Osteoarthritis

[Erik A]

Back in May I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in the L5 and S1 vertebrae. This manifests through my hips as significant pain and mobility issues. If I sit or lie for too long when I get up it takes about a dozen steps to free up my hips so I can walk normally. Dr initially thought I would have to have my hips replaced but when they took trays there appeared to be no issues so I went back to get back xrays. Next I had a meeting with my orthopedic surgeon and he said the good news is that my hips were fine but my back was stuffed and to stop all impact activities. So running and intense walking are out.trouble is I am still in constant pain. Returning to the Dr all she was interested in was giving me pain medication. I have another appointment with the Dr in a couple of weeks but in the meantime has anyone experienced similar issues and what was done to relieve the pain. I don't want to be on pain meds continuesly or at all if possible.

[Dangerscouse]

Sorry to hear about this Erik, this isn't identical but it might be helpful

My wife had degenerative disc disease in her L5 disc, and it had totally worn away by the time she had disc replacement surgery almost 10 years ago.

Pain killers weren't a suitable option as they just mask the issue, and I'm not sure if surgery is an option for you, but from our experience at least, it's definitely the best decision. It was such a good decision, she was able to compete in a 10k obstacle course seven months post surgery.

[jamesg]

experienced similar issues and what was done to relieve the pain.

All we can do is control weight and keep moving.

Pain disappeared when at 63y I started erging and hill walking (with sticks). My height from 188 at school is now 179cm: crushed discs.

Luckily I'm not hungry all the time, on an Italian diet mostly fruit and veg, small portions and no alcohol. So my BMI now 26, was 22 at school.

Yours with 1.94 and 120kg is 32. I'd start there, soonest, you can't expect to carry an extra 30kg all the time and not pay for it.

[Erik A]

Yes weight loss is getting high on my priority. I've hit a plateau at 120. Despite minimal eating and daily exercise.

[p_b82]

My sister has a different form of arthritis and takes anti inflammatories (prescribed) rather than just pain meds - but was recommended to seriously look at her diet and assess when the flare-ups occurred if there were any food related triggers. (there were some)

I knew person a few years back who went vegan (was vege originally) because there were issues with the amount of dairy she was eating and her arthritis flare ups.

I believe both were told that alcohol consumption can also impact it as well.

[Tsnor]

... but my back was stuffed and to stop all impact activities. So running and intense walking are out.trouble is I am still in constant pain. Returning to the Dr all she was interested in was giving me pain medication.

Strongly consider talking to several doctors. Sports medicine if possible. Find one who knows current research and who understands people who are willing to be active. Sit on the couch and count the minutes until the next pain pill is not a viable solution, certainly not the first one that should be attempted.

Backs are tricky. Back pain is something that cannot be explained if never experienced. An outstanding doctor can work you through how to strengthen and protect while minimizing risk.

Not a doctor. A brief look at survey studies that provide a summary of medical studies finds phrases like "suitable exercise prescriptions are recommended for OA patients." and "Many types of training can relieve pain, enhance muscle strength and improve joint stiffness (Daenen et al., 2015). For healthy people, exercise can promote good health, while for OA patients, dysfunction can be improved and diseases can be treated (Skou et al., 2018). At present, there are many types of sports for the treatment of OA, such as aerobic exercise, anti-resistance exercise, neuromuscular training, etc (Jansen et al., 2011)." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9110817/

"The role of exercise therapy was the subject of a systematic review that concluded that there is evidence of beneficial effects of exercise therapy in patients with OA of the knee (van Baar et al. 1999). Quadriceps strengthening exercises were found to lead to improvements in pain and function." Not back related. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/P ... 20function.

" Regular participation in physical activity has been demonstrated to be dramatically conducive to the treatment of knee OA. In addition, if patients cannot maintain activity and become sedentary, it may accelerate joint mechanical damage, potentially resulting in further deterioration of cartilage and aggravating OA53. Therefore, maintaining a medium physical activity level and achieving a balance in physical activity is recommended. " https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-71766-9