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Consistently uncomfortable back.

Posted , 3 users are following.

david87901
david87901

Hello All,

I've been having this issue for about 3 years. I'm currently 22 years old very healthy and in extremely good shape. I've been working as a pilot for 3 years and ever since then I've been having an uncomfortable back. I slouch a lot, and it takes a lot of work to stand up straight. If you look at my back, there is some slight forward curvature at the top. Nothing gravely obvious though... I work out a lot. Mainly cardio and weights. I have plenty of back strenght I think, but I know my core needs a lot of work. I am always looking for a place to sit down or brace my back against to rest it. My job is mostly sitting, so I know that doesn't help the situation. I crack my back a lot as well, but nothing excessive (I think). I want to recieve some guidance on what to do. I don't want to get myself in a position where my back is so bad I can no longer fly. However, here in America it is very expensive to even see a doctor. Whenever I sit or lay down the discomfort immediatly goes away. Any thoughts? Maybe I'm just not working the right muscle groups. Or could it be something serious that I should see a doctor right away??

Thanks for the help!

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • buggsy1000
    buggsy1000 david87901

    Posted

    Hi David

    Sorry to hear your in pain.

    Can I ask where your pain in back is, is it lower region, and do you have any other problems, leg pain ect?

    As you are a pilot does the company you work with not offer medical cover ??

    First thing to really do and will see if you have any disc damage is to get a MRI scan, and see a DR. In the UK you can see a osteopath and they can also refer for MRI, in the UK a private MRI can cost between £150-600 at different locations, they all do same thing so might be best to look on the net for something local to you.

    That's my suggestion others might tell you to see a chiropractor, but I would never see one again, as I believe mine did more harm than good.

    Keep in touch.

    George

    • david87901
      david87901 buggsy1000

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply George! The thing is, there is no pain. (Achy, sore, sharp) my back is just tired all the time. Probably from constantly trying to keep it really straight. With that could it still be a damaged disk? I'm a little reluctant to say it could be that because there is no pain, but I'm not a professional! I do have health coverage, but there are still fees and other costs that go with seeing a doctor. I don't have any leg pain, but my legs are definitely the weaker part of my body. I know I need to work out those more. I'm just tired of always wanting to sit or lay down. And me always trying to keep my back straight tires it out fast. Thanks!

    • buggsy1000
      buggsy1000 david87901

      Posted

      No problem David.

      I worked in the haulage and freight industry, sitting behind a desk for up to 12 hrs a day, I prolapsed 3 discs at the age of 30, I was a very fit, strong and active person to the Point of running marathons several times a year.

      When I had problems at start, the pain wasn't always there, and I thought it might have been muscular, I found after sitting / laying that I had lot of pain standing up but once up it eased. It took me several years to actually seek medical advice and now 7 yrs on, I have severe spinal problems, multiple failed operations, from discectomy to spinal fusions. And I am now waiting for a specalist operation to help deal with pain as they feel no more can be done to help with the spianl problems.

      I know it's a scary thought to consider back problems, and even to get a diagnosis, but If it is bothering you enough to seek advice on here then please seek professional advice even just for you peace of mind. Please don't leave it as long as I did as you will regret it later in life if it's something that's a easy fix.

      Sorry I can't be more helpful, I do hope ifs nothing serious for you and keep my fingers crossed.

      Best regards

      George

    • david87901
      david87901 buggsy1000

      Posted

      Thanks again George! You're very helpful. How many years was it once the pain started that you saw a doctor? Are you still able to do all your activities? Also, how would I go about getting an MRI? I feel that if I'm walking or even moving the discomfort goes away. Only when I stand in one spot for a while. Like when socializing and stuff...

    • buggsy1000
      buggsy1000 david87901

      Posted

      Hi David

      It was about 2 yrs after the pain started that I then went to my GP, on examination she sent me to A&E and I had a MRI, the next day I had surgery, started with a discectomy where they shave the disc to alleviate the pressure on the spinal cord, sadly This failed and the discs prolapsed again, I then had 2 Spainal fusions but this didn't help with the pain. I spent the next yr in and out of hospital before they decided I had failed fusion. I am now waiting for a spinal cord stimulator to try and assist with the pain in legs and back.

      I gave up work last year as I now struggle to walk more than 400 mtrs without severe pain, and can't sit in a chair for more than 20 mins before I need to try and move. I am on a massive concoction of opiate medication along with other stuff and take about 40 tablets a day.

      In the UK you can either go to A&E and get a free MRI via the NHS or can get them private either a GO or osteopath can refer you, I am not sure about the USA but others might be able to suggest and advise.

      I know mine and others peoples cases might scare you, but I would recommend now to anyone to be safe than sorry.

      I have a 7 yrs old and 3 yr old and have missed out on a lot in life and regret never seeking help earlier on, not saying it would have changed anything but it's the what ifs!!

      Regards

      George

      All very scary I kno

  • dawniesback
    dawniesback david87901

    Posted

    Hello! So sorry to hear of your back issues!! As a 60 year old woman who has had back issues since my 20's, I would definitely get some professional advice on your back. I would also suggest maybe even working with a knowledgeable physical therapist to make sure you are using proper form while working out. You have only one back, don't put this off, I wish I had taken better care of myself instead of pushing through the pain! Best of luck to you!

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