Back pain advice

50420 · 20-07-2010, 17:21

Hi all,
I've spoken with my GP earlier today, with regards to an MRI scan two weeks ago, and was diagnosed with mild scoliosis. And was told that although this disease does not directly cause my back pain, it does so indirectly, ie muscles and ligaments overworking to compensate for the curvature of the spine (as i understood it).

Anyways, I was told that the pain is something that i would have to live with, and control with medication. I've had a little bit of time to think it over, and now think that 'Living with the pain' hasn't worked for the last 5years, there's not one medication I've been prescribed that has touched the back pain, and being 43 this year, the thought of another 30 or 40 years with the pain is getting a bit daunting to be honest.

I'll be making an appointment with another GP at my surgery, maybe get a second opinion, but knowing how helpful and knowlegable some of you guys are on here, I was hoping someone may be able to offer some advice... treatments, corrective braces etc

TIA

Dude111 · 20-07-2010, 17:45

Im gonna pray for you now that your back pain goes away!!

Good luck my friend

Hom3r · 20-07-2010, 17:48

Try Acupuncture.

My mum used it for arthritis, and my sister for IBS but had to stop when she became pregnant.

I will require several sessions to kick in but worth it.

superbiatch · 20-07-2010, 17:51

My guy had surgery for that, it put him in a wheelchair whilst recuperating but he's almost back to 100%. I'll ask him what the procedure was when he returns from work at the end of the week (he works abroad).

50420 · 20-07-2010, 18:25

thanks for the responses guys,

have considered accupuncture in the past, but finances have been really tight

superbiatch, I'd appreciate that. The thought of an operation aint too appealing....but compared to 30 or 40yrs of back pain..i'd welcome it

Hom3r · 20-07-2010, 18:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by 50420

thanks for the responses guys,

have considered accupuncture in the past, but finances have been really tight

superbiatch, I'd appreciate that. The thought of an operation aint too appealing....but compared to 30 or 40yrs of back pain..i'd welcome it

Accupunture is expensive, but is drug / surgery free.

raging bull · 20-07-2010, 18:35

Being well over 6ft, I have a similar problem.
(My discs are wearing out, bone against bone not ideal).
I was eventually refered to pain clinic for scan.
What they did after consultation was to inject my lower spine with cortisone and something called fillers.
The above procedure is normally carried out under a gereral anesthetic, because of heart problems they just tied me down (to stop me moving) and using 100mm needles put the cortisone in. (Be aware this can be only done xtimes/year)
Brian

SmartMart · 20-07-2010, 18:54

I've been a back-pain sufferer for the last 20 years. I've seen numerous GP's about it, had X-Rays and MRI scans but without any success. I spent a small fortune on my own private treatment with an Osteopath and a Chiropracter but with limited success. You might say that I've learnt to live with it. The only thing which gives me lasting relief are Ibuprofen MR tablets. These are large dosage (800mg) which release slowly and I take 2 a day. However, they're only available by prescription so it may be worth tackling your GP if you fancy trying them but, of course, they don't cure the problem, they simply make life MUCH more bearable.

Regards .....

JulyRed · 20-07-2010, 21:34

try to find some books on acupuncture.

superbiatch · 24-07-2010, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by 50420

thanks for the responses guys,

have considered accupuncture in the past, but finances have been really tight

superbiatch, I'd appreciate that. The thought of an operation aint too appealing....but compared to 30 or 40yrs of back pain..i'd welcome it

Sorry i completely forgot about this, but i've just seen it again and quizzed my guy.

He had whats called a microdystectomy - keyhole surgery to remove a bit of his spine which was touching his sciatic nerve. He spent 6 weeks in bed and then a little time in a wheelchair, but he'd definitely recommend it. The only problem he had was getting in to see the specialist in the first place, he waited almost 2 years!