The Back Pain Emporium is Open For Business. Browsers Welcome. Thread 7

[MatildaTheCat]

For anyone experiencing back pain it can be a terrifying time. What is wrong? Who can help? How long will this last? We,on this thread are here to support you;offer empathy and help to navigate the almost impossible task of getting a diagnosis and the right treatment.We are not doctors but people who have trodden this path slowly and painfully. We also chat a LOT and welcome all newcomers. It is strictly non competetive regarding pain and no niggle is too minor.

Those who have long term back problems know that the best way to help manage back pain is to internet shop for shoes, bags, and back support devices. Those who are new to back pain, these are important lessons to learn. And here within this thread is where you will learn those lessons.

You will also find other helpful advice on pain management, different treatment options from hydrotherapy and physio to surgery, experiences of others navigating the big and scary medical world, both private and NHS (and abroad from the UK) too, as well as issues around work, being a parent while managing pain and disability, and the impact on the relationships around us. Not to mention the pain of dealing with claiming disablity benefits. .

Between us all, we have a huge wealth of knowledge and experience, and more than the practical advice, the jargon and information, we know what back pain is like, how much is affects everything around us, and sometimes, all we need is to have people listen who Get It.

We talk painkillers regularly,sometimes drink , have hot water bottles and wheat bags galore, and hold hands a lot. It's potentially all very Unmumsnetty as we do actually show some lovin' from time to time, although we Never Ever call each other hun.

If you have advice, need advice, need a hand to hold, want to do some shopping, then come in. We are friendly. We talk a lot. Come in, have a and say hello

Previous thread for anyone interested

Cheers for that Tickle.
Just the motivation I need.
I think I've just become really paranoid because it was my previous job that caused by back pain. I know this job would be different as it is not physical.
So refreshing to hear someone passionate about their job. What do you do?

I work in Children's Services and am attempting the Social Work degree. I absolutely love it! Feel like I am going to work for such a good reason. And that we make a real difference

I would second looking for part time hours at least initially. And if such a job exists, something quite flexible and a mixture of sitting and pottering around. Tickle,hats off to you,that's massively demanding work and degree on top. I wish you huge success with it. My Brian is too mashed for studying, I can't hold information. or am I just ludicrously lazy now

Thanks Matilda, I'm on my second module of 7 and do struggle with taking it all in!

hiya, haven't been on here for ages, been very busy with essays for uni and kids stuff. That GP sounds horrendous [Gatorade] do not feel bad for dumping him, pillow? grrr on your behalf.I can't post much as have to finish an essay today, had extension to do it- well it's an ongoing thing really, but this was from nearly a month ago now and its hanging over my head. I'm a bit bummed this weekend since have to wait until 13 april for follow up phonetical to the spinal injections i had mid january. think they have helped a bit- better by maybe 15/20% from 10 days after they gave them but pain went back up over my period `(always does) - hoping will stay down a while longer, trying to be careful and sensible but not easy with deadlines, the kids etc and dh's back goes sometimes now too . on the bright side the student finance student disability loan have agreed chair and desk for home, allowance for printing and taxis reimbursed to and from uni (which has started to become more of an issue lately).
[Sagacity] i was working as a chef when my pain was on and off and i believe continuing to do so when in pain probably was involved in making it go fully chronic, constant condition rather than on and off- so please bear in mind what is best for you and your pain overrides all else if you can. maybe starting with small amounts of time there to see how you do- i was a chef so it didn't suit at all once this was an ongoing entrenched problem. hence the uni talk!
sorry to post and run! hope all are doing well, especially any who have had operations that require healing and recuperation, hope its going well

ally I have a new car... a hyundi xi20 active auto. It's a sweet little car!

re work - I work 25 hours in an office, which involves a mixture of desk/computer work and face to face client work. My employment did not cause my back problem, but it did exacerbate it initially. I now have a hydraulic desk, which allows me to sit/stand as needed, and I have built in flexibility for breaks as often as I need to allow me to move around. i move from one position regularly and will go and make a drink/have a wee/walk to get stationary etc every 20-30 mins, sometimes more frequently when I need to. I am very lucky that I have a job that allows me to work flexibly, so I can go in late, leave late, or leave early as I need to, the main thing is that I don't impact on colleagues too much with my flexible working hours, and that I work my hours each month, so if I need to do less one week and build it up the following week, I can do that. I take painkillers while working, but reduced compared to what I take when I am not working, as I can't manage to function or make appropriate decisions when I am too spun out on meds. When my pain levels are that high that I can't function, I am not at work. But, again, I am lucky that I have a government job, which has excellent sick pay. I am keen to not take advantage of that though, as i am aware that I am fortunate to have this job, the support I have to keep working, and that it might not always be this way.

