Hello all,

I am a pretty new member;this is only my 2nd thread started and I think I may be in the right place. I have dealt with back pain on and off for the past 25 years. Last time I had an MRI was 12 years ago and it showed a bulging but not herniated disc. I recieved epidural blocks, trigger point injections and physical therapy and the pain resolved itself in 3 months.

I also have sciatica in my left lane with intermittent numbness in that leg. I work as a nanny, and the stress of picking up little ones no doubt added to the episode of pain I have had for the past 5 weeks.

I went to see an ortho specialist 3 weeks ago. He did an MRI of my neck first(due to my abnormal reflexes) and it shows a herniated disc & arthritis. I did not go in for neck pain though and just got an MRI done of my lower back recently. Doc did send me for PT but my insurance would only pay for a week's worth. I definately need more!

I will be getting the results of the back MRI next week. Sounds like a few of you deal with back pain. I take tramadol for when it gets really bad and advil for inflammation. Ice and moist heat alternating usually helps. Anyone have some more tips for me? I am tying to make myself as comfortable as possible. I also suffer from migraines.

Thanks for listening. It's hard to talk about pain issues with people who don't understand.