surgery is always a last chance, as even surgery doesn't work sometimes.

Perhaps see your GP with regards to pain relief in the short term, which can definitely be managed to some degree (usually doesn't make it go away but makes it manageable).

GP would be first port of call for all of it, as they can refer or prescribe as needed.

Hope you get sorted soon!

lessonlearned

Agree with the other posters - you need to work with the health professionals on this - not just your GP but an expert in the field. You need to see a specialist and get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Exercise will help - in fact it is essential to keep moving - but obviously with expert supervision so as not to aggravate things or cause further injury.

My physiotherapist suggested I do pilates. I have been going to classes for around 3 months now and I can definitely see an improvement. I have a lot less pain and am definitely becoming more flexible and my mobility is much improved.

Yoga, Tai-chi, pilates, swimming and walking are all gentle and will help with balance and mobility.

faerielight

I am 43, and have osteo arthritis in spine, hands and feet. The injections didn't work for me either, so I'm on time release morphine now.. I still get breakthrough pain though... arthritis is so horrible. could he ask to be referred to a pain clinic?

jacci45

I have facet joint arthritis in l4/l5 and l5/s1, drs do not suggest anything tbh. It is obviously a progressive condition and I now suffer fairly regularly with sciatica in both legs. I just take standard co codamol and ibuprofen from pharmacy and when I have the sciatica go to Dr who prescribes stronger co codamol.
I dont think the painkillers do much to be honest. I do go to an osteopath about once a month just to get everything aligned, Dr sent me for physio who signed me off after 4 weeks as there was nothing she could do.
The next step is a pain clinic but I am loathe to take really strong painkillers atm as I know the condition will only get worse so want to keep the strong stuff for later iykwim!
It is a horrid condition, your husband has my sympathies.

Starrystarrynight

Has your hubby asked the doctor about taking Morphine, OP?
It took ages of going through all the other pain meds without any relief before I was prescribed it. I still get a lot of pain in my back & legs, but it has at least made me able to get out of bed.

I had the injection in my foot a few years back, but it didn't make any difference. The doctor now prescribes Lidocaine patches, which help just a little.

I guess we can't expect to be completely free of pain, but it's good to at least be able to move a bit. Hope your hubby can find a solution, OP.

tanith

I also had spinal osteoarthritis at L4/L5 with Sciatica having tried everything else my consultant recommended surgery on that joint to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve , I had a laminectomy (scraping out the arthritic tissue) which cured the problem those of you who are told nothing can be done are being fobbed off in a lot of cases. Stamp your feet and ask if surgery could help your condition.