However, I have worked in this job for many years now, and my disability came at a time when I was an established member of the organisation, and it's quite difficult for them to fire me

Can I function when I come home? no, not really. I sort of fuzz my way through the evening routines, with a wing and a prayer and let a lot of things go in terms of housework etc, so that whatever little energy I do have left is given to the children. It means also I have no time for me, because chronic pain, work, then the children means I have no energy left.

I am hoping that now I have had recent surgery, it will see an improvement in my energy levels due to some reduced pain, and maybe in time it will improve even more than now. I return to work next week, so will find out soon enough

Exciting to get a new car Matilda, although it must be hard to change from a much loved sporty car. I hope the change will be helpful for your back. We have a Nissan Quasqoi (forget how its spelt), and its not too bad for me, although does not have adjustable height seats (well our model doesn't). It has lovely heated seats! I use a wedge cushion, to optimise the drive position, but struggle to drive very far. It has very poor visibility for me (unable to twist much) so I have had several minor collisions with car park pillars and the like- but the newer model with its extra cameras should be better. I can't get in and out of sports cars - too low for me. The wedge cushion I use reduces the head room, which could be problematic for taller people (I am short), as head room is sometimes more limited in cars with higher seat positions.
I am not sure if you are going back to an existing job or looking for a new job Sagacity? If you are returning to an existing post, you could asked for a phased return.
Good luck with getting your assignment finished Maisiemonkey, and nice to hear from you.
Glad to hear you are making progress Schmeegle. It must be nice to get home.
Tickle you are amazing ( FT job, study, young children and back pain..)
Pavlov hope you don't rush back to work too quickly. Good luck.
I am still waiting for my MRIs, but fortunately am not doing too badly at present. I have very stiff hamstrings so am trying to gently loosen them up, as I think the lack of flexibility is not helping my even stiffer back.

Hi all, havent visited for a while as it has been half term and dd off, thought I would make aa real effort in taking her out as the summer hols were rubbish with ne being in pain.
Well the first weekend we just chilled at home, played good old fashioned board games, and did play the wii at bit.
the tuesday we went to Stanwick lake's, great for dog walking and they have a brilliant adventure playground, even adults can use the big one, theres a nice coffee shop as well for a nice hot chocolate for afterwards.
Wednesday we were trying to get to wicksteed park, it should take us 40 mins, it took 2 hours and then didn't get in as they had a disney frozen theme day and it brought Kettering to a standstill, the police had to shut roads and the gates at wicksteed in the finish, so we went to Irchester country park, again its good for kids and dogs, has big playground, a high ropes thing in the trees, and a place to eat and drink.
thursday was a do things in the house day, and Friday was a visit in laws day, that went well until we had small accident on way home, someone drove into the back of us square on, our car cane off worse, smashed number plates, smashed bumper, and boot lid pushed in and up, we have a vauxhall vectra so not to small a car, but it was a big jeepy type thing that hit us, insurance are giving us a hire car until they decide if they are repairing ours or writing off. Dd was very upset and very shaken but we were ok thats the main thing. We were stationery at a junction at the time, the jeep thing didnt stop.
So the end of the week wasn't too good. Never mind.
back to school tomorrow and me back to work Wednesday, that I am not looking forward to.
tonight I have been looking at local college websites to see if I could do any course, not sure hiw I would go about it and if I have to pay as a more mature student (41 yrs old). Or weather to try a home study course but they look quite expensive to do.
hows everyone doing, I will now go and read all of your posts.

Morning ladies. I hear you re government jobs Pavlov I had 10 years and its very difficult to get rid of people who are "at it" let alone people they like who have a genuine problem (they even run courses on it which I have been on). You will be fine - even if you were off for years they'd still keep you.

