Hi - I (late 30s, F) went to my rheumatologist and he noted on my previous MRI that I had lumbar facet joint arthropathy at L4-5 and L5-S1. I've been treated for this chronic low back back for about 7 years now. Had scoliosis as a kid and was treated for it with a brace for 1 year.
I work in an office and have always been a semi-inactive person because of back pain. Right now I'm on a low dose of cymbalta in the AM (which has been immensely helpful) and gabapentin at night for restless leg syndrome. My pain isn't 100% gone but it is much less. I have a party time being physical without exhaustion - but I know that it is the only way I am going to improve. We aren't sure if it is autoimmune related ( i always test positive for ANA screenings) but he doesn't think it is. Eventually I would like to come off the gabapentin at least or all the meds but i'm not sure if that is possible yet. I used to take ibprofen every day multiple times a day (i know, not great but it did help) for a few years and now i only do it when i am exceptionally hurting.
Does anyone have any exercises or types of exercises that have improved this specific type of chronic back pain? I want to strengthen my back /muscles but I just am so off I don't even know where to begin. I also am seeing a nutritionist too to figure out if i can eat some things that would support me building muscle and feeling more energized/less fatigued.
Thank you for any help and suggestions xx