Does spondoloysis with pain shooting down the legs get better with PT normally?
442801
Sometimes, but usually after 3 -6 months of pt, if your condition remains the same or worsens, it may be a significant sign of a worse spine problem. You may want to try getting an MRI if your condition does not get any better. For this you may want to see your Orthopedic doctor.
1135940
You have spondulosis of the lower back.Visit your orthopaedic surgeon.He will teach you some exercises and also how to adopt a suitable lifestyle such as avoiding bending,lifting weights ,standing or sitting for a long time etc.Walking is good for you
504796
There are plenty of nerves that are probably pretty "ticked off" by the procedure, and they are likely causing muscles to spasm-- this is a potential cause of the shorter leg.  With time and physical therapy, it seems that this problem will sort itself out.  One month after this sort of surgery is still pretty early in the recovery process.   Spineuniverse.com is a good resource for you.
753663
Hey. Im a MA at a pain management clinic and you're right. All this basically is, is that you pulled something in your lower back. If you have a primary care physician ( PCP ), get a referal to see a pain managment dr.. If this pain does come and go, then you wouldn't want it to be anything major in the long run by keep putting it off. A pain management doc she be called in for this. We have alot of patients come into the clinic with this type of problem and the dr orders physical therapy to work the kink out. By this being only a problem from exercise and not fibromyalgia, you should be fine with a little light back work-out to work it out. But, still, go see a pain management doc to give you direct orders.
961514
first of all, disc problems do not heal themselves.  you must do something for them in order to restore them back to their normal orientation.\n\ni am a chiropractor and specialize in spine related injuries. the disc acts as both a cushion and a spacer between each vertebrae. if a disc is bulging/herniated, that bulge can put pressure on the nerves exiting between each vertebra which causes a "pinched nerve." also if the disc is wearing out (getting thinner) you lose the space between the vertebra, which leaves less room for those nerves to exit--and again can pinch a nerve. the nerves in your cervical spine (neck) go all the way down your arm while the nerves in your lumbar spine (low back) form the sciatic nerve which runs all the way down your leg. if any of these are "pinched" they can cause pain, numbess, tingling, weakness wherever these nerves go (down arms/legs).\n\nas a chiropractor i see this type of scenario on a daily basis. for those who have degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, disc bulging, etc.--normal chiropractic care can usually help with those problems. but there are also many people out there that have had this problem for many years and can't find relief with anything they try--including chiropractic. \n\nbut now there is a treatment that is perfect for your situation and the best part is: it's non-surgical and non-invasive. if you haven't heard of it yet it is called spinal decompression. this type of treatment focuses on disc injuries and the problems they cause. i use the DRX9000 spinal decompression system in my office and it works wonders for people with these types of injuries (approx. 90% successful). the DRX9000 is fda approved and is the best decompression system available (there are cheap knock-offs that don't give the same results). \n\nmy recommendation would be to see a chiro, especially if you've never tried it before-just to see what they have to say. also do some research on this treatment and then contact someone (usually a chiro) who uses it in their office. i would just google "DRX9000" to find info on it and doctors in your area who may have it. this treament is able to encourage the disc to go back to it's normal orientation and also rebuild its height--which then takes the pressure off whatever nerve it is compressing. pain meds, cortisone shots, epidurals won't do anything to solve the problem--all they do is cover it up and they become less and less effective over time. surgery AT BEST is 50% successful and usually doesn't solve the problem since most people need another surgery 5-10 years down the road for the same issue. it's typically a viscious cycle. remember: surgery is always an option, so try something prior to surgery to see if you can avoid it--cause once you do the surgery there is no going back.\n\nthis treatment is extremely effective for degenerative disc disease, disc bulging, herniation, etc. and also sciatica type of cases, especially if you haven't had surgery yet. i've had many patients who were scheduled for surgery, tried this treatment as a last resort, and then ended up cancelling their surgery altogether after treatment was completed. it really does work and that's what my recommendation would be for you. good luck and hopefully this gives insight to others experiencing similar problems--there is a solution!!!