My legs were bothering me again last night and again yesterday I did a bit walking. Not like I can just sit around all day so this is a problem. I was aware they damaged the nerves during the op but its never bothered me much till now. Might need MRI for this and ongoing neck issues but still reluctant to ask for it (head in sand)

Ally, I didn't know you had nerve damage from surgery, can I ask what sort of damage? Pink, sounds a mainly nice week but boo to car damage and double boo to the Jeep driving off. Did you get their number?
Magso, car is similar in shape etc to yours. I only mentioned it for msdj because it's so comfortable. I had the older model and thought that was comfy but this is even better, not very sexy but much nicer to actually sit in than DH's Audi. When is your move? I hope you have packers booked? Too much scope for wrecking yourself in a house move. Love any house details,mi should have worked on Through The Keyhole

Talking of work, I did get fired for ill health but it was different in that I was totally off sick. Was nhs so yes, they can get rid of you and the current climate has made such organisations much less kind. They followed the Sickness Policy to the letter. Unfortunately this did not equate to getting ill health retirement which has been ridiculously difficult and protracted.

Pav,mdo hope you can relax and have some intensive 'me time' for the end of your sick leave. There is no point rushing back before you are well and it's unfortunate that you've had flu,too.

I have a coffee meeting this morning with my Pain Group chums....woohoo! Honestly, a more diverse group you will not find. Still, it's only once a month. Feeling fragile after big family meal yesterday.,it was lovely, though. My boys and nephew plus one brother, his wife and three dc so a nice group and everyone gets on and helps. Shame it's so much bloody work,though.

Well they didn't admit it Matilda but I was face down with my legs crushed against a joint in the table for the op so when I woke up the pain in my legs competely eclipsed the pain in my back for a day or two and still comes back. I did mention it and was told about the table and it should be fine blah blah but still bothers me. Maybe if I wasn't fat it wouldn't have been so bad.

I love house stuff too - watch all the daft house programmes although that Tiny House one is a bit mad!

Of course I am out of date Matilda - sorry to hear you came a cropper due to changes - would have never happened 30 years ago when I was in NHS - they kept all kinds of miscreants (not that you are one obviously) - shutting up now lol

Hi everyone. Going to have an 'assessment' with a physio Wednesday as GP not keen on finding out what is wrong with me as would rather throw pain moderators (anti D's) at me, which other than helping me sleep better are about as useful as a pair of running shoes right now.

I have lower back pain (years of carrying very heavy bags around for work) which got a lot worse during a pregnancy with SPD which has stuck around for 8 years but after a year of elbow pain I have now got knee pain (8 months so far). GP seems to think all pain related to back (the mind boggles how that could give me elbow pain) so has begrudgingly referred me for this appointment on Wednesday. The lower back pain is due to a couple of deteriorated discs and sacroiliac pain. I have had injections into my discs for that but the sacroiliac pain has not been dealt with.

Any advice on how I should approach this physio assessment on Wednesday to try and get a proper diagnosis? I don't want to just be sent away with core excercises, I would like to know what is actually wrong. I am 48 if that makes any difference?

I haven't been able to work for the past 2 years as I was self employed and couldn't manage the lifting I needed to do in my particular field. I have used up every last bit of saving and cannot claim benefits as have a second house rented out. My friend mentioned DIP (?) does anyone know if it is worth my effort pursueing that? I haven't previously as was anxious of making phone calls, not helped by the fact I am quite deaf. (Got an aid last week, still a bit nervous)

Oh gosh, a lot of questions.

I also can't spell persuing

ally oh I do know what you mean re keeping people that perhaps should not be kept on. I know of one person who takes regular lengthy lunch breaks, does substandard work, relies heavily on other colleagues to take the workload, is generally very flakey. Was like it through probation period, managed to wing it to full employment and has been there for years now. No-one wants this person as their 'team member' (I shall say no more so as to not incriminate myself or that person), but it's impossible to get rid of. Not least because, despite the terrible work, poor attitude to attendance etc, that person is a really nice person!

I am also fortunate I think that my back problems occurred during a time of huge upheaval for my employers/employment, with many contractual changes, and moving from 'local government' type employment to becoming a civil servant, so my bosses I think were as lax as they could be with the sickness policy as it was easier than going down the capability route/medical retirement route, they had bigger fish to be frying. Then, with it all moving across, I don't think much of it has come with me, not the poor sickness record anyway.

Now though, it's much more centralised and my bosses themselves will, I think, have less control over local decisions such as when to activate a stage 1 sickness meeting, as I get allocated a 'case officer' based in Cardiff (I am in the SW). Before now, decisions were made with boss and HR manager, with HR manager being the ultimate decision maker (I got on well with her). Although, my ACO was the one who approved paid disability leave, without any fuss being made, where last surgery it would only have been unpaid leave (so I took it as sick).

