Advice Needed for back pain
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hello, I am a 36 year old female. I am new to any type of forum so please bare with me. For about 10-12 years I have had pain and trouble with my neck and back. Mostly right neck pain and stiffness and lower back pain. I have managed it pretty well with muscle relaxers, tylonal, heating pads, ect. Gone to the doctors and hospital a number of times when the pain gets to bad. Usually, the doctors right me off and say that it is just a muscle spasm, give me some flexeral and send on my way. I have never had any test or other type of treatment done.
Recently, about two weeks ago I went to the doctors because my siatica started up again. Said I was fine, gave me muscle relaxers and a steriod pack. Normally, that tends to help but this time there has been no improvement in the pain. The siatic pain moved to my left leg and the pain moves from my leg, lower back, center back and neck. Each day, it seems like something different. There are time that it can be unbearable. I know there is something wrong and I have said it for years, but I can't get someone to listen to me. Mostly because they say I am young and that I had no actual injury to my spine. I can deal with the daily pain, I just feel like I need some kind of test to see what the problem actually is, but they all refuse to do so. I am worried it is some type of autoimmune disorder. Almost every person on my mothers side has some type of autoimmune and since my symptoms are all over the place, I feel like it could be something of that nature. But I am not sure. Maybe someone on this forum can help steer me in the right direction, or has the same symptoms or something.
Below is a quick summary of my families health, my health issues and symptoms.
FAMILY HISTORY:
SISTER - LUPUS & RYNARDS
BROTHER - SARCOYDOSIS
MOTHER- OVER ACTIVE THYROID, HEART ATTACK & HIGH BLOOD PRESURE
GRANDMOTHER - BREAST CANCER, LUNG CANCER
GRANDFATHER - ARTHRITIS
AUNT - CRONES
ME - HYPOTHYROIDISM, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, FAST HEART RATE, LVH (all due to undiagnost hypothyroidism for years), RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME & PERIOTIC LIMB MOVEMENT DISORDER
SYMPTOMS:
PAIN THAT MOVES AROUND MY BACK FROM DAY TO DAY
SIATICA PAIN FROM TOME TO TIME
PAIN RADIATES UP MY SPINE
SHARP ZAPS OF PAIN THROUGHOUT MY BODY
MUSCLE STIFFNESS
FREQUENT EMERGENCY URINATION
BRUSITIS OF THE HIP (LEFT HIP ONLY)
NUMBNESS OF HANDS AND FEET ON OCCATION
Sorry for my misspellings. I am sure there are quit a few. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP
0 likes, 11 replies
glenn06752 kimberly94758
Posted
Hi There, Kim!
So sorry to hear about all your maladies. Reminds me of myself when I was in my 30s. I had one thing after another. Finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I also have an L-5/S-1 impinged nerve and various other issues.
Unless they don't see it, doctors are usually general and conservative. You need an MRI to rule out certain things and I don't see any mention it. At least start with a catscan. Not sure if you're going to general health providers and they see no need for a referral or your insurane is just limited to various tests and x-rays and don't want to put you through the expense but it's highly important they get to the bottom of your major complaints. You could also use a good blood work up to rule out anything in that area.
You mention "they all refuse" but they never say why? Why wouldn't you be a candidate for further testing, including an MRI? Maybe it's time for a new line of doctors and some new eyes and ears to listen to your issues. None of which are fun.
I wish you the best and keep us posted.
kimberly94758 glenn06752
Posted
Thank you for your response. They tell me every time that since there is no direct truama to my spine there is no need for any testing. I have asked for a CT OR MRI and always tell me no (multiple hospitals and doctors) . Even though my insurance will pay for it. One doctor told me it is because an MRI will almost always show something wrong after a certin age but that it is usually not the problem. However, if they are only treating my symptoms and not the problem then how will I ever get better. But I think you are right. I need to find someone to listen and order the tests I need. It is just very frustrating and the longer I go without treatment the worse it has been getting.
Thanks Again Glenn! I will keep you guys updated.
dani87163 kimberly94758
Posted
Sorry to butt in, but Glenn, what have your symptoms been for an impinged nerve?
Thanks
amkoffee kimberly94758
Posted
I hate it when I hear people young like you and having problems with doctors. It's just not fair for them to take this attitude that because you're young your problems are not as big a deal as mine are because I'm 57 . when actually if they would just stop and think about it you're going to have to live with your pain a lot longer than I am because I'm older and my pain didn't even start until I was in my forties .
I think you need to go see a pain management specialist . You'll probably need to get a referral from your doctor if you're in the US. I don't know how it works in the UK or other countries . a pain management doctor should start ordering test for you so that he or she can get to the bottom of your problem . And you need to accept that nothing may ever be found as to a cause for your pain. and for those people who are stuck in that situation will receive lousy Health Care as well.
kimberly94758 amkoffee
Posted
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU. MAY I ASK WHAT YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM?
MY FEELING IS, WHY NOT CHECK IT NOW, SURE IT MIGHT BE EXSPENCIVE FOR ALL THE TEST BUT IF SOMETHING IS TRUELY WRONG THEN MAYBE THERE IS SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE BEFORE IT GETS TO BAD THEN ACTUALLY COSTING MORE IN THE FUTURE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE. BUT I DID END UP EMAILING MY DOCTOR AND SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE IS GOING TO ORDER AN X-RAY OF MY SPINE (not really sure what x-rays will show) AND ALSO SOME PHYSICAL THERAPY. SO I AM GOING TO SEE HOW THAT GOES.
