Morning all… hoping you can either give me some honest advice or point me in the right direction. I’ve been having back issues for about 6 months which have got dramatically worse over the last month to where I can’t stand up, reach up and struggle getting dressed myself . I had an MRI in nov which identified that I have significant protrusion on L5L4 and a pars crack. I’m on lots of tablets some work some don’t but have an appt this week with a consulant. My biggest fear is that they say there’s nothing they can do and that fill me with dread as I am often awake in the night crying with pain and don’t want to bother my family. Someone mentioned a pain clinic and I just wondered what your experiences have been negative or positive about the consultants and clinics as I need to brace myself for a realistic outcome. Thank you all ….
Back pain: Morning all… hoping you can either... - Pain Concern
Back pain
Sorry your in so much pain. I have had back pain for many many years too. Don’t be afraid to go to the consultant , very good that you have an appointment. Tell him everything. Yes I went to a “ pain clinic”. Very well worth going as they teach you how to handle your pain. Remember to avoid any lifting at all costs. Try gentle exercise as letting backs get stiff makes things worse . I have to try and walk my poodles whether I want to or not, I push myself to keep moving. However you must take advice from your doctors only because we on here can only say what we find helps us personally. I use hot water bottles all the time as I find penetrating warmth helps me. I have been to physio. A good physio is very helpful . You may have to pay to find a good physio, Good luck . My pain is mainly sciatica . Mine is ongoing. I have sort of learned to live with it.
Thank you so much for your reply and comments about the pain clinic. It’s made me feel better that if surgery is not applicable other things are there to support me. I do try and move but then seem to spend so much time trying to get pain free again it makes me wonder if it’s worth it. I tried to take my dog out and ended up crying with the pain but luckily some lovely lady helped me. I will try again to move but less and often. Thank you for sending me your thoughts and I’m off to get a hot water bottle to try.
Hi, sry to hear about your pain. Has surgery been proposed for the disc protrusion? Pain clinics work well for some people and are certainly worth a try. Rabbit has just given you some excellent advice. Hopefully the disc protrusions will be amenable to surgical intervention. etheral
Hi Etheral and thank you for your reply. The physios seems to think that could be the way forward but the consultant will decide on Wednesday I think. I wasn’t sure what else could be done as I’m keeping up with the exercises but am seeing little change - could be a time lag though. Thank you for your support
Hi Charles. My story was similar although quicker and led to CE. My problem was the L5/S1 disc. I saw my consultant and needed an op. Not had too much choice really. Your consultant will talk you through all the options. Your best bet is to have your questions written down as you tend to forget most of them when you are there and they have lots of people to see. They tend to like you being well prepared too. If he decides an op is the best way forward then don’t worry, providing you stick to the guidelines afterwards you might be just fine.
Thank you Emma for that. I started writing down some questions today and also noting some everyday things that I struggle with so they can see I am working to try and fix it every other way. It’s good to know that some people get the information they need. I hope that you are fully recovered from your op and on the road to better health.
Please ask to be referred to the Pain Clinic they are experts in pain control.
Please ask to be referred to the PainClinic they a experts at all forms of pain control.
Thank you for posting … I thought this was something the GP had to put your forward for ? They have yet to mention it after their comment if they weren’t sure what to do next ….
Further from my post above I had several ops. However that is most unusual and don’t let that put you of. Two years ago I had a fusion and now am definitely on the up. The GP can either refer you to a pain specialist/ clinic or your consultant can as well. If you are seeing your consultant on Wednesday it’s another question you can ask him. If he reckons you are best with an op it’s an option to see a pain guy until you have the op. Best of luck.
I've had back pain for 17 years. At first they told me I was not a candidate for surgery now they tell me my back is too far gone for surgery. So this is some of the things I've learned about controlling pain. A hot water bottle probably feels good but your better off using ice as this reduces inflammation which causes pain. The heat is fine to follow up after the ice because it does help loosen muscles. It's often recommended that you alternate heat and ice. You might also want to purchase a TENS unit. You can get them rather inexpensively on Amazon. They work very well for some people to control their pain. I would talk with your consultant about a TENS unit. As others have said a pain management doctor is certainly the way to go. They can recommend a variety of treatments and medications that can help control your pain. I wish you all the luck in finding a solution to your pain.
Hello and thank you for replying. I’ve actually got a tens machine but struggle to find where to put the pads on as the pain seems to stem from within. Thank you for the advice in regard to ice and then heat - I’ll be getting the peas out ! I’ll be making sure I find a pain management dr and I hope your pain is under control now.
A TENS unit works by interrupting the pain signal going to the brain so the brain doesn't feel the pain as much as it does the sensation the TENS unit makes. Understanding this can help you to understand how to place the pads. Also if you Google pad placement you will find advice on good placement.
Thank you to everyone who commented. A very swift appt with the the consulant and I have been referred for an urgent op where the disc will be shaved. The relief is huge however just need to contain the pain until then. I spoke to the dr about this and all they did was up my gabapentin which in my opinion doesn’t work as it gives me no relief. Hoping the appt comes soon …
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