Pain Pain Pain.... No Escape!

[VikkiChowns22]

So I have had back problems for the last 10 years. Have a slipped disc no one will do anything. They expect me to cope with it! I had a bad bout at the weekend where my neck decided to join the party and now I am struggling at work. The issue is every time I go to the doctors they just expect me to carry on with my life and it's getting harder by the day. The pain is just too much and I'm stuck with what to do now?! Help!

[Hidden]

Could you ask for a referral to the pain clinic? They have been very helpful for me, got lots of injections, pain management group, physio and change in medication. I finally felt I was taken seriously. Please don't give up and find the help you need.

Take care x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

My dr has just recently referred me to the pain clinic, would you mind talking me through the first visit please? I feel the same as you did before you attended the clinic, its only been this past month ppl are listening now,i was lucky enough to get a dr that had went through what we have and was treated the same even though she is a dr!unreal eh?any how she knew just where to send me with the least amount of waiting time.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I was first seen by the pain specialist at the pain clinic, the appointment was for about 45min, she asked me about my problems and she referred me to different things that might be helpful -MRI's -injections -pain physio -group sessions - medication review etc

I just felt I was finally listed too and hope for thing to get better. I'm still in pain but can give it a place and can manage it, so doesn't consume my life anymore. It helped me move on, started studying again and do a bit of volunteer work

I understand that the pain clinic is different in other parts of the country. I really hope you get the help you need x

[luckyjim]

Vikki

Some good advice from reply nr 1.

A doctor is only one piece of the jigsaw, the rest is pretty much down to you. Seek and you shall find, as the saying goes.

Happy hunting.

Jim

[PFKAAde]

Hi Vikki

I know how you feel having had several slipped discs, stenosis, scoliosis and having Rheumatoid Arthritis just to make it all easier.

If you've seen a back specialist and they won't offer you anything then as Jim says you may have to be your own helper. Nobody really told me what to do following two emergency surgeries (laminectomies) and whilst suffering with constant sciatica and being unable to even stand up unaided let alone walk, so I sent myself to the gym and have been seeing a Personal Trainer with experience of back problems.

I can't say it would help you (not knowing your situation or being a doctor) but I can say that it has been the best thing I ever did for myself. It's taken 10 months so far, has been hard work and painful, but I can now stand up, walk (kind of) and no longer have sciatica.

Having strengthened my core muscles and everything else for that matter has made a huge difference and enabled me to live some kind of life. My back feels much better as well (and I have a six pack for the first time in my life 😳😀 - well, maybe a four pack).

I realise that exercise may seem like the last thing you want, but it really, really helps. Also daily stretches to loosen up the muscles in the top of your legs and back are essential for me now. If I stop for a few days I know about it.

There are lots of vids on YouTube of the types of stretches that help that show you how to do them properly, and it's important that you do them properly so make sure you trust the source. There are also some stretches on the NHS website that show you the type of thing to do.

Hope that helps a little.

Ade