Sick record since the changes is still shocking though I would like to plan to take no time off sick now for at least 6 months, but no point making those type of plans until I know how the future will be for me.

What is the weather like where you are? Here, it's fucking awful! Hailing straight down, really heavily. I don't want to go out. Thank goodness for having a disabled badge and not having to walk far to get the children from school, or from car-park to swimming lessons. I might be better at walking than before surgery, but I am sure not fast and will get soaked Would I be really taking the piss if I ask reception to get the children to come straight to the car via reception, instead of walking to their classrooms? I expect so, but might do it anyway

I need your shopping help ladies. I need to find some smart black/dark straight/skinny legged trousers/chinos for work, and a couple of blouses/shirts/tops I am struggling to find anything I like that is not less than £50 for a shirt, and I am NOT paying that much money, no matter how lovely it is I like fun/funky rather than classical, it needs to go with my tan coloured Fly London shoes, and my wedge style hair cut (i'll show you a photo of the style of haircut, not me though as I am not photogenic). So, if any of you fancy some internet shopping that is not for yourself, then do help me out! Oh, I am short legged, so need 'short' options for trousers, either petite or short fitting (30in leg, boo, stops me from having so many lovely trousers). In a sale is perfect, but will consider not in a sale for perfect clothes. GO!

buzzard physio won't diagnose you I am afraid, so I would suggest that you don't get your hopes up for a proper diagnosis. If you have joint pain in a few areas, including lumbar and sacroiliac area, it might be worth pressing for a rheumy appt to see if there is inflammatory arthritis type stuff happening there. Have you had a diagnosis for disc problems with your back, or is that what has been diagnosed by physio/osteo/GP? GPs can be terrible at referring onwards. The physio will give you some ideas of where your pain is coming from and if it might all be linked somehow, but, a firm diagnosis simply cannot be done by physio.

Are you doing any physio exercises now? If not, then the exercises given by the physio may well be helpful, as building up core strength is essential to minimising pain, although it should not replace a diagnosis.

Can you say a bit more about the type of pain you have? When is it worse/what makes it better (i.e. rest or walking), what pain relief you take for it now, what type of exercise you do to help, what things you have going on in your life i.e. work/children/hobbies/family care, as while we can't diagnose for you, we can give you pointers and advice from our own experiences on how to make things more bearable while waiting for the long haul of diagnosis/proper treatment.

Selection of petite trousers

Do you have a Primark nearby? Amongst the dross they have some great tops. I've got some that are very similar to ones bought in Mint Velvet at a fraction of the price. Knitted front and sleeves plus a collar and back in chiffony material like a shirt. Lots of different stuff, though. Definitely worth a browse.

Buzzard, it may be that like me you have very lax joints. I was born with dislocated hips and have suffered from various joint problems over the years: sore hips, tennis elbow, shoulder impingement and so on. So they are related but each separate IYSWIM? There's no cure for this but it does help to be a strong as possible. I've had injections for the elbow and recurrent injections for my knee with success.

My disc prolapse was probably also due to my joint laxity. That continues to be an issue for lots of reasons.

The SIJ pain may be more complex. It is possible to have an injection there but it will only mask the pain. Physio might be helpful as might a support belt which are readily available.

So like pav says! it's unlikely that you will be given one diagnosis as such. However, a good physio is better than many doctors IME so good luck.

Re PIP, yes, do apply and worth looking at ESA, too if you can't work. I wrote quite a bit about this somewhere up thread if you have a trawl through.

matilda didn't take you long 't you know, I have not been in primark for years. Literally. It's so big, and busy, and noisy and bright, and disorganised. But, I have not been midweek ever, so it might be better without children. I am getting my hair coloured/cut tomorrow, so will pop in after, as it's not far from salon.

Lol Pavlov I see you are finally learning to put yourself first (the school thing) - good for you. Work sounds good too although I'm sure your sick record will be much improved from now on.

I always liked Next for work stuff although sizes are smallish if you are ordering online or M&S (but then I am old so no idea re style!)

Pursuing? No idea re benefits when you are self-employed sorry!

Hi Pavlov. The disc problems were diagnosed at the Royal Orthapaedic after I complained that my SPD didn't go after I had my child. The physio who was giving me my core excercises discovered the reason I still had pain after treatment (injections into discs, ouch!) as the pain was coming from the sacroiliac joints so no further treatment has been given for that as I was being discharged at the time with the excercises IYSWIM? This was all 8years ago, I moved house etc, got a new GP, life got in the way etc.

