Lower Spine Abnormality During Bone Density Scan

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cinnamonsmiles
cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
edited June 2014 in Bone Health and Bone Loss

I have had lower spinal pain for years and years. Sometimes it is so bad I can hardly walk and needed to use the wall, cupboards, adn now my walker when it acts up. I know what activities aggravate it. A year ago, we had abnormally warm temps in March and I was picking up branches in the yard and threw my back out.

My doctor and physical therapists told my it was probably ligaments and that my back was weak from being on disability on not working. BUT, I had told them it started years and years ago in the 1990's when I worked in a factory and was in good shape.

I recently had a bone density scan and it showed that my lower spine showed a decrease in bone density. I reminded my doctor that that is wear I have been having pain!! She didn't remember, so I told her a year ago she and the PT she sent me to said it was ligaments.

Can bone loss in the lower spine cause pain? I know that last year, I more than likely pulled something, but doesn't explain the severe pain I get from certain activities.

Anyone relate?

Thanks.

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  • ICanDoThis
    ICanDoThis Member Posts: 1,473
    edited April 2013

    It turned out that I had osteoarthritis AND osteoporosis in my lower back.
    It is a mess, and it hurts.

    It also messed up my DEXA scan.

    A couple of things you might want to try - I see a physical therapist, as you do, but I also see a chiropractor, and, most wonderfully, a massage therapist who specializes in therapeutic massage.
    She has made all the difference in the world

    Hope this helps

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2013

    Just to reinforce what Sue has written - THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE - before a chiropractor.  I had back surgery in 1983, and I swear by massage - it is my monthly gift to myself.  Also physical therapy - those muscles need strengthening, and some stretching, and made STRONGER to support the spine.

    I also have gained great value from reading the work of JOHN SARNO, and his work with people with back pain.

    good luck...this really, REALLY can be healed - daily exercise to stretch the muscles will probably be suggested by physiotherapist...

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  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited April 2013

    I mistakenly tried a chiropractor back in spring 2002 when it really went out bad with tremendous pain. I realized it was doing more harm than good.

    I had several months of PT with stretching, ultrasound, and exercises which seemed to help.

    I can't afford massage. I am on disability and medicare.

    I was asking if the lower spine could be affected by lower density levels seen in the scan.

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