864835
The disc between L5 and S1 has either slipped out of place (herniated) or has severely shrunken. Herniation is more likely. This is very common. As a result, the L5 and S1 vertebral bodies are allowed to shift their positions a little. Anterolisthesis means that L5 has shifted a little forward of S1. This would cause pain in the lower spine.\n\nForaminal narrowing means that the space (foramen) between these bodies through which the nerve root passes is smaller than normal, and so the nerve root is probably being compressed somewhat. This could cause pain in the buttocks and legs.\n\nThis sort of problem tends to produce pain that waxes and wanes over a period of years. Flare-ups can happen for no apparent reason and last for a few weeks. The patient is advised to continue his usual activities and is treated with pain relievers. Between flares, the patient should exercise regularly to keep his back muscles flexible and strong.\n\nWhether surgery is needed usually comes down to whether the surgeon wants to buy a new car or boat. Ideally, the indications for surgery are intractable pain or weakness in the leg. Rule of thumb on back surgery: 1/3 of patients get better, 1/3 are unchanged, 1/3 get worse. \n\nA commonly used treatment is injection of medication (corticosteroid) at the nerve root; this is a pretty simple treatment that can produce a few months of pain relief.
771017
Bulging lumbar discs are usually associated with decreased pain with walking and increased pain with prolonged and improper sitting.  There is up to 200 times the normal pressure in a disc when we remain seated.  Getting up and walking reverses the curve in our spine that occurs with sitting...allowing the disc to resume a more neutral position.  \n\nIf you already have a documented back condition, I suggest following up with a physical therapist who will perform an evaluation as to which exercises are the most appropriate for YOU (rather than guessing which ones MIGHT be good)!  \n\n...but keep up the walking if it decreases the pain...and limit your time sitting to 20 minutes at a time.
62949
depends on what you are talking about.  Straighten, like a spine with scoliosis?  There are surgeries for that, and Pitts. actually has great IOM techs that will moniter your spine surgery so you aren't left paralysed. So I guess I need more info to better help you.
645388
First, see a doctor for xrays to rule out pinched nerve, cracked or broken bone(s) that may not have healed properly. Also rule out tendon or muscle pulls you may be continuing to aggravate due to your natural movements, work, sports, etc. Once you have ruled out those causes:\nFor some people, sleeping on a hard surface, like the floor, for 7-10 days can greatly reduce or eliminate the pain, since you are not putting extra tension on the back while sleeping/tossing/turning.  Do this after a very warm 20 minute bath which will relax your muscles and help you sleep.\nSit-ups, as many as you are comfortable with, daily will strenghthen abdominal muscles which will take strain away from back muscles for natural support. Massage therapy from a RMT can work wonders as well. Consult your physician about chiropractic, with a full understanding of the possible risks and benefits. Avoid Rx unless it is your last resort,  consulting with a pharmacist for precise advice. Products such as "Icy Hot" patches are very effective for temporary 8-12 hour relief. Carefully examine your posture while sitting and standing, expecially at the computer. Use a very good chair with proper lumbar support and maintain a straight back, not slouching. If you frequently have to drive for long periods and your vehicle is not properly equipped, buy a good quality lumbar/leg support seat pad, perhaps with the heating and/or vibration options at any dept store.\nIn Canada, you can actually get a Rx from your doctor to purchase a hot tub/jacuzzi, making the purchase deductible from your income tax. Check with your tax dept. A hot tub is excellent therapy if you have no cardiovascular conditions, such as hyper or hypotension and mostly fun anyway!
547990
In addition to the first answer, yes it is where the lowest vertebrae has fused with the sacral bone.  (Meaning tail bone.)  It's not an uncommon thing really.  \n\nIn January of 2005 I had my L4/L5 and L5/S1 (Meaning Lumbar vertebrae #5 and my Sacral bones) fused together intentionally.  This is an area that gets a tremendous amount of stress and pressure, leading to the most common form of lower back pain and back trauma.  It seems your body did the natural thing to strengthen that region - by connecting the two bone sections together to give you a stronger lower back which will help avoid nerve damage from a bulging or ruptured disc.\n\nIt sounds more frightening than it is...but it seems your body had a good defense mechanism.  As long as you're not suffering sciatic pain and muscle weakness in your legs, there's noting to worry about.
