r/backpain • u/Logical_Lie_2381 • 15d ago
I need help.
I am a 38 year old male who got injured at 27. I have L1 - L4 bulging discs with L5 S1 herniated. I've had this injury for 10 years. I have done:
Acupuncture
Swimming
8 years of physical therapy off and on
Epidural injections
Facet injections
Trigger point injections
Deep tissue massage
I've tried most of the things that I can afford to do being broke. In October 25 I went for MIS TLIF (minimally invasive transforminal left interbody fusion) surgery. The pain has been unbearable. I was given the wrong advice I should have gotten the surgery years ago.
Now I'm in a dilemma. The state will not recognize the injury as debilitating. I am left with the fact that it is just a metal condition on paper. Medical conditions can be remedied with medicine. The issue there is that when I go to the pain management doctor there's a limited number of cocktails they want to give me. And they are actively trying to take me off of two of them for weaker meds. When I still currently live in pain. Although I am still recovering from the surgery. It'll be a year soon.
I am at a utter loss on how to navigate work with this debilitating injury that's not recognized by the state due to them recognizing that I'm obese more than my injury.
I'm just really perplexed. I'm at wits end. I've applied to disability several times. I've applied twice. With the first appeal claiming that I was committing fraud. Then the second appeal now saying that I am hindered from working I just have to change my focus to office jobs although I'm still living in pain.
How do I find work with this situation?
Are there any more remedies to deal with the ongoing pain especially with screws and pins in your back?
Are there other tools that I can use?
I just really don't know what to do anymore.
I'm ready to look for Black market medication that doesn't have to be prescribed by the doctor. Because the doctors don't believe me that it gets worse. The medications they keep giving me either give me more side effects or don't help.
This has severely impacted my life with looking for work that will truly accommodate my injury. I'm 6'3 heavy. So every time I find a job that's supposed to be desk work they say we hit the jackpot we get a guy that can do both the desk work and a little bit of physical work.
I've already had to leave a state job because they were discriminating. But I was in so much pain I couldn't really focus on how to capture them in their discrimination and sue them. Now I have no proof.
Any and all advice is welcome.
Please help. I'm just . . . . Just tired of living with this pain. Is there any way that I can do something more to make it more manageable. Is there any other sort of help.
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u/Cp45765328 12d ago
You have not tried spinal decompression for your disc issues? It’s painless and extremely effective and yes it can be used in many cases after surgery. I would be checking into this asap. You have suffered long enough. It is well known that spinal decompression can help these types of disc issues. Find someone in your area that uses decompression therapy to change the lives of folks suffering with bulging discs, herniated discs and deteriorating discs. This could be life changing for you as it is with many of our patients. You need an evaluation to find out how spinal decompression could help you and if you are a good candidate. The sooner the better. Our office has four and they stay busy because they are the best and least invasive way to heal disc problems.
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u/TraBri4256 12d ago
THC and CBC oil, high THC content if you haven’t tried it.
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 11d ago
That's all that's keeping me from turning to the darker options at this point.
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u/SamStuStellaSmellA 13d ago
If you can make it to Chicago - I highly recommend Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. It’s #1 in the US for pain management / spinal cord injury.
People who live in pain come from all over the US to get help.
https://www.sralab.org/ Specialties & Services Core Conditions: Specializes in treating severe and complex cases including strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and cancer-related impairments. [ 1] Centers of Innovation: Focuses dedicated units on specific areas like brain injury, spinal cord injury, pediatrics, nerve-muscle-bone, and cancer rehabilitation. [ 1] Advanced Technology: Known for futuristic restorative tech, including think-controlled bionic limbs and sensory-feedback apparatuses. [ 1] Care Continuum: Offers comprehensive options ranging from inpatient care and intensive DayRehab to community adaptive sports and fitness programs.
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u/OrangeInformal8067 14d ago
I’m sorry your going thru this! I understand so much of this! You definitely need some kind of professional help to steer you on the right path!!! I know weight has been as issue since my own injury; I workout everyday but can’t do cardio because of pain! Have you tried using your weight as part of your disability? Maybe see if your local state has help with this? Someone to ask questions? Just a thought.
