Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Herpes / February 2008
Is there a connection between genital herpes and back pain?
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alfred - 02 Feb 2008 11:56 GMT Hello,
In addition to genital herpes I also have 3 slipped discs which are also worn in my lower back. This has actually been a problem since an injury around 1991, which was prior to me getting herpes.
I do notice that since what I believe was my delayed "primary" outbreak, a few years ago, there has been a large increase in lower back pain and burning in that area as well as in the hips. Its not an outbreak, just back pain that seems to have gotten worse since my herpes has "come out". I'm thinking that maybe this is what they call post herpetic neuralgia? I talked to doctors, but no one gives me any definites. I am told I have disc problems and herpes and thats all the information I have to go on. I had an MRI done and found out about the disc problems that way.
Does anyone else notice a marked increase in lower back pain since having their primary from herpes?
Thanks, Al
MamaZ - 02 Feb 2008 21:10 GMT Hi Alfred, Yep. I get pains ALL OVER (including in my head), but my lower back is one of the main area. I have no disc problems in lower back, but in cervical area of neck from an auto accident - i get pain there too. The pain has increased over the years, unfortunately. I'm using alternative medicine to treat my herpes, as the antivirals make me ill. I wish you luck and that your pain does not increase. MamaZ
> Hello, > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Thanks, > Al alfred - 06 Feb 2008 20:47 GMT > Hi Alfred, > Yep. I get pains ALL OVER (including in my head), but my lower back is [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > I wish you luck and that your pain does not increase. > MamaZ Well I've had genital herpes for many years and although the outbreaks have subsided to still frequent, but mostly mild and with little prodrome, I am still getting unbearable lower back pain at times. My doctor tells me its because i need to be in better shape with my abs and back muscles. If this is true then how come prior to getting herpes even when i was out of shape I never had all these back problems and pain? I'm still thinking that there is a link to lower back pain and genital herpes since the herpes virus stays dormant in the lower back ganglia. Some of my outbreaks for years used to be in the lower back area near the tail bone. Every now and then I still get them in this area and I would think it makes sense based on where herpes lies dormant. Al
MamaZ - 06 Feb 2008 21:47 GMT Al, I think everything you are saying makes complete sense. There is so much the doctors don't know about how herpes 'works' and they are (naturally) reluctant to admit it. I am in agreement with your surmise about why your back pain occurs. I, too, have had herpes for years and it has sense "gone systemic", which is why I get pains from my brain to my tailbone (literally). I understand and hope you are getting adequate pain relief. I've tried all the neuropathic pain relievers, Lyrica, Neurontin, etc., all which made me feel worse from side effects, so I am now having to take narcotics when necessary to control pain. Usually (when not in a prodromal phase, which is rare), a motrin or two will suffice. Don't belittle your suffering - it's very real and you don't deserve to live suffering from pain caused by herpes. Has your doctor referred you to a Neurologist? Perhaps that would help....just a thought. My Neurologist has been so very helpful with really paying attention to my pain complaints. There IS help out there, it's just hard to find. I wish you the best of luck, MamaZ
>> Hi Alfred, >> Yep. I get pains ALL OVER (including in my head), but my lower back is one [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > dormant. > Al alfred - 08 Feb 2008 00:58 GMT > Al, > I think everything you are saying makes complete sense. There is so much [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > I wish you the best of luck, > MamaZ I think I frequent herpes groups when herpes is a problem, so as y'all might have guessed, I've been getting outbreaks right about now. Actually no one asked me to see a neurologist, thats an interesting idea though. I can bring to my doctor and see what he thinks. I can only take tylenol for pain because of stomach problems from ibuprofin and naprosen and other narcotic ones like codeine cause me to get an upset stomach, but if its really bad pain i might use those if I am home and not going out.
This is the "christmas is over and now I have bills and herpes" stress I think. My doctor just refered me to a physical therapist for lower back pain so I am going there, just went today actually. Not sure this is really going to solve the problem but i'm giving it a try.
I still think the lower back pain is herpes related. Its amazing though how many people pass herpes off as nothing at all, unless your trying to meet someone to date that is!
Al
MamaZ - 08 Feb 2008 18:14 GMT Al, If you have to resort to strong pain killers or narcotics (which usually make you nauseous or otherwise upset your stomach), just be certain to take them AFTER eating a significant amount of food (right after a meal), it really helps cut down on that sort of discomfort. As for constipation (which can be a big problem), I found a miraculous over the counter alternative medicine (Ayurvedic - East Indian Medicine), which is made by Planetary Herbals (Brand) called "Trifala". It's simply a combination of fruits in tablet or capsule form - NO side effects, only very gentle relief, it's truly the most amazing thing I've ever used and it's also helped reduce my cholesterol! No kidding! As for the Neurologist, mine finally got it through my very thick regular doctor's head that I *am* suffering, so she was a huge help for dealing with both him and the prodromal pain and PHN (post herpetic neuralgia). Another thing I've done is to see an Osteopath to relieve stress. I know a woman (osteopath/chiro) who does miraculous things by literally moving the bones of the skull, which realigns the body. She also works at VERY GENTLY realigning (re-placement of your body parts/limbs while you are lying down), she does all this with very slow deliberate movements. She's not your regular 'chiropractor' although she does have that license too. No fast movements, no danger. Your last statement is sadly too true. However, if someone is really serious about you, likes you a lot and trusts you (which is the best way to start a relationship anyway), then things will work out, even with herpes. I've had five husbands and four of them have had herpes; my second one gave it to me and I couldn't care less even now. Well, take it easy. You might want to try hooking up with an online Herpes dating group...I know there's at least one that's supposed to be pretty good, I can't remember the name. Good luck, and do something nice for yourself - forget about worrying about money, you will make it through one way or another and you know it. Money comes and money goes, but like the tide, it always comes back in. Breathe and smile :) MamaZ
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> I think I frequent herpes groups when herpes is a problem, so as y'all might > have guessed, I've been getting outbreaks right about now. Actually no one [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Al hgirl - 21 Feb 2008 08:28 GMT hi,
Don't upset by it. It is just a virus to most of the people after the careful managment. If you feel alone after get it, I recommend a warm-hearted wherpes dating site for you: stdpal dot com. There are many singles with Herpes are finding support, information, and even love here!
Many people here can give your advice on this item. Good luck!
>Hello, > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >Thanks, >Al
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