I am also on the Wirral and have had back pain issues for over 30 years. You have suffered too long and are too young for your life to be on hold. It is not clear if you have ever had a formal diagnosis of your condition or whether you have been referred to a specialist. You mention that you are waiting for an MRI scan but is this as a result of your GP having referred you to a specialist or is it through some other channel?
You problem sounds similar to mine Nath. I was 21 when it began, but 35 when a disc at L5/S1 (which means a disc at the bottom of your spine has trapped nerves) caused unbearable pain (and I'd had two kids!) for me, then I went numb all below the waist. Emergency surgery saved my legs and ...ahem...other "bits" 😉, but I was very lucky, others have been left incontinent and in a wheelchair, so be very careful.
Your MRI scan should show what's what for you and private physio might just get that disc to slip back in so that you might not need surgery. It's tons better than NHS physio, I found that after I had a car accident 2 years ago and the insurers paid for it for me, what a difference! NHS seems to just want to inflict pain or just use heat, which you can do at home!
Has your GP suggested pain management? If not, ask to be referred to the one in The Walton Neurological Centre at Fazakerley hospital. I'm sure I'd still be working or been able to carry on longer if I'd got on that after my accidents rather than when it was too late.
There's a multibed acupuncture clinic in Prenton that's supposed to be very good, which was recommended to me by an acupuncturist I know who goes there. Your physio might offer needling for pain relief, but they're not adequately trained in 14-15 hours, whereas a real acupuncturist has a degree including >400 hours of clinical practice. I know some fantastic practitioners in & around Manchester, if you can get there.
Another option to try is seeing a chiropractor, which I found helpful, or an osteopath, which I've not tried.
I injured my back at work when lifting a patient about 18years ago since then everything has gone downhill fast.they retired me from work after 25 years that almost killed me I loved my job . Neurology refused to operate said it could make me worse and I can manage on elbow crutches . I had physio in pool and pressure puncture no needles that physio helped me no end . Some days I could do more than others but family life suffered I had 3 children plus the one I married I felt useless wasn't a mum wife or nurse anymore they put me on all these pills that diddnt really make a difference just gave me nasty side effects . The only analgesia I found to work was cocodamol which is what neurosurgeon advised I use a tens machine but you have to place it in different positions untill you get it right it's practice . Been on different anti-anxiety medication for years . My scans and MRI showed discs bulging at L 3,4and 5 . Now I have osteoarthritis had 2hip replacement and waiting knee my family has a history of arthritis it just hit me younger due to being immobile and weight gain . The last few months I been doing aqua it has worked I am still in pain but I can move easier I do Tai chi which is mindful slow movements . Mindfulness also has helped my depression but that takes practice it also gets me out of house and I'm meeting new people not isolated which i used to be . It's not easy and after working on a trauma unit realised there is no one method it's all trial and error but moving around when your able is the best thing and rest when things get too bad . Pacing is a must I still have yet to come to terms with that I tend to do too much when I'm ok then have a flare up the following day and can't move . Diagnosed last year with fibromyalgia . Good luck hope you get some answers that help xxx
Hi carol, thanks for your experience and advice!! It amazes me how helpful this site is, I was told about it by a friend and so grateful for the comments and advice that I’ve been given.
It’s good to talk and I do it far to much! Lol.
No on a serious note, this site is helping in so many ways.
Hi I have experienced the same sort of pain I'm Also a career trained in medicine it's probably notted nerves in your spinal cord which triggers your moods significantly an will possibly affect your legs soon try remidine an tramadol soak your back in hot water an honey which will sooth your nerve also ask your go for gabepenton which will release the pain an help you more with baring the pain
I have spinal stenosis which effects nerves,was put on tramadol 20 years ago which helped then but over time my body has got used to them. I am now on Pregabalin
Which is fantastic started on a low dose and can go up accordingly.Any pain in back can effect nerves and an effect legs as well as back Pregabalin is a nerve reducer I have found this fantastic but until you have results of MRI you won't know if nerves are affected
Hi Nath what has helped my back pain is seeing a qualified remedial deep tissue massage therapist. Like you I have never found physios helpful. In my experience they treat you as a condition rather than as an individual. We are all different & there are so many different reasons why we get back pain. You need to get a correct proper diagnosis as to what is causing your pain. There may be different things going on - the after effects of the original injury, there may be referred pain, it may be that the soft tissues & muscles have seized up (spasms) to protect the area, exacerbating the problem. Whatever it is, you need to know. A really good remedial massage therapist could do that, would give you deep massage if appropriate, usually starting off gently, would work on the surrounding soft tissues, stretch out those tight muscles to reduce your spasms, get the circulation flowing which will help flush out toxins that have stagnated in the injured area. They will give you exercises to do. Your body has probably compensated elsewhere for the injured area, setting off a chain reaction of pain. I found that remedial massage gave me back a sense of control because the practitioner was telling me exactly what they were doing & why, as well as what I could do to help myself. I have been there with the pain meds believe me & it’s soul destroying & they make you feel lousy & depressed. You need some hope pal. An MRI would be a really good thing to kick things off. If you decide you want to explore massage a bit more, this is the professional body where my massage therapist trained. Explore the site a bit & also you can see if there’s a practitioner in your area. GOOD LUCK 👍lcsp.uk.com
I feel your pain, one thing I realised is that if I stay in one place to long/or stand this aggravation is intensified. Pain at night is harder to control than during the day due to how exhausted you are.
I was on 400mg tramadol, 300mg gabapentin, naproxen, paracetamol and lidocaine patches every day, not including other medication such a trazodone.
I think due to my high tolerance for medication it didn’t take me long to get used to it. Also rather than taking the amitriptyline and tramad an hour before going to bed. And try get to bed earlier rather than later.
I also attended pin management classes which helped to me deal with my pain and knowing my limitations.
Not sure if this helps any, I do empathise with you having had chronic back pain and arthritis for many years it can take its toll.
I also swim and go to the gym too try and keep the muscles around my spine strong
Mine turned out to be a slipped disc which affects both my spine and my sciatic nerve. I've been told I have to have physio which is unlikely to help me and then I can have cortisone injections. I did not find amitriptyline or gabapentin helpful and try to avoid taking too many meds, I currently take tramadol four times a day and try to walk 1-2 miles per day. I also have a lumbar support cushion for when I am sitting.
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Pain,pain,pain!
back pain for nearly 18months
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