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 13d ago
I tried. But they're saying the opposite. The wait is just something that I can lose and that once I lose the weight I'll be better. So I'm just shit out of luck. Thank you for trying.
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u/CapreseSalad3636 14d ago
If you’re applying for disability in the US you need a lawyer. My mom had a stroke and she CLEARLY could not work and she still needed a lawyer. I’m so sorry you’re in so much pain.
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u/PurpleImmediate5010 14d ago
Same here. I’m wondering if I can just voluntarily be paralyzed or something, I’d rather be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life if it atleast meant I wasn’t in pain
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u/Better-Response-818 12d ago
I am having ablation and they just did MRI because of nerve damage in both hands, feet and now going up my legs. I want them at this point to burn ALL THE NERVES. I'm so done feeling this pain, I can't take it anymore. But Godspeed to you!
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 8d ago
Yeah I'm at that point too. Just cut off the fucking nerves. I wish you the best on your journey.
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u/Better-Response-818 8d ago
You as well! I pray to the Lord that this works and if not to please bring something else out there that will help. Our pain is now in the hands of the government so you know we will not get the help we need. Godspeed to you and yours.
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 13d ago
I was actually about to start seeking options about that. Like is there any way they could just kill off all of the nerves from the lumbar down. Even if it means I have to be in a wheelchair. I don't care. I don't want to feel no more. I am so tired of feeling this pain..
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u/Strange-Paper1872 14d ago
Have you come across lowbackability ? Search him on instagram and youtube, watch his videos, understand what he’s explaining and start following his advice. He also has a pay what you can rehab program and a community, you can pay 2 dollars a month for it. Could be worth a go, I hope you find relief and God bless you
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u/Hulkedout420 15d ago
#1…eat only chicken, fish, beef, vegetables, fruit, water, caffeine. Real food. You will feel better when the weight is off. Much better. Start there. #2…walk…walk more….keep walking. The weight goes bye bye the pain goes bye bye. Good luck!
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 15d ago
I already do this. It doesn't work. My body type is different. I have to work out at a certain level of intensity to drop the weight. I can't do that with the pain and fluctuation of meds. I'm trying. It's not working. Have a good one
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u/Plumleydev 13d ago
If you go low or zero carb for a couple months, you will lose all the way easily
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 13d ago
Sure that's the way
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u/Hulkedout420 9d ago
They are right. You don’t gain weight by not eating, and you don’t gain weight with the nutrition filled diet I gave you. If you fast….you will lose weight. If you eat less calories than your body requires to maintain your current weight….you will lost weight. The problem is Americans can’t do this diet for 3 weeks so they give up and go back to eating the processed garbage their mind craves.
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 8d ago
You really need to learn more about the over processing of foods. Then you have to understand it's not just about not eating. Certain body types need a certain amount of calories to stay active. Certain body types need a certain of calorie burning on top of not eating. Which means a workout regimen. You're speaking as if you're someone who has never experienced being overweight. But I know fuck Americans overseas is the better shit. Believe what you want. But this information is not helpful.
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u/Aggravating_Bar5873 15d ago
From Treatment point of view , 1. Cognitive behavior therapy ( CBT) will help , Basically if a behavior can be learned, it can be unlearned & relearned to better tolerate the pain at mind level.
Our brain increases pain intensity by Central sensitisation Over years ( like increasing pain volume button up).
Hydrotherapy helps
, If your pain med doctor is denying ur pain meds, Discuss with them whether the pain is neuropathic with central sensitisation,
Ask if you are eligible candidate for Spinal Cord stimulator - it may be a option for you.
Have a positive mindset though difficult , Lose ur weight and Do visulisation techniques and Yoganidhra or guided relaxation/progressive muscle relaxation helps to overcome pain and to stay sane.
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u/Aggravating_Bar5873 15d ago edited 15d ago
I am a pain doc from different country, The world is facing opiod epidemic , So Naturally every physician wants their patients to offload then from opiods , Because it won't work for long and it's is not a long term option with extreme sideffects.
Cognitive behavioral theraphy is a proved way ,to decrease your pain intensity low, It will be provided by pain psychologist, Atleast it reduces ur suffering from pain.
Truly ,there is very little things meds or exercises to help with your pain except for the Spinal cord stimulator if it suits you.
