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Aug 21, 2012, 06:43 AM
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Member Since: Oct 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 6,543
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The MRI says it is a "fusion?" You haven't had previous back surgery have you? Cause a fusion means that evidently you've got 2 or more discs fused together! And that's not good. That causes major instability!! And that COULD cause herniations & bulges! Just the 'fusions' alone could cause pain due to the fact that it's made things unstable, and you have to compensate for it by perhaps walking differently (just a bit) which could cause pain. There are all sorts of things here that are possibilities. Your primary doc should be looking into these things -- evidently he just doesn't know enough about it or doesn't want to take the time. Shame on him!!!
As far as what you can do -- GENTLE stretches can help. DO NOT do any vigorous exercises, as that will make things worse. Don't lift any heavy objects either.
Try ICE -- heat will make it worse. Heat draws blood to the heated area, and causes swelling and increased pain. ICE reduces swelling and pain. Wrap the ice in a towel, and place it on your back for 20 minutes every 2 hours. That can really help especially if you have any inflammation in there, which usually happens with back pain. 
When you lay down at night, and are on your back, make sure you place a bunch of pillows under your knees. Laying flat is HARD on the spine. By placing pillows under the knees, you relieve pressure on the spine. When you lay on your side, make SURE you have pillows between your knees. That keeps the spine aligned. NEVER lay on your tummy!!! That is an absolute no-no for a spiine patient !!! That increases the curvature in the spine and causes MUCH more pain plus it might do more damage.
Sorry this is so long. Take some Ibuprofren too -- that's good for inflammation. God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee
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