I was diagnosed a while ago with having a sixth lumbar vertebrae. I had X rays and an Mri scan. I am going back in two days for the results, and my doctors are going to decide on a treatment plan. I have done some research though, and I have found that the most common treatments are: steroid injections, physiotherapy, pain killers. In some cases, when these treatments are not working, you may have surgery. This can be open, or laser. The most common is lumbar fusion surgery. This is where they fuse l6 to your sacrum. You may also have it removed. You may also be given a back Brace, and/or back support, e.g. Chair back supports etc.
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That sounds exactly like me! I can't bend. Standing or sitting for extended periods is not feasible. Its just like you said...a bolt of lightening. I want quality of life. I can't get up out of bed normally in the mornings and make it to the bathroom. My back just won't let me. I'm 34 and must walk with a cane simply because my back is in such bad shape. Doctors all say to just take pain medication and everything will be okay. I just want a doctor to hear me and not look at me like I have a third eye. I just want the pain to go away so I can have a normal life. I want to walk normally and be able to exercise or even sleep more than a couple hours without having to get up and move around. My research has taken me to possibly killing the nerves. The bad thing is, I lost my health insurance and can't get this done because I can't work now. All because of the back issues. I want to work and need to pay the bills, but physically can not. I'd do anything to be able to stand straight up in the mornings and walk to the bathroom without peeing all over myself just because the back doesn't want to cooperate.
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Hello I read your story fits exactly my description.No matter what I do out of know where the pain creeps up and really hits me bad.I can't sit,stand too long or walk cause the next day will feel every piece of what I did day before.I'm 30 also taking care of four children and everyday is a blessing I'm a live but the pain kills it at some point.
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I was told in 8th grade that I had an L6 and that it may never bother me or that I may have problems when I get older. I started having back pain when I was pregnant with my son at 32. It was nothing I couldn't deal with until the summer before last when, at 39, I walked up the stairs, carrying a small tv, and was in tears by the time I got to the top and every step I took took my breath away and brought me to tears for the next 4 days. I am under the care of a chiropractor. Everything I read says that the L6 should not cause any problems but my chiropractor says that it is the root of my pain and when I am being treated by her I get relief. Seems to me that there is a lot of incorrect information out there about the L6. Maybe this needs to be further investigated. If we all have the L6 in common and the pain is so similarly described, the information out there must not be accurate!
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Heloo dear, soryy to hear that!
Unfortunatly I am suffering from the same problem, but since I 've started doing pilatis it's getting better and better ( but you have to tell your trainer you have backbpain, so she/he would change some actions) and I also have started going to the pool for just walking and that was effective as well but but two days ago I had to go shopping alone so I lifted heavy baskets and worked alot as I had too many guests and guess what? I can not move since that time! I am so worried about myself! I dont know if i can have a baby in the future with this problem! By the way I am 27! Get well soon
Unfortunatly I am suffering from the same problem, but since I 've started doing pilatis it's getting better and better ( but you have to tell your trainer you have backbpain, so she/he would change some actions) and I also have started going to the pool for just walking and that was effective as well but but two days ago I had to go shopping alone so I lifted heavy baskets and worked alot as I had too many guests and guess what? I can not move since that time! I am so worried about myself! I dont know if i can have a baby in the future with this problem! By the way I am 27! Get well soon
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I can't agree more. Sit with same problem. I'm in extreme pain to a state that Icant sleep also can't go work any more. Going toMRI again then insist on surgery.
I'm 42 now and only started giving problems 2 years ago. Also only found L6 yesterday on x ray and not on MRI. My whole life style has changed so that I can't even go to a restaurant.
Had enough of this.
I'm 42 now and only started giving problems 2 years ago. Also only found L6 yesterday on x ray and not on MRI. My whole life style has changed so that I can't even go to a restaurant.
Had enough of this.
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I have had lower back pain for approximately 10years. Finally ended up in the ER a couple weeks ago and was told I have an L6 also. I was given pain killers and muscle relaxers and sent home. It's the most relief I've ever had! I've always been active and recently lost 100 pounds (I'm only 20lbs from a "healthy" weight now) and thought that would help. Pain has only gotten worse. Work is hard as I bend all day, but I need to pay bills. I am to the point where I sit with my elbows on my knees almost all the time. I have to get myself comfortable in bed before I fall asleep because after laying a certain way for 20minutes or so, my legs cannot move. When I wake up in the morning I have to use my arms to pull myself to the edge of the bed and use my hands to lift my legs one at a time over the side so I can sit up. I take showers so hot they burn just so I can relieve some of the pain. I take ibuprofen and Tylenol like candy, and use icy hot, icy hot patches, aspercreme, and absorbine like it's going out of style. Doctors keep telling me "you're too young to have any problems, it'll pass". I'm only 28!! I don't want to live like this forever.