107101
Have you seen a doctor or had x-rays yet?\nAs opposed to just staying home hurting and doing nothing...\n\nI had back surgery 3 years ago and did not get well even after they straightened my spine and moved the crushed nerve...\nThe problem was the damage was already done, so no amount of surgery would fix it...\nI am now disabled for life and I still don't know what caused it...\nPeople ask me if I was in a car accident or took a bad fall and I say no...\nMy doctor says it was because of calcium deposits on my bones and the bone spur growth caught and crushed the nerve...\nSo I would recommend seeing several doctors and getting several x-rays before surgery...\nAlso see a Pain Management Doctor, he will prescribe the right meds for your pain and you could avoid surgery...
573817
Stretching, exercising, sleeping in the right positions, seeing a physiotherapist to give you a personalized routine and apply heat/cold correctly to your body.\n\nEasy way to get the pain to subside considerably: stretch everyday.  Good stretch for your back:  hold onto something that will hold your body weight (like a door handle) that is waist high and lean your whole body out with your feet under where your hands are holding, this will stretch out your back.  Other than this, just do 15-20 min of various stretches, holding each stretch for 1 minute.  \n\nGet an exercies routine.  If you don't want a gym membership, then make a point of walking for 20 minutes everyday.  At least it is something. \n\nHow old are you?  Sounds like you are in your twenties.\n\nWhen we leave our teens our body starts to solidify.  This is my terminology for the fact it's not growing anymore and it becomes more and more solid.  It's not naturally changing all the time, so we need to keep it moving, keep it flexible, and keep it working.  \n\nI cracked my neck a couple times in  high school, and had been able to slack off on the exercise for several years, but it caught up with me in the form of constant pain, knots continually under my shoulder blades, and greatly decreased upper body strength.  I started stretching everyday, even just for 5 minutes if I'm busy, and exercising at the gym a minimum twice a week, and now I have NO pain.  NONE.  It's been 6 months.  I don't do much, but the little bit has changed my entire body.  \n\nOk, so enough home remedies, you're having pain with no immediate results on the attempts you've tried.  Have you seen a physiotherapist?  Get a doctor's referral and go - it's totally worth the $35 fee or whatever they charge where you are.  They will apply heat to your back and teach you all the exercises you  need for that part of your back, exercises, stretches etc.  And they'll teach you how to sleep and sit and everything that will improve your back.  \n\nI saw my physiotherapist before beginning my exercise and stretch routine, and it was the best investment I've made for my body.  \n\nGood luck.
798953
I have been to many many chiropractors and unfortunately had some that really screwed me up.  I had one dislocate three of my ribs and they are still dislocated.  They'll never go back.  I went to a physical therapist after that, and even though it does take longer, I don't have the back pain like I did.  I used to be fine for a few months and then have to go back to the chiropractor for a few months and on and on.  After 6 months with physical therapy I've been good for 5 years.  If my back starts hurting I just start doing the exercises that they taught me and I'll be ok again.  Some chiropractors are wonderful and do a great job, but physical therapy worked much better for me.  If you can't decide between them, try both.
740176
Your condition is not so common for someone your age, but it does happen. Surgery wouldn't be the answer especially bone fusion. That's a pretty big deal and usually a last resort, mostly done in patients with instability in their back, or severe disc degeneration. Trust me, you don't want to go there. \n\nThe first step I would take is to go and see a chiropractor regardless of what your MD thinks. You may receive full pain relief without the cost of injections and pain killers. Someone your age will recover quickly if you are in descent health already, i.e not over weight and inactive. \n\nIf you are opposed to that try massage therapy or physical therapy. Most recent research has proven that chiropractic is better for long term pain relief of lower back pain than physical therapy or massage therapy.\n\nThere is a company offering free massage via a table using jade rollers and intense heat. The name of the company is ceragem. The web site is www.ceragem.com  Check for a location in your town. They are not everywhere so if you are in a small town you are out of luck. \n\nIf you must have surgery please visit this web site www.laserspineinstitute.com It is the only type of surgery to consider if you are a candidate for it.\n\nGood luck and ask a friend for a good chiropractor in your area. It could make all the difference in the world\n\nA quick note on spinal decompression:  It is covered by insurance if you find a DO or MD with the unit. Chiropractic offices that have them are overcharging as it should only be 2 to 3 grand for the proceedure. It is effective but also not 100%. Try manipulation first. If thats not successful try decompression but do it at an MD or DO's facility for insurance sake.
