Any advice on a bad back?

Puzzledbubbles

Hey Its,

When i saw the physio she didnt know what the problem was, plus at the time it was mid thorassic, now its lower, specialist said the pain will move as my back compensates but now i am sitting better etc the mid thorassic pain is easing, except for when i "seize" up and get really stiff - normaly around 3am ....

I am reluctant to totally stop the pain meds becuase they really do help to an extent, but each time the pain gets worse i go back and the tablets get higher, i dont want to become dependant on them, but i think im almost at the point where i need them to function if that makes sense.

Paprika, hope you feel better soon, how did you manage to get to the pain clinic? do you need a referral, a friend has much worse problems than me and the pain clinic has been so helpful to her over the years.


March - local council gym, its, well, ummm, a bit under staffed, under funded and there are no classes there, also it has really random opening times (although i have been told there may be another gym in the area that is better)

I am going to start the gym hunt asap - we have discounted work membership at one gym, murphy's law it will be one of the most expensive though. I know that there is the option of walking or running (and i intend to start walking to work again when i can) but i dont really live in a safe area for running, and i think that the fact that i will have to pay for the gym will motivate me a lot more.

Thanks again

Puzzled

Paparika

I asked my gp for a referral, I've just had to cancel because I'm still yucky, i don't want to spread my germs in a hospital, but your gp is the one that normally would do all referrals

Indie_Kid

Marcheline wrote: »

I also believe that your doctor should be offering you more help, not just saying he doesn't know enough about what to do to help you. Ask him to refer you to someone who does know.

I agree. I have ongoing neck problems (because I can't hold my head straight) and after physio didn't work, I went back to the doctors who said "we can't do anything unl;ess you've done something like trapped a nerve". Meanwhile, I've spent the last 2 years on & off in constant pain.

I am okish for now. *touch wood*

Felicity

Have you tried accupuncture? You are now able to have approx 10 sessions foc on the NHS, it worked wonders for me (I suffered from similar back pain for over a year). I would go to a session nearly unable to walk and then leave pain free. Try it, particularly as free!

I saw the accupuncturist at the GPs surgery and then later at the local hospital.

Also, ask your GP to refer you to 'back classes' at your local hospital. Here they focus on excercise and core stability, teaching you a series of excercises to do daily.

Good luck!

andrea_louise

Hello puzzledbubbles,

I have been suffering with back and neck problems since the age of 25, am now 37 and have had 1 prosthetic disc replaced in my neck and am awaiting another in the neck and one in the lower back. If it's nerve pain, Ie the disc is bulging or protruding, and causing reflective pain in the leg or the arms. Ask your GP to prescribe Gabapentin or Pregabalin (lyrica). I was prescribed Lyrica last week, and from thursday night, I was able to walk my dogs, on my own without a limp and without pain! I feel like a different person!

Good Luck, hope things improve!

elmer

I too have disc problems, mine are assosiated with pregnancy. I found after my op that Pilates really helped with the core stability muscles and now I do a little every day to keep in shape and no longer have to take 16 painkillers daily. I also swim every week but was recommended to go 3 times a week originally and I still do this if I get a flare up.

I am now mostly pain free, but it was a long process, and took me about 3 years from op to feeling like I was back to my old self, and I do still have disc problems but I try to be very careful.

Hope this helps

Elmer

exitroute?

I havent read all replies sorry but in my area, NHS patients can request an appointment to see a private specialist via NHS Choose and Book system. From there, you will get a physio assessment of about an hour, possibly leading to ultra sound scans and xrays and then a programme of treatment specifially for you. Not only will this act as several other opinions and potential help but you will save yourself some money.

bestpud

I know someone who broke his back and swears by his chiropractor.

And someone else who now has nerve damage (one of her feet is permanantly numb now) from constant slipped discs (I think) and she also swears by a chiropractor.

They don't go very often - the first goes every few months now and the second when she has a flare up.

I don't know where you are in Gloucestershire, but the chiropractor works in Ross on Wye and possible further south...

I can find out his name for you if you want?

Puzzledbubbles

Thanks for all of the advice and support Guys.

I havent got any nerve damage so think that the pain is more muscular although the amitryptaline does help and thats a nerve drug so who knows????

I have to admit i know nothing about chiropractors so a name would be great best pud so that i can see about a consultation or something, im starting to think that my great plans for saving for babies might have to be put on hold until im in a managable place.

thanks again

daska

speak with your GP about an osteopath - they are available on the NHS in some areas, whether your condition is one that is suitable for this kind of treatment has to be a medical decision. I would however advise investigating Alexander Technique as this can help you re-learn how to move in ways that your body can cope with.