MY MOTHER IN LAW ALSO TOLD ME THAT HERE PAIN MANEGMENT DOCTOR WILL SEE ME AND ALL I NEED IS MY MEDICAL RECORDS THEY DONT TAKE INSURENCE BUT IT IS ONLY $70 PER VISIT STILL COSTLY, BUT I AM WILLING TO TRY ANYTHING AT THIS POINT.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND I HOPE YOU ARE FEEL WELL.
abhishek41211 kimberly94758
Posted
hi kim, from what you have mentioned I have concluded that you have not had any real diagnostic test for a chronic pain that is going on for so many years which is not good. Even if it is a muscle problem, a muscle spasm going on or off for 12 years needs to be evaluated. Stop worrying about autoimmune diseases or any other worse illness because the symptoms you have mentioned can be numerous things some of which can be left alone while some needs to be treated. Your symptoms are similar to mine except for the fact that I have pain in my shoulder blade instead of lower back and that my pain is only there for 6 months. My doctor is also reluctant to give me xrays becausse he thinks that it is unnecessary but I will be going for a private xray of my chest and spine and shoulder next month to put my mind at ease. My advice will be that if you have not had any diagnostic test like xrays or mris, push the doctor to give you one. Make him/her listen to you and if he is still reluctant to give a test, change the doctor or go for a private xray or MRI. Even if there is nothing to worry about, your mind will be put to rest and you will stop worrying about anything sinister. All the best and if you need any further help, dont hesitate to ask for it. 😃
amkoffee abhishek41211
Posted
my own personal opinion is that in cases like these yours and Kimberly is that a flat x-ray is almost useless. an MRI is the way to go . Because it shows not only bone but it also show soft tissue. So you get more bang for the buck so to speak. I know that the price of an MRI is very expensive and I know when you talk about private pay you're talking about private insurance I think (I'm in the US so I don't know how it works in the UK) But if you yourself can afford an MRI I highly recommend you go that route instead of the X-ray.
kimberly94758
Posted
So, I actually did get an x-ray of my lumbar spine (not sure why they didn't do the whole thing since the pain is all over) but this is what they found.
There are 5 non-rib-bearing lumbar type vertebral bodies.
There is mild straightening of the lumbar spine. The vertebral body heights are maintained. There is mild loss of disc height at L5-S1 along with marginal osteophytes.
Not really sure what any of this means. My PA just says that everything is fine. But I am still not convinced. Is the wear that shows up on the x-ray of spine normal for someone that is only 36 years old? I think I am going to try and find other avenues.
amkoffee kimberly94758
Posted
I said this once and I'm going to say it again you're far better off with an MRI. I may be wrong but I didn't even think that any of the lumbar vertebrae were supporting rib bones . second of all L5 S1 are two vertebrae that are separated by a disc and it is this disk that gives people trouble nine times out of ten. It's just a very common area for pain to start. that is where I started out too. otherwise I have to agree with your doctor's summation of the comments made on the report of your X-ray. it does not show anything alarming nor does it show anything that can be fixed at this point. but if you are experiencing a lot of pain you really need to inquire about an MRI. It will show soft tissue damage and that may be where your pain is coming from especially if you're feeling pain all up and down your spine. it will also give a better image of your disks which are the cushions between your vertebrae. When the vertebrae drop and squeeze the disc then it protrudes out and can pinch a nerve often times the sciatic nerve. As you can imagine this will cause a lot of pain and this pain often times will run down the leg. Fortunately I've only had pain run down my leg a few times and that's just when my pain is at its worst. But people talk about how horrible it feels and they live with 24/7.
the reason why your doctor only took x-rays of your lumbar area is most likely because that is the most common place for pain. the neck or cervical area is the second most common place for pain. lastly would be the thoracic area. you hardly ever hear of anyone having a problem there that was not brought on by a fall or a car accident or compression fractures like I have been experiencing.
laura96939 kimberly94758
Posted
I have suffered wth back pain my whole adult life, im 39 now. I've had 4-5 bouts of NHS phsio but until last year no diagnostic tests were carried out, and the only reason i have several referals in place now is because i pushed my GP for it. She was very lax this entire time despite how pro active i am with my issues she treated me like it was a tiny bit of back pain. The last 3 years have been a nightmare and my symptoms are effecting every area of my life now, if they hadnt had my x-rays and mri's finally done i was going to go private even though i really cant afford it. Im always being told to my own advocate and push for help, i just wish i had done it sooner and so should you. I hope you get a gp who will help you.
lauren46405 kimberly94758
Posted
Hey Kimberly, I too have suffered from back pain my whole life. I was able to drastically reduce my pain within 2 weeks after I started doing back stretches and exercises. Trust me I thought there is no way that stretching is going to help my back spasms but now I only get back pain when I tweak my back. Watch this video and try the stretches out for a few weeks and see if your back pain goes away. Even if things don't improve too much, mobility is a hugeee factor when it comes to back pain, so either way your doing something good for your body.
How To Treat Lower Back Pain