What is your opinion? Should I urge my doctors to take my pain more seriously?

[Dnaray93]

So, I am 28 and MRI evidence of disk protrusions and bulges in lower spine, I am OCD and baking calms my mind, however, with the pain in my back and feet, I struggle with a practically agonising pain in my middle and lower back and recently pain in my feet, standing and doing simple activities (over the past three months) has exasperated my pain ten fold and has now affected my feet. I get pins and needles in my feet and the go hot and red. I’m the type of person who hates to admit it, but I’ve had times (several ((+10)) times the last three months). I have been desperate for some pain relief and despite Haemophilia the doctors have prescribed an Anti-inflammatory that at least takes the edge off. I am ginger and very fair skinned this is should half the redness of what I typically deal with. It comes to a point I’m sure everyone on this forum has experienced where the doctors seem to give up on you and my mental state is affected. I’ve told the doctors this and I’m told there isn’t anything more they can do. What could I do for them to take this relatively new development seriously? Sorry it was so long. Hope you have a calming day.

[Bevvy]

So it sounds like a classic case of sciatica to me. Gp could look at different pain medications but they can have limited effect on sciatica. Gp could also refer you to a physio. It has long been known that certain exercises can help in relieving the pain. Years ago people were told to lie flat on their back for days on end. We now know this is absolutely the worse thing you can do and exercise can really help. You may find some helpful information on something like YouTube.When my sciatica is very bad I find doing gentle exercises (got via internet) in a swimming pool really helps. It’s best to go regularly and ideally twice a week.

Is your gp aware of pins and needles in feet? They really should be giving additional support in relation to that. That isn’t part of sciatica and you should make gp aware.

Also if ever legs go numb you should go to A&E because again that is not normal and could be an emergency. Although this is extremely rare so don’t panic about. Am just making you aware. I have had numb leg and wasn’t anything sinister.

Having said all of above please remember I am just giving suggestions and am not medically qualified. Your back issues may well be something else it’s just I have chronic sciatica and sounds very similar to my condition.

[Dnaray93 in reply to Bevvy]

Hey. Thank you for your reply. A lot of people in my family suffered from sciatica I never thought that the pain could be more than one way. Usually, everyone has shooting and jolting pains and can hardly wark worth a rhythm.at all. Been as you have it, can your legs randomly jolt? Usually when you are at rest? I spoke to a very kind doctor today who assured me as it was telephone, she couldn't say if it was encouraging that the symptoms occur when I'm on my feet and as they get better and don't stay red it's not likely complications from my disk and she did mention spinal chord damage but that is unlikely because they are not consistent symptoms. It's nice to know that others suffered similarly. And I truly admire your strength and an glad for your input. So thank you.

[rabbits65]

Dnaray93 Ask your doctor to refer you to a Pain Clinic and have some sessions there. Alternatively ask doctor for further X rays . Or pay privately and have a good chat with a Physio . Whatever the case, you definitely need to see and speak with someone because you are full of nerves and need even some counselling to help calm you down . Your very young and I’m sure you will be alright .

[Dnaray93 in reply to rabbits65]

Thank you for your reply. I've been through the X-rays and therapy even tries hydrotherapy or water aerobics I've had both counselling and therapy even CBT for it. While the CBT helped with the OCD it doesn't help for physical pain. I will look into a pain clinic. Thank you.

[etheral]

Have surgical options been discussed re lumber disc protrusions. Might be worthwhile. Also steoid/lidocaine injections could be considered.

Wishing you best in alleviating your symptoms, etheral

[Dnaray93 in reply to etheral]

Hey. I was never offered anything other than oral painkillers, as for the steroid/lidocaine, I never ever knew that was an option. If they are anti-inflammatory injections I would not he offered them anyway. As for the surgery, I was denied due to another medical condition Haemophilia. There was too much risk of internal bleeding.

[cyberbarn]

Have you seen a podiatrist? My son has pain and redness in his feet like that when he stands or walks. He has had an explanation as to why he has this pain, and has been able to help with insoles and he now also gets special boots from the orthotist to help support his feet and ankles.

As for your back, bulges and protrusions in your back are not necessarily the causes of your pain. Before MRIs people made assumptions about what was causing pain. Then they started MRIs on people with back pain, and found that yes, they had bulges. So they did surgery, but the pain didn't go away. So they started doing MRIs on people without pain and they found that loads of people have these bulges but don't have any pain at all!

So I am not saying yes or no to the problems in your back causing pain, it could be, but it could be something else.

And sciatic is a description of pain that runs from the back down the leg, it isn't a disease in itself. It can be caused by many things. And pain isn't always felt where the cause of the pain is, for instance a nerve might be pinched or affected by inflammation high up on the spine, but the pain is felt no where near that are, but much lower down in the body.

So maybe start with a podiatrist who can help with the feet and go from there. They are usually really good at figuring out what is going on.

[Dnaray93 in reply to cyberbarn]

I will definitely look into seeing a podiatrist. Three days ago, my mother bought me some orthodic shoes and using them had definitely helped with the redness. Thank you.

[urodgers1968]

Yes there is, they obviously can't be bothered, I was refferd to the pain clinic at the hospital, I've had a unsuccessful steroid injection in my back, now after my persistent calls I have an appointment again in the pain clinic, they should of refferd you already but that takes them having to type it, constantly contacting them again and asking for help is all you can do, I've been in cronic pain since last June, everyday, it does play on your mind, as it's frustrating and lack of help makes it worse, my pain was a result of a car accident years ago, was in pain but not everyday until last June, good luck xx

[Dnaray93 in reply to urodgers1968]

I have had the ‘there's not a lot more we can do for you’ yet through this I've learned that there are pain clinics and injections. Thank you. The best of luck to you too.

[Crystalbowl]

I n the pastor, I have found the book “Treat Your Own Back” by Robin Mckenzie very helpful and there are probably videos available online too. I hurt my own back a couple of months ago . I have had a lot of back problems over the years (I am an older person) which I have had either osteopathic or chiropractic treatment for but the exercises in this book have also helped me and others I have suggested it to. However, this time after trying both a Chiropractor and later an Osteopath, I ended upin A & E where, following an X-ray and a CT scan, I was diagnosed with a fracture at L1 so I am being careful about what I do at the moment.

[Dnaray93]

Oh, I'm obsessed with books. I will be sure to get it and give it a read. Yes, please do be cautious. I hope you feel better soon. Thanks for the suggestion.