Crohn's and Back Pain

[rickcash26]

I was curious if anyone has had an increase of back pain since diagnosed with Crohn's? I have been experiencing horrible back pains for the last 3-5 years which is roughly half the time I've been experiencing Crohn's symptoms. I have been to chiropracters, dr.'s, and pain management specialists. Got some tests and scans done and I have the back of a 70 year old in a 23 year old body. They put me on Loritab's and Lidocane patches but the patches make me sick. Anyone know if Loritab's or other painkillers are bad for Crohn's? Any other experiences of back problems and crohn's?

 

[Astra]

Hiya Rick

I can't help regarding back pain, but I know that Lortab is paracetamol and hydrocodone, which is ok for Crohnies I think; it's Ibuprofen, Advil (NSAIDS) that's the big no no!
There are a few peeps on here with back pain, hopefully one of them will come along to help
xxx

 

[archie]

Hi R, yes joint pains can coincide with crohn's and my back was def worse when the crohn's was at its worst last yr. Have you been on long-term steroids and have you had your bone density checked?

I do/teach pilates every week and it's great for chronic pain and for strengthening the muscles of your back which in turn will help the joints. Exercise and activity is the best advice I can give you and it doesn't need to be strenuous a 15 min walk everyday and some swimming etc. Hope this helps but it's hard to advise on as like crohn's back pain has many causes and types and levels of severity etc

 

[rickcash26]

Archie thanks for the advice. I do walk every other day about two miles and on the off days I take anywhere from 8-15 mile bicycle rides. I usually take the complete weekend off. I have a bulging disc in my L4-L5, along with small amount of arthritis, and narrowing of the nerve openings, and sternosis of the spinal canal. Never been in an accident or had anything happen to cause such mutilation of my back.

 

[msgoffney]

I've had chronic back problems since around 25yrs old & I have not received a diagnosis of Crohn's Disease yet, but I believe I have it. When my stomach flares the back pain is worse. I take Norco for my back pain along with either Soma or Flexeril muscle relaxers & have also used Flector patches for pain & inflammation (which worked much better for me than the Lidocaine patches). I see a pain management doctor that also does the steroid injections into my lumbar region which gives some relief. Although, the last time I got the steroid injections more regularly I started having other weird autoimmune reactions & that's when they made me stop them & get tested further to make sure I didn't have any autoimmune disorders that the steroid injection were only aggrevating. After being tested for everything imaginable, with no answers still, I was cleared to go back & resume the steriod injections. I have hernated & bulging discs from T6 - T10 disc levels & at L4 - L5 along with SI nerve root empingement, degenerative disc disease & advanced facet joint disease. Also, my tail bone (coccyx) is about 45 degrees out of alignment. So I know exactly what you mean regarding the back issues of a 70yr old, I use a cane or even a walker to walk at times. As for your question regarding the pain killers, I believe any pain killer causes some il effect since they slow down the movements in every part of the body, mostly the stomach & intestines. At the same time, you have to weigh your own differences when choosing which avenue is best for you to pursue. Best of luck to you.

 

[archie]

thats a lot to deal with. I'm a physio so treat it regularly unfortunately the stenosis won't change with treatment but the bulging disc can be treated, again core stability ex's are great for this. Sounds to me though that your doing the right things with exercising and yes the crohn's certainly doesn't help If you want anymore advice just ask