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I feel for you. My Dr. just says what it shows shouldn't cause me pain. I wish they had to live with it and see how quick they would want something done. I don't even want to look at my Dr when she says something like that. I have an appointment with her today and I am going to demand that something be done. I have had so much PT and now only want something that will actually work. I'm almost 65 and realized I was 20 years old I was in pain a lot and have tried to find out what was worn with my lower back/ I think I have waited long enough for something to be done. I truly hope you find something that will give you quality of life. This is no quality of life.
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To Tad45,
1) I'm a three yr. veteran ('65-'68) with almost two yrs. in southeast asia, where I was hurt and spent three weeks in a military hospital there from a 'lateral spinal whiplash' with other wounds. In yr. of 2001, I got a 30% service connected disability after a constant pursuit of my rights.....
2) Last week (May 2017) I learned that in a copy from my medical records that the VAMC had known since 1998 that I had a 'Congenital Anomaly of the spine' (a birth defect) which was "L6". That means I was born with it, (in other words, I had a Pre-Existing Condition prior enlisting) and it was aggravated by my military injury in 1967 which accelerated the deterioration of L6(S1). Since then it has been diagnosed as Scoliosis/Spondylosis .......
Now understand something, nobody ever told me anything about my condition (L6) and crooked spinal column and why I've been hurting for 10 yrs now. I had to go to 'records' and ask for a copy of my Xrays (on a DISC), with diagnosis of each. Don't forget that xrays have to be "read" .... There I found the Dr. of Radiology had made the diagnosis, and sent his findings back to the ofc. that made the request for the xray. They wouldn't tell me anything but now I have a copy of my records, because it's possible but not probable, that if my injury had not caused the acceleration of deterioration I wouldn't be hurting today???? I have to do a lot of strong stretches several times a day to suppress half of my pain, as you know (it's always there)....
So go get copies of your Xrays w/diagnosis and take it to your Congressman's ofc. and ask for 100% disability from the VA. That's what we've earned and our right, and that's what I'm fighting for right now.......
1) I'm a three yr. veteran ('65-'68) with almost two yrs. in southeast asia, where I was hurt and spent three weeks in a military hospital there from a 'lateral spinal whiplash' with other wounds. In yr. of 2001, I got a 30% service connected disability after a constant pursuit of my rights.....
2) Last week (May 2017) I learned that in a copy from my medical records that the VAMC had known since 1998 that I had a 'Congenital Anomaly of the spine' (a birth defect) which was "L6". That means I was born with it, (in other words, I had a Pre-Existing Condition prior enlisting) and it was aggravated by my military injury in 1967 which accelerated the deterioration of L6(S1). Since then it has been diagnosed as Scoliosis/Spondylosis .......
Now understand something, nobody ever told me anything about my condition (L6) and crooked spinal column and why I've been hurting for 10 yrs now. I had to go to 'records' and ask for a copy of my Xrays (on a DISC), with diagnosis of each. Don't forget that xrays have to be "read" .... There I found the Dr. of Radiology had made the diagnosis, and sent his findings back to the ofc. that made the request for the xray. They wouldn't tell me anything but now I have a copy of my records, because it's possible but not probable, that if my injury had not caused the acceleration of deterioration I wouldn't be hurting today???? I have to do a lot of strong stretches several times a day to suppress half of my pain, as you know (it's always there)....
So go get copies of your Xrays w/diagnosis and take it to your Congressman's ofc. and ask for 100% disability from the VA. That's what we've earned and our right, and that's what I'm fighting for right now.......
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Kate,
Please note what I told Tad, in the msg below. Wish we could Email, so I can fill you in on my discoveries..... Any person with an L6 joined to L5 or S1 will always be the source of pain as it prevents other parts from moving as they were supposed to move. That's when they crush nerve endings that go to different parts of the body. L6 isn't ever supposed to be there, but when it is, it's called a "Congenital Anomaly" (Birth Defect), So after it hurts down the line, it's been caused and accelerated by your injury from your military duties.
All medical professionals have a duty to inform a patient of the findings and assist in a possible recovery or at least a partial recovery instead of keeping it a secret so as to prevent themselves from being seen as being a part of the "cause"....... Remember that if you get copies of your medical records, always make a copy and hide them as you might need them later......