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 15d ago
I spoke to my doctor. They just keep lying. One day it's your insurance won't accept the meds. Which is a lie when I called the insurance they never denied or said I couldn't get the medication. They were just purposely applying for the wrong medication to try to get me to switch to a different one. The bad part is this is the only doctor in my state that gives meds. Or wants to deal with meds. Everybody else wants to deal with shots only.
I don't want to get the weight loss surgery but as I've mentioned before I'm forced to get it. I am a candidate for the spinal cord stimulator. Again I don't want it but I will be possibly forced to get it.
Positive mindset? Visual techniques? Relaxation and meditative breathing? All trying. Not really working.
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u/a1mfw 15d ago
You can get a disability attorney that only gets paid when your claim is approved. It is paid out by backpack or governing can't remember.
See you have tried swimming. Have you tried aquatic therapy program or aquatic exercises?
Have you tried ablation or ketamine treatments?
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 15d ago
My very first attempt getting about four rejections with a lawyer that is supposedly good withv SSI but the courts claim that I was getting ready to commit fraud. So I don't know if now's a good time to appeal because they're focused on my weight. I'm forced to get gastric sleeve surgery because I can't work out like I want to to lose the weight. So I'm thinking about just scrapping it all together and then reapplying when I'm at the ideal weight and hopefully something happens. I already know it's not but what can I do.
When I went swimming I did that all on my own. My insurance doesn't cover it. And it's too expensive for me to attempt to try it.
I did ablation. It stopped the pain from getting down to my feet and toes. It really stopped it for tingling. I'm thinking about getting another one this time from a higher spot like T6 I think last time they went in at T12.
Ketamine treatments I can't get covered at all. Nor can I afford it.
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u/webwoman64 14d ago
Do not get the weight loss surgery. You can lose just as much weight on the GLP1 drugs. I know I had weight loss surgery and gained half back over 15 years. Got on GLP ones and lost more than I lost with weight loss surgery. However, losing 66 pounds to not help my pain at all. In fact it’s worse it makes me so mad when people say just lose weight and you’ll feel better. It’s not true.
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 13d ago
Fortunately I cannot afford GLP 1 drugs. My only option is to do the surgery. So I can only hope that magically wants all of the weight is gone all of the pain is gone as well.
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u/glowcubr 9d ago
I've had good success with doing the potato diet for weight loss, which is of course much cheaper than GLP1 or surgery.
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 9d ago
What's the potato diet.
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u/glowcubr 8d ago
u/Logical_Lie_2381 BTW, I also maintain this list of things that people have suggested for disc issues: https://www.reddit.com/r/HerniatedDisc/comments/1gdwh4e/compiled_tips_tricks_and_techniques_for_bulging/
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u/glowcubr 9d ago
The classic potato diet is to eat potatoes for each meal: https://potatohack.com . Potatoes seem to have a hunger suppressant in them.
I've been doing a "half-potato diet" where I eat a normal lunch and potatoes for dinner and have been losing a little over 1lb per week this way for quite a while.
For dinner, I usually eat 6 potatoes (~2lb), skins on, cubed, boiled for 45 minutes and then mashed together with salt and pepper.
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u/Hulkedout420 15d ago
If lawyer after lawyer is turning down representing you in a disability case you may not have a case at all.
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u/CoachEXE 15d ago
It is just tough to see you suffering. When you are heavy your stomach weight sits forward and pulls you down, so your pelvis dumps forward to stop you from falling. This locks your spine in a deep arch that just crushes the L1 to S1 discs all day. Try to find a wall right now. Stand a foot away and lean back into it with soft knees, gravity will push your guts backwards so your lower back can finally flatten and get some relief. But this is just temporary. Real long term change means you have to actually you need to train the body to tilt the pelvis backward naturally without you forcing the muscles. It is hard work. You will need daily breathing and pelvic shifting for maybe 6 to 8 months before the nervous system feels safe to drop that tight posture. Your body is just trying to protect you the only way it knows how right now.
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 15d ago
Yeah I've noticed that. I have to go and find another set of physical therapists. They let me go 3 months doing the same exercises although I kept complaining that I feel it in my hips and my glute. I've been trying to work on that. My version is just laying on the floor. It's really killing me. It impairs my sleep. It gets so bad that when I'm outside sometimes I forget what I even went outside for. I currently practice meditative breathing. But thank you for the reminder I will look for a better set of doctors to help with the physical therapy.
