I am 73 and have a lumbar curve, 32 degrees a year ago, worse now, with corresponding twisting of the spine. It is adult degenerative scioliosis so I have severely thinned discs, possible arthritis in facet joints, stenosis, possible sacroiliac joint problems, 3 lumbar fractures. I have been doing exercises with an exercise physiologist to strengthen my back but fear he has been over-enthusiastic as over the past month pain in my right buttock, present mildly on and off for probably a year or more, has become so severe that it is debilitating, and 'tingling' (nerve irritation) that I have never had there is now a daily problem. The pain and tingling is relieved only by lying down. Overnight it will ease but as soon as I get up it is back. I have osteoporosis so surgery would not be an option. I have tried a physio who specializes in scoliosis without improvement and the medication I take for pain (panadiene forte) seems to have no effect. I am rather desperate. I would be very grateful for any advice that anyone can give me. I live in Australia.
Hi Maureen...
I don't know if it's available in Australia, but gabapentin might be a good drug for you to try. It is non-narcotic, and addresses nerve pain.
In the meantime, I would recommend discussing the problem with the physiologist. They should back off on exercise for awhile to see if the problem resolves on its own.
--Linda
Thank you very much for replying Linda. I have been taking a nerve pain tablet at night (Lyrica = Pregabalin) but will try taking one in the morning also. It is a good suggestion. The physiologist knows I am having problems and gave me two sessions of remedial massage but it didn't help. He can't tell where the pain is actually coming from. I will take a break from the exercises as you suggest and hope for some improvement. Thank you again.
Maureen