Coccydynia and Muscle Spasms in Back - Primary Raynaud's

[BertieB_280616]

So a little update, I seen a GP about the pains in my back after my private physiotherapist said to ask for a scan to be done as he thought there was something in the bone by my coccyx. I spoke to the GP and she said a scan was not worthwhile and I was to see a NHS physiotherapist they recommended to get their opinion first before seeing if a scan is needed. I've been placed on Naproxen and still on the Amitriptyline for the pain. I'm still really struggling when I sit and lie down to get back up and I have to use something to grip on to to get back up on my feet. Some times the pain is too bad I have to get someone else to help me up very slowly.

I've tried deep heat, I took a reaction to it. I can't use deep freeze due to my Raynaud's ( I shouldn't really even be using heat products but I'm running out of ideas to ease the pain even a little)... please help if you have any ideas I'd really appreciate it.

[Sanmateogirl107]

pain specialist, acupuncture, pt, mri done right away your the patient make noise. your in pain this is ridiculous. tell him you want a referal for a scan now!

[BertieB_280616 in reply to Sanmateogirl107]

I have sent a letter from my private physio and he has said an mri is needed in his professional opinion to see if it's just coccydynia or something more, and to possibly see a neurologist or an orthopaedic consultant.

[Sanmateogirl107 in reply to BertieB_280616]

good i am glad he cares about you. i hope its good news. pain meds should help a lot ask your hospital if they have a pain class meditation, art therapy, acupuncture, counseling that you can attend to turn down the dial to pain. let me know how it goes and good luck.

[Sanmateogirl107]

acupuncture, pt, hot tub, message therapy, tens unit for home therapy, swimming, yoga, meditation, mindefulness, hobby turn down the dial to pain, family support, support group, counseling, healing herbs, hope that helps you. julie

[frillyhilly]

Hi, I have a disability, totally separate to the Raynaud's, which affects my pelvis/low back. The "problem" with the NHS is that they have specified routes to follow which usually start with a NHS physio. If it's any comfort my problem sprung up in Oct 1997 and was finally diagnosed by a NHS Physio (and a NHS consultant in the background) in March 2006. During this time I tried private Chiropractics, Osteopaths, plus NHS consultants, short term physio and NHS pain clinic.

As far as I am aware there is a way around waiting for the NHS physio and that is getting a private appointment with a consultant. I did this because I wanted to see a consultant when I was bad, not several weeks later. When he found I was paying myself he put me in for a NHS scan and into his NHS list - but I do not know if this is normal practice. I also needed a referral from your GP and when I first asked in 1997 I was told that the GP was not allowed to refer me to a private consultant until I had seen the NHS Physio (that may have been due to it being through BUPA). When I saw the consultant who referred me to himself that was summer 2004 and even then I had to work hard to persuade my GP as to why I wanted to go private.

I would definitely say that NHS Physio's are a good route. Once they have examined you they then, in my experience, have the ability to refer you elsewhere, more quickly, if they feel it's appropriate. I am not fixed, never will be, but I think physio is a good thing and should be used much more (and more quickly) by the NHS.

Anyway, things to help.

1) Heat - try a heated pad. I use ones that plug in as they are flat and cover all my back. You can get ones you heat in the microwave

2) Cold - difficult with Raynaud's -but - I find an Ice Pack in short bursts works. I use one that can stay in the freezer and has a separate cover. Holding them on can be awkward - I use something like a dressing gown belt. I wrap them in the cover, and place them over at least one layer of clothing. I set a timer for 10 mins and find I can repeat every hour or so.

3) TENs machines can help. There are many around but Boots used to do a straightforward one at a reasonable price.

4) General massage can help. Personally I use anti-inflammatory gels but others find just a normal cream works.

5) Massagers - you can get handheld massages and you can also get back massages that you put on the chair and sit on. My husband and I have both used different types over the years. We now buy HoMedics products as they have been good and reliable and are not too pricey.

I don't know if this is appropriate for you, but you may be able to get help through Adult Social Services. They can do assessments but then you have to have a financial assessment to get help if they decide you qualify. I think a better route for yourself would be to contact Social Services and talk about how you need equipment to help you get up and move about, etc. Hopefully they will then refer you to the Occupational Therapist. It can take a few months, but I have had several referrals over the years and they have always been helpful and if they can provide things (like I've got a bed-side grabber) - it is loaned to you, installed if necessary and it is free.

I hope you find some relief soon and that your Physio appointment comes through quickly. N