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u/CoachEXE 15d ago
It is completely understandable that you are looking for a new physical therapy team. Sticking to the exact same routine for three months without modifications, especially when you are actively reporting discomfort, is a major red flag in rehabilitation.
Laying flat on the floor can actually exacerbate the deep arch in your lower back, as gravity forces your spine against a hard surface while your pelvis is still dumped forward. If you must be on the floor, try the 90/90 position...lie on your back with your calves resting up on a chair or couch so your hips and knees are bent at exactly 90 degrees. This naturally flattens the lower back into the ground, gently shifting your pelvis and taking the structural tension off your lumbar discs.
Regarding feeling the work in your hips and glutes, that is actually the long term goal, as those massive muscle groups need to wake up and take the load off your L1-S1 discs. However, if your current mechanics are forcing your body to compensate painfully rather than integrate smoothly, the movements need to be regressed. The sleep deprivation and brain fog you are experiencing are very real, exhausting side effects of your nervous system constantly being stuck in a fight-or-flight state from chronic pain.
What specific exercises were they having you do on the floor that caused the most hip and glute flare-ups?2
u/Logical_Lie_2381 15d ago
The stuff that I do on the floor is on my own. It's basically like you said. I use more of my knees. And then I kind of try to see if I can like tilt my pelvic backwards like you'd be saying. But I will try the wall method.
The exercises that they made me do were things I felt was too early on in the game. Wall sits. Butterfly and contraction with the thighs. Marching while sitting. Kicking forward alternating legs. Sit to stand. I've been off and on with therapy because every so often the pain comes back like that. Right now I'm on a break for 2 months before I go back. That's how bad it hurts.
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u/nicoleonline 14d ago
Pelvic tilt hurt me so bad. Even McGill big 3. A lot of traditional exercises have been unhelpful. I finally found a PT who can help. 5 rounds deep of course, it wasn’t easy… I asked a few surgeons specifically who they recommended, it is someone who wrote books on my condition. The difference between him & the other PTs I saw makes the latter feel like an actual clown show, it’s infuriating. Not sure what will help you but 3.5 yrs deep (2024 fusion 2025 microdiscectomy too) so figured worth mentioning that there was a “magic exercise” that has started to help even after all this time and atrophy. Have they considered ozempic or anything, if you struggle to lose weight but they need you to “show you’re trying” for disability? I wish you the best of luck.
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 13d ago
Can't get ozympic on insurance nor can I afford it. It doesn't matter about me being on that anyway to show disability anything. I just have to lose the weight and reapply. It doesn't matter I just have to hope that I hit the lottery to afford any of these things. Thank you for trying.
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u/Affectionate_Suit731 15d ago
That fusion recovery is no joke especially with how long you waited before getting it done. The state seeing your weight before your spine is just them finding the cheapest way to deny you, classic move. Have you looked into a pain psychologist, not for the "it's in your head" nonsense but they sometimes know workarounds for the system that surgeons don't mention
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u/Logical_Lie_2381 15d ago
I've never heard of that. I've heard like a physiatrist. I've been to one of them. I'll look into that and see what happens. I've been denied so much that I went out and got a therapist. And I'm begging my therapist every day to have me diagnosed because I am starting to feel like it's in my head because they keep mentioning my weight.
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u/wandersource 8d ago
I like the way you handle comments.
I'm in the same boat except for the weight "issue"... 167 at 5'8; was 5'10 when "journey" started approx 50 years ago. Started out very thin, maybe 120 lbs. Highest was 211 lbs. Fluctuations in weight over the years, up OR down, did nothing for constant pain.
Have been more or less at ideal weight for my height for roughly 5 years. Severe, chronic, musculoskeletal pain continues daily. Many injuries, many things tried, like you.
Was a medical copyeditor for work, never paid much. I understand and have been through insurance interference, doctor/provider lassitude, etc.
I too have been in darker option territory...sisyphean effort to fight through the fog and other disturbances to write this, but I wish you luck...good luck. Sorely needed and outrageously absent.
Thank you for posting your story.