In reply to tad45 on 2013-01-12 - click to read
To Tad45,
1) I'm a three yr. veteran ('65-'68) with almost two yrs. in southeast asia, where I was hurt and spent three weeks in a military hospital there from a 'lateral spinal whiplash' with other wounds. In yr. of 2001, I got a 30% service connected disability after a constant pursuit of my rights.....
2) Last week (May 2017) I learned that in a copy from my medical records that the VAMC had known since 1998 that I had a 'Congenital Anomaly of the spine' (a birth defect) which was "L6". That means I was born with it, (in other words, I had a Pre-Existing Condition prior enlisting) and it was aggravated by my military injury in 1967 which accelerated the deterioration of L6(S1). Since then it has been diagnosed as Scoliosis/Spondylosis .......
Now understand something, nobody ever told me anything about my condition (L6) and crooked spinal column and why I've been hurting for 10 yrs now. I had to go to 'records' and ask for a copy of my Xrays (on a DISC), with diagnosis of each. Don't forget that xrays have to be "read" .... There I found the Dr. of Radiology had made the diagnosis, and sent his findings back to the ofc. that made the request for the xray. They wouldn't tell me anything but now I have a copy of my records, because it's possible but not probable, that if my injury had not caused the acceleration of deterioration I wouldn't be hurting today???? I have to do a lot of strong stretches several times a day to suppress half of my pain, as you know (it's always there)....
So go get copies of your Xrays w/diagnosis and take it to your Congressman's ofc. and ask for 100% disability from the VA. That's what we've earned and our right, and that's what I'm fighting for right now.......
Please note what I told Tad, in the msg below. Wish we could Email, so I can fill you in on my discoveries..... Any person with an L6 joined to L5 or S1 will always be the source of pain as it prevents other parts from moving as they were supposed to move. That's when they crush nerve endings that go to different parts of the body. L6 isn't ever supposed to be there, but when it is, it's called a "Congenital Anomaly" (Birth Defect), So after it hurts down the line, it's been caused and accelerated by your injury from your military duties.
All medical professionals have a duty to inform a patient of the findings and assist in a possible recovery or at least a partial recovery instead of keeping it a secret so as to prevent themselves from being seen as being a part of the "cause"....... Remember that if you get copies of your medical records, always make a copy and hide them as you might need them later......
In reply to tad45 on 2013-01-12 - click to read
To Tad45,
1) I'm a three yr. veteran ('65-'68) with almost two yrs. in southeast asia, where I was hurt and spent three weeks in a military hospital there from a 'lateral spinal whiplash' with other wounds. In yr. of 2001, I got a 30% service connected disability after a constant pursuit of my rights.....
2) Last week (May 2017) I learned that in a copy from my medical records that the VAMC had known since 1998 that I had a 'Congenital Anomaly of the spine' (a birth defect) which was "L6". That means I was born with it, (in other words, I had a Pre-Existing Condition prior enlisting) and it was aggravated by my military injury in 1967 which accelerated the deterioration of L6(S1). Since then it has been diagnosed as Scoliosis/Spondylosis .......
Now understand something, nobody ever told me anything about my condition (L6) and crooked spinal column and why I've been hurting for 10 yrs now. I had to go to 'records' and ask for a copy of my Xrays (on a DISC), with diagnosis of each. Don't forget that xrays have to be "read" .... There I found the Dr. of Radiology had made the diagnosis, and sent his findings back to the ofc. that made the request for the xray. They wouldn't tell me anything but now I have a copy of my records, because it's possible but not probable, that if my injury had not caused the acceleration of deterioration I wouldn't be hurting today???? I have to do a lot of strong stretches several times a day to suppress half of my pain, as you know (it's always there)....
So go get copies of your Xrays w/diagnosis and take it to your Congressman's ofc. and ask for 100% disability from the VA. That's what we've earned and our right, and that's what I'm fighting for right now.......
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Hi there L6-ers! I have suffered 4 bulging discs for over 9 months! LIke many others, I never had a problem in my life and I always moved fast, took regular walks, travelled, etc. One morning I awoke and felt something that was like a knife between my left leg and buttock. It was there all the time and, eventually, I could not even sit down, and I sit to work! My GP retired, then passed away last year.
