Hi all. First off, I apologize for the length.... I posted a month or two ago asking for opinions on pain in my left hip that would sometimes go down the outer and back of my leg. Long story short, my doctor said this was caused by arthritis in my spine and me being a little stubborn, didn't believe her. I took a fall down some stairs many months ago and landed on my left hip and was sure the problem was truly in my hip, it is also enlarged. I cannot lay on my left side, ever. After seeing a specialist, having an MRI done (of my lower spine only) and a complete bone scan, it turns out I have degenerative arthritis of the spine. I just turned 36, so I'm a little surprised to have this. I ache constantly, mostly in my hip, lately in my back also. The shooting pains down my leg are driving me crazy. I just started taking Relafen (twice daily) yesterday. I am hoping someone can give me some advice on anything I can do to help with the discomfort. Or, if perhaps someone out there is also taking relafen and could let me know if it has made a difference. I am starting physical therapy on Friday but don't really know if it's worth the time and money if it may not help. My doctor suggested that I go once or twice (12 visits were originally recommended but at the time the specialist thought I had bursitis of the hip). Anyone tried physical therapy and got good results? I've searched the internet and haven't found anything that has helped. Pretty much that the condition will worsen as I age, that's it. Thanks so much for any information, it's greatly appreciated.

Ok, here's the latest. I was unable to go to physical therapy. I was looking over my "prescription" for physical therapy and the diagnosis was bursitis of the hip, which is what the doctor thought I had prior to having the bone scan done. I called to see if I would be treated for that or for the arthritis in my spine and they can only treat what the diagnosis is for. I called the doctor to have a second, correct, prescription faxed over and he was unwilling. The doctor I was sent to said (actually it was his assistant) he does not specialize in back problems, but recommended I keep my follow up appointment with him on the 14th. Why, I wonder? What is the point? I feel like I am going in circles... I am going to continue taking the Relafen (not helping yet but read it takes 7-14 days to notice a difference) and I guess, Tylenol, and lots of it. Don't really know what else to do. My back aches and so does my hip. My back cracks constantly with movement, is that normal? I know I have two bone spurs, I'm just wondering. Nancy, could you suggest any stretches that would have been done at therapy that might help? Thanks again.