My main pain at the moment is the knee as I have discovered that excercise aggravates both my back and knee. I cannot stand for more than a few minutes. My main hobby was walking but I am now unable to do anything like more than a couple of hundred yards without suffering for it later. I had one dance (slow) with DH last week and couldn't get up for 2 days. Housework gets done but I suffer after hoovering and ironing. I have to do housework as it's all I do now as well as run the house and run DD to and from school etc. Driving is painful at the moment because of my knee.

What is a rhuemy? Is that rhuematoid arthritis? This does actually run in the family but wasn't sure if I am too young? Will blood tests pick that up?

GP has me on Amitrypiline and I take paraceptamol or codeine. I am unable to take anti-inflammatories unfortunately. GP wants to double my dose to mask the pain as it only worked for a short while but I struggle with grogginess when I have to drive DD to school. I would like to know what is wrong rather than try to mask it. I understand my back pain (years of abuse), I don't understand the other pains I have. Sometimes I cannot even sleep on my side because my ribs hurt, my arms go to sleep when I lie down too. I feel like there is something wrong with my skeleton.

I need to get sorted. DH is getting hacked off trying to support us on the very little he earns and I need to work for my own sanity. I have worked for 30 years without a break and now can't get any help.

Hah! Sorry took me so long to type all that. Matilda, you could be onto to something there, I also had to have my shoulders operated on because of pain there and have a tendancy to get whip lash really easily too.

I had one of those belts when I was pregnant but found it really uncomfortable with my belly as I was in a wheelchair most of the time and it dug in. Will see what physio has to offer then and will try and pluck up the courage to look into PIP and ESA (whatever that is?) will they need a proper diagnosis though?

Thanks for your help Matilda and Pavlov

buzzard lots of things there, not sure I have time to reply to all of it before dropping Dh off then doing school run etc. But i'll give it a go

1. disc problems. Pain in the knee could be caused indirectly by back problem, especially as disc problems change the way you hold your posture/stand etc. If your pain is in lower back/sacro area, it can still be disc related. Annoyed on your behalf that your GP is happy to just let this be, when there has been a diagnosis previously of disc problems. I would, if I were in your position, firstly be wanting to know if the disc problems I have had previously have got worse, and that means asking your GP for a referral for MRI, as you can't possibly know for sure if there is an ongoing problem/worse problem without it being 'seen' in a scan. It may be that the knee pain is not even knee pain, but nerve pain, but again, that's just a thought. Do you get buttock pain? Hip pain, pain in your foot? Do you have amytripyline for nerve pain?

1. RA can occur at any age, it's not the same as Osteo arthritis, which is generally something people get more when they are older (wear and tear, although I have that now and I ain't old yet!) I am not saying this is what you have, but sacroiliac issues, joint issues, can sometimes be a symptom of some of the inflammatory type of arthritis (there are several different ones). There are often/usually other symptoms too. There are some RA sufferers here, who pop in from time to time, they might be able to talk more about what you need to be looking out for re this type of hint. So, yes a rheumy is a rheumatologist who will look at all the symptoms that are going on and can diagnose a number of different conditions, not just Inflammatory Arthritis. I am not sure about hyper mobility, but they may be the people to diagnose this too.

Basically, with GP you need to be pushy, you need to cry, be annoying and not let up until the GP acknowledges that s/he cannot help you further on his/her own and you need further investigations from other specialists.

1. PIP - if you tell them you have difficulty hearing when you call re PIP, they will use hearing loop etc for initial discussion, then they can arrange someone to come to see you to fill in the form, I believe. Don't be scared about it. The worst case scenario is that they say no. But, actually, you will probably be eligible for something if your disability is affecting your daily life, ability to care for yourself and your mobility.

1. heat is great for pain. electric heat pads, hot water bottles, gel packs, standing in the shower for far too long hot holidays far far away, so is gentle stretching exercises, nothing heavy, simple ones at home, or gentle slow swimming/walking up and down the pool. And, as matilda has mentioned regularly, the Alexander Technique uses exercises which are great for bad necks and backs.

I had one of those Physio assessments recently.
They did all the neurological tests a neuro would do (reflexes etc) and asked questions eg is the pain worse sitting, standing, walking, lying down. It sounded like multiple choice. They also took a questionnaire about the impact of the problem.
They take the findings and discuss with the neuro and come back with a verdict. In my case they ordered another MRI and referred to physio meantime.
I'm sure this is more efficient.

Oh, that sounds positive YNK :)