I found a GP, but she just looked at my age, (this was on the registration appointment) and said it was "likely bursitis". Being a Medical language specialist and not quite a lay person, I took it upon myself to try various modalities, acupuncture, MAT therapy (which proved a leg-length discrepancy due to skeletal imbalance - not surprised). It was then that I realized this was a total body alignment issue, most likely. I had to really push this doc' for an x-ray, which I was told showed mild to moderate osteoporosis. Total body bone scan reported left sinus issue, nothing else. Finally, I had an MRI which showed the real problem....finally a diagnosis! (after 9 months. I forgot to mention that I had tried the Pain Medicine specialist, who wanted to inject dexamethasone. I gave it a try. It did nothing to help! He offered another and I declined). I lastly insisted on a referral to a prominent Neurosurge/Orthopod in Toronto. I could be waiting a while. Dare I say it?....in the meantime and after months of the most agonizing pain, that sent me to the edge and on Gapapentin and an opioid, I was beginning to feel somewhat better. I began with an amazing physio team who do ultrasound, suction heat, massage and stretching.and I love it! I am trying to stay optimistic. (In the beginning the new doc' had given me a requisition for physio, but I could not even set, let alone move for physio! She just did not understand that my pain was 12/10). I have been a long time off my feet (mostly lying on my right side for everything, including eating} so I have some muscle wasting on the left, affected leg and some in my right arm. My issue at present is attempting to wean off the GapaP. I tried too small a dose too soon and went into a deep, deep, scary depression for one day - withdrawal! The other bulging discs are managable, in that they don't bother me, although may be related to the L6 problem.
If this helps anyone out there, I am happy. May I just say that, when this first started for me, I was trying to exercise to make myself better and I overdid it a couple of times and made myself worse. Forgot to mention also that I tried Chiropractic, but I was in too much pain at the time, so had a really good massage therapy instead - that felf wonderful.
I believe this type of malady may finally correct itself. Body-mind therapy and taking care of our muscles as we age is important.
Btw, I was told by my physio that they (surgeons) would not fuse L6-S1 as all the nerves join up there! I will give an update.
I found a GP, but she just looked at my age, (this was on the registration appointment) and said it was "likely bursitis". Being a Medical language specialist and not quite a lay person, I took it upon myself to try various modalities, acupuncture, MAT therapy (which proved a leg-length discrepancy due to skeletal imbalance - not surprised). It was then that I realized this was a total body alignment issue, most likely. I had to really push this doc' for an x-ray, which I was told showed mild to moderate osteoporosis. Total body bone scan reported left sinus issue, nothing else. Finally, I had an MRI which showed the real problem....finally a diagnosis! (after 9 months. I forgot to mention that I had tried the Pain Medicine specialist, who wanted to inject dexamethasone. I gave it a try. It did nothing to help! He offered another and I declined). I lastly insisted on a referral to a prominent Neurosurge/Orthopod in Toronto. I could be waiting a while. Dare I say it?....in the meantime and after months of the most agonizing pain, that sent me to the edge and on Gapapentin and an opioid, I was beginning to feel somewhat better. I began with an amazing physio team who do ultrasound, suction heat, massage and stretching.and I love it! I am trying to stay optimistic. (In the beginning the new doc' had given me a requisition for physio, but I could not even set, let alone move for physio! She just did not understand that my pain was 12/10). I have been a long time off my feet (mostly lying on my right side for everything, including eating} so I have some muscle wasting on the left, affected leg and some in my right arm. My issue at present is attempting to wean off the GapaP. I tried too small a dose too soon and went into a deep, deep, scary depression for one day - withdrawal! The other bulging discs are managable, in that they don't bother me, although may be related to the L6 problem.
If this helps anyone out there, I am happy. May I just say that, when this first started for me, I was trying to exercise to make myself better and I overdid it a couple of times and made myself worse. Forgot to mention also that I tried Chiropractic, but I was in too much pain at the time, so had a really good massage therapy instead - that felf wonderful.
I believe this type of malady may finally correct itself. Body-mind therapy and taking care of our muscles as we age is important.
Btw, I was told by my physio that they (surgeons) would not fuse L6-S1 as all the nerves join up there! I will give an update.
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Omg! My situation is identical. Just found out Today that I have an L6. Did the new doctor help you get any relief?
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I hve gad MRI 's and they never showed what the x-ray shiwed today which is a L6 and I gave the exact sme problems and Im only 32 and I've been tellung the dictirs for atleast 8 yrs the same things about my symtoms and have hyst now figured it out . Thankyou for your sharing I niw know Im not just old and falling apart at 32 I actually now know thr reason behind my pain...
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