Hi, I'm looking for some advice, I am 21 and have chronic lower back pain. I have had pain for over a year and it's getting worse. I have restricted movement now and cannot flex my back or arch my back. Sitting can be painful when I try to stand. I'm being woken up at night by the pain but the doctors aren't looking into what it is as my xray and bloods are all fine. I'm struggling to walk long distance without limping, I cant play football anymore. I still work full time but I am struggling. I'm on paracetamol, naproxen, amitriptyline, sertraline, naftidrofuryl, fultium d3, gabapentin, nefopam and diazepam.
I've tried massage, heat, back support, physio and tens.
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BertieB_280616
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I agree with Taboo - you definitely need a second opinion. My heart goes out to you. It's hard enough getting attention even when there x-rays & blood tests do show what the problem is. I'm 64 & find it a constant battle to actually get the meds that the GP & specialists can see that are working. It might be a good idea to ask for a Cat scan as I think they see a bit more than x-ray. Good luck to you & keep on fighting. Xxx
You definitely need a second opinion or new GP! There are so many things that don't show up on xray, CT scans and/or MRI's are so much more helpful and if your GP feels your pain is enough to warrant such a cocktail of medication I'd be wanting to know why they don't feel further tests would be appropriate?!
I believe when people have multiple pain issues and for no apparent reason and have tried different medications and had xrays and mri ....that still provide no relief or solutions should see a Rheumatologist to rule out some form of arthritis.
3yrs ago after my thyroidectomy I developed horrible TENDINITIS throughout my lower body, my hips, lower back, hamstring, knees, calves and feet.
I saw one doctor after another doctor and had imaging after imaging and pain meds after pain meds with no end in site (I went from exercising 6 days a week to include walking 10 miles a day) to unable to leave my house I COULD NOT WALK or STAND without being in excruciating pain finally I demanded 2nd opinion to a university rheumatologist who finally diagnosed me with Psoriatic Arthritis of the tendons, horrible invisible disease... because of being untreated for so long I have a lot of damage and have not been able to exercise the way I did before my illness.
See a Rheumatologist rule out reactive arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and all the other arthritis and maybe just maybe you can get properly treated.
Another helpful thing to try is Vitamin D3, K2 and Magnesium ... this helps my knees.
You should be happy they did not see anything wrong in your X-rays. Unless the doctor examining your X-rays is incompetent, or sloppy, your spine is probably in good shape. Can you get an MRI? This shows so much more of the spine. I would get a full spine MRI, and Catscan. If you have to pay out of your own pocket, then do so. In the USA, a full spine MRI can be done for $300 or less. I know, because I did it. You did not indicate where your pain is located, when it gets worse, what makes it better or worse and if you have pain at night, etc. We need more information. In general for back pain: loose any excess weight, practice good posture and body mechanic, avoid sitting too long, or using your smartphone all day long (text neck), eat an anti-inflammatory diet, stretch often, hot baths, use heat/cold as appropriate, strengthen your core, practice relaxation and breathing techniques, eliminate stress and try to get off all the meds. Good luck!
I certainly sympathise with you and your chronic back pain.
I am not qualified in any way to advise you with regards to medication. I am more than happy to talk about life experience as I have a considerable amount. Gabapentin is a neuropathic drug which is now a controlled drug. Im am not competent in giving you any advice. I would go back to your Doctor or Pain management Consultant and discuss with them.
I do wish you the very best with your back for the future.
X-rays can be fine, but they only show up so much. You need to ask to see a muscular skeletal expert/ department and then At the appointment, you may get an appointment for an MRI.
Just one other thing: can you remember falling or nearly falling Or turning awkwardly before your symptoms started? This may take some thinking about
Hi, does the pain radiate into your leg? An x-ray will only rule out certain conditions.
If it doesn’t get any better & is getting worse you should have an MRI scan. If they won’t refer you for one and if you can possibly pay private you should.
I had terrible lower back pain from the age of 14 & after years of being told various things including having to live with it!
I had physio, saw a chiropractor, paid private for all these things through desperation and got in debt to do so!
Long story short, after over ten years of utter agony they gave me an MRI scan. I had 3 prolapsed discs & had to have emergency surgery.
As a consequence of being left that long, I have permanent nerve damage in my leg.
There’s way to many problems it’s caused to go into, but don’t get fobbed off if your not getting any better.
It sounds like your doing all you can to help yourself so if it’s not helping that much you should keep going back.
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