728522
Please see your doctor quickly  for proper management.You wouldn't like to get lame,which may be the case sometime.\nLet me share my story,hoping it will help you move fast :\n I had a back problem that I "ignored" for over 10 years because the pain wasn't severe, till one day someone asked me whether I had been lame all along,and that was when I realise my right leg had become shorter than the left-gradually and with minimal pain.Subsequently,I had to have surgery,which was very expensive !
706111
This is something you have to answer yourself. If after all this physical therapy and it's still bothering you perhaps you should sit down with your doctor and have a talk about it.\n  This doesn't mean it'll cure you, what do you have, a bulging disc a slipped disc? or a degenerated disc. If you have the later do you have degenerative disc disease? I do. Than your looking at a fusion. Think about it.
1036215
JS,\nI'm somewhat familiar with your situation as I'm pretty much in the same boat.  I'm 54 and have degenerative disk disease (DDD) with 11 herniated and/or bulging disks in my upper and lower back.  It sounds like you might have the same thing along with the scoliosis.  Have you had an MRI of your upper back?  It's not a big deal knowing it, since there's no cure or treatment for DDD, in fact they're not sure what causes it.  The bottom line with DDD is there's nothing they can do but treat the pain.  Injuries to the spinal cord or the nerves that attach to the spinal cord do not heal themselves nor will they "reroute" themselves as other nerves in your body sometimes can.  With spinal nerve damage, once it happens, you've got it forever.\n\nI've got a damaged nerve on the left side of the T3/T4 disk that's been causing me constant pain for over 3 years now.  I was coughing, of all things, and blew the disk out, which crushed or dented the nerve.  I've been in constant, terrible pain ever since.  Every hour, every day, it hasn't let up, not even for a second.  There's no "comfortable position," no way to ease that "ice pick in the back" pain I have.  It just "is" and it takes over every aspect of your life.  Sometimes I do something, move a certain way, and bingo, the pain shoots up near the top of the scale.  Sometimes it goes back to "normal" (around a 3 or 4 on the pain scale) after a few minutes and sometimes it stays up there around an 8 or 9 for two or three days. Sometimes I can do some particular thing without making it worse and then I do the same thing a week later and I'm back in the jackpot.  It seems there's no reason or rhyme to it.  \n\nI've had 5 Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI), which unfortunately did nothing but give me diabetes, one more thing I have to deal with.  Ok, I should say that the docs think the ESI *did* work, in that it caused the disk to shrink just as it was supposed to, but unfortunately the physical damage to the nerve was already done and that's what is causing the chronic pain.  \n\nI'm taking some pretty strong pain killers, morphine and codeine (can you spell "addict"?), plus I've just started Lyrica.  I tried Neurontin a couple of years ago but it didn't help.  I'm hoping the Lyrica will help this time and maybe I can get off the morphine, which, for one thing doesn't work all that well but also it has some bad side effects.  Mine aren't as bad as some I've talked to, but they're bad enough.  Yes, I know it could be worse and while I have a great deal of sympathy for others that are worse off than me, hearing about the plight of someone else doesn't make me feel any better.\n  \nI'm also taking some stuff called Zanaflex (generic name: Tizanidine) which, while it has some side effects, really helped when I started getting extremely sharp, radiating pains that went from the damaged nerve at the T3/T4 site, down the back of my left arm and up the back of my neck.  The Zanaflex stopped the pain right away and it's one of the best meds I've ever taken when it comes to doing what it's supposed to.  I stopped taking it for a day and the pains came back, so I know it's working.  Zanaflex is a muscle relaxer and apparently the pain in my arm and neck were the result of muscle spasms generated by the nerve damage in my back.\n\nThe biggest problem I have with it is that it knocks me out cold!  I've talked to others that have had different, intolerable, side effects, so it's not going to work for everyone.  I'm supposed to take 4mg three times a day but instead I take two of them (8mg) before I go to bed.  It has a dual effect of stopping the pain plus it's a fantastic sleep aid - but you better not change your mind about sleeping after you take it!  \n\nOne of the best things about it is that it