Back problems - HELP
Then I thought it was because of my weight. Well, I'm down almost 40 pounds, and I still have the pain, which is actually getting a little worse with time. I guess its time to give in and seek some professional help. But I don't know whether I should see a Chiropractor or and Ortho doc. I've always been skepitical of Chiropractors, but some people swear by them. All I know, I need some relief  !!!!!What are your thoughts? |
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| My suggestion would be Ortho first. My hubby saw a Chiro for a few years, and he helped him tremendously at first. His back continued to deteriorate after several years and the Chiro can no longer help him. Actually, he will not touch his back now, as the discs have deteriorated to the point he actually needs surgery. Some Orthopedic Docs will even recommend a Chiropractor now, if they believe they can help. |
I swore I would NEVER go to another chiropractor after my first experience several years ago. It was awful! 
But, when I was in such pain for so many months this year, my friends FINALLY convinced me to see their chiropractor. I have to say, it was amazing the difference he made. And, as soon as he could not make a difference, he was quick to refer me to neurologist (my sciatic nerve was pinched). So, IMO, WHO you see is as important as WHAT they practice. Be sure to get recommendations and check them out first. But, by all means, GO TO THE DOCTOR!!  |
| I really wanted to hit "both." The Orthopod would tell you what and the Chiro might be able to keep you comfortable for awhile.
Husband had spinal stenosis (narrowing) surgery last April after some pretty rough months.......He willingly went into surgery instead of getting another spinal injection. The surgery went well and they initially talked about it being day surgery  Well, turned out once they relieved the back pain hip arthritis was unmasked big time. Took awhile to get that inflammation under control. He is totally back pain free.......but still has the hip problem. Overall, condsidering, he's most pleased.
So go to the Orthopod for diagnosis. Maybe physical therapy will work, the exercises kept my husband off the operating table for 35 years! Maybe a Chiro will help. Maybe acupuncture. Hopefully you won't need more extensive treatment for many years. |
| I forgot to mention, I'm a major, medical chicken. I won't let anyone do surgery or injections (GULP!) into my back. How realistic is it to hope for relief with doing that stuff? |
| My husband hurt his back in 1990, treated with family Dr. 6 months later he was back to work. He had a couple of bad spells over the years till 2003. After 8 week on the livingroom floor in sever pain I took him for a second opion to a Nerologist (sp). It was the best thing we ever did. Had him in surgery within the week and is doing wounderful ever since. |
| I would start with your primary care physician (internist, family practitioner) who can determine if you should have some studies (X-Rays probably, perhaps CAT Scan, MRI) so s/he can rule out soft tissue and other internal things, then refer you to the proper specialty.
I hope you get some relief, oh skinny one! |
| When I had the kidney stone (about a month ago) they did a CT scan. The ER doc told me he could see disk degeneration on it. Normal stuff...from aging and use. I wonder if another doctor could make use of that that test, and not have to do it again. |
| Is the pain in the same area as the kidney stone pain? |
Nope. And that's all better now  |
| I don't know if a PCP can order physical therapy, I assume they can. First go and get it duly recorded so in the future they can say, "Yipes, you've had this for X years.....maybe you are serious." (Yes, I'm being cynical.....a bit) I'm thinking bedrest is not being recommended as much now as getting you into a few physical therapy sessions to teach you at home exercises, putting you on anti-inflams and pain relief. They may suggest swimming or water aerobics to strengthen your tummy muscles, sides and back to hold the back more firmly.
The CAT scan may show the area.......or not. After listening to my husband describe the pain from the steroid injection to the affected nerve, "If the San Francisco police show up, I think I confessed to being the Zodiac killer while getting the injection...." I'm not keen about that either. The deal with husband's surgery is the doctor said, "You will be back in time. Your back is not fixed, it's still a crappy back, we've just eliminated these two pressure points." That's not comforting. Back pain is the #1 reason people see doctors.......you might as well join the parade. |
| As a nurse in orthopedic/neuro, wife of a husband who had back surgery and a past chiropractor client and physical therapy client myself, I guess I can chime in!
There are a million ways to go at this. It all depends on the relationships and expertise of the medical professionals you have available. Thankfully, all these different professions do tend to be much better at working together. There probably is no best way to start. MOST people start with physical therapy, usually referred from their family doctor. You can go to a chiropractor without a referral - just get references, check them out. There are good and bad ones, just like anything else. Schedule a consultation and check them out yourself. If you are not seeing results, then you need to go up a step. There are good and bad orthopedic and neuro docs. I really have no preference about either as general groups. I know good and bad ones in both! When my husband needed his surgery, I picked the ortho surgeon I thought would be the best match for him. At the time, the neurosurgeons we had on staff were not anyone I would let touch my family or friends.
Surgeons are required to do conservative treatments before they do surgery, so if you have done PT or injections, bring your medical records with. The only exceptions to NOT doing conservative treatments are if ou are having physical or neurologic symptoms so severe that immediate surgery is needed. My husband is very against going to the doctor, dentist, any medical thing. I knew his pain was severe when he actually asked me about going to the doctor! He went to a chiropractor at a coworkers advise with no relief. He did PT with no relief. He went to the ortho surgeon then. He did the injections twice. The 1st one gave him immediate relief for weeks. The 2nd one didn't do a thing. He was so miserable he scheduled surgery. I did have to go up to his hospital room and open the windows before he got there to get rid of the "hospital smell"  . and bring in his pillow from home.
He had the surgery about 15 yrs ago and has had good results. He does watch what he does more, and still has small flareups if he over does it. Good luck Deb!! |
Ron wrote: I would start with your primary care physician (internist, family practitioner) who can determine if you should have some studies (X-Rays probably, perhaps CAT Scan, MRI) so s/he can rule out soft tissue and other internal things, then refer you to the proper specialty.
I hope you get some relief, oh skinny one! I agree 100% with Ron (amazing isnt it??) You may need to go to both, but Id go to a real doctor first. |
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