[krisakira]

... That I have spinal osteoarthritis. I've been having pain in my lower back for over a month and down my sciatic nerve in my leg. I am overweight but have been told that obesity doesn't really cause OA but can make it worse. I'm going to exercise and eat better. I see an orthopedic surgeon next week. I was told it just gets worse over time. I am not looking foreword to that, I'm only almost 25 years old. I'm really bummed out about this.

[NWgirl2013]

OA is usually hereditary. I have it too. Losing weight is a great idea, it will ease the stress on your joints. Also, there is a ton of info out the in the universe/at your fingertips on the computer. Lot's of natural things that will ease this too.
GOOD LUCK to YOU!!! Sincerely ~

((( Krisakira ))) ...

I also received the same diagnosis in January of this year.

I was floored by the news at first, but am feeling a bit more hopeful and positive about it now.

I hope you are able to make the necessary modifications and adjustments necessary to slow its advance and ease the pain too.

Pain Sucks!

,
Pfrog

[Tamster]

Kris i found out I had OA of my spine when I was 30, I stood up one day and got 3 compression fractures that almost floored me. My bones were brittle and the pain was awful. Weight loss surely helps and water aerobics too. my grandma and my dad had OA so it was in the cards for me I guess. Hang in there and do your best. Sometimes a nice heating pad or a warm shower helps me. Take care. Sami

ps. Tamster's right!

Heat's GOOD ... Cold's BAD.

It hurts much worse when it's cold or I'm cold, so I do my best to not be cold or get cold.

Hugs to all struggling with this mess!

[yellowted]

an electric underblanket on your bed will help ease pain during the night and help you sleep better

[Leed]

Same here, but I'm 64! You'd expect it at MY age. But my spine started falling apart at 38. First, herniations, then surgeries that did no good, and more herniations. LOL Sciatica, compression fractures, all kinds of lovely things.

Cold works good on my sciatica - but it's not great for the rest of the stuff. LOL
Between the hot & cold, I'm gonna have a tornado whipped up here.

The osteo has now gone all thru the body -- my wrists & fingers are being attacked now, and it's getting hard to type. NUTS. Plus I have a hip that's ready to break at any time. Oh joy.

Wishing you all a less painful day! God bless and PLEASE take care! Hugs, Lee

[krisakira]

Thanks for the support. I have been walking every day now. I hope it helps.

[Chrain]

Originally Posted by krisakira

... That I have spinal osteoarthritis. I've been having pain in my lower back for over a month and down my sciatic nerve in my leg. I am overweight but have been told that obesity doesn't really cause OA but can make it worse. I'm going to exercise and eat better. I see an orthopedic surgeon next week. I was told it just gets worse over time. I am not looking foreword to that, I'm only almost 25 years old. I'm really bummed out about this.

I wouldn't get too bummed, osteoarthritis is not uncommon. It can contribute to pain, but doesn't have to. There are many people out there with significant OA that are asymptomatic. 2 things to remember
1) just because the OA gets worse that doesn't mean the pain has to get worse
2)There are a lot of options for treatment OA of the spine with a good track record of short and long term success. PT, Aquatic therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, general exercise, weight reduction, some injections etc.

[H3rmit]

Originally Posted by krisakira

... That I have spinal osteoarthritis. I've been having pain in my lower back for over a month and down my sciatic nerve in my leg. I am overweight but have been told that obesity doesn't really cause OA but can make it worse. I'm going to exercise and eat better. I see an orthopedic surgeon next week. I was told it just gets worse over time. I am not looking foreword to that, I'm only almost 25 years old. I'm really bummed out about this.

Hey, thanks for starting this thread that has gotten such good responses. I *may* have OA, still waiting to see the specialist, but I do have a lot of pain and needed to do some of the same things as you for tendon injuries. Losing some weight - when I started eating only for nutrients, my appetite normalized totally, hardly any cravings and they're resistible. I found swimming helpful - it's always recommended if you're overweight - and my legs feel fantastic afterwards. They never felt fantastic before, so I thought I'd pass that on. On the other hand I'm twice your age. Seems like even 10-20 pounds makes a difference, because if I carry a backpack of groceries or not it makes a difference to my difficulty and pain at the moment. YMMV.

[Nammu]

I have both osteoarthritis and osteopenia, rather a shock to me as I have always tried to eat right and have never smoked. But heredity and I suspect psych med side effects have me taking calcium w/ vit D, Rx strength Omega, and physical therapy. The important thing is to keep moving daily and eat right. Trying to lose weight by fad diets could backfire and cause more rapid bone problems. The best way is a combo of exercise and balance diet heavy on fruit & vegetables. Best of luck to you.