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

thank you so much for the reply. I think you are right about going back to the gp. When they told me I had a prolapsed disc I was actually so relieved that it wasn't anything worse, and I sort of thought well if he says 18 months then that is that, but it is just getting to the point where I think it is just silly to be in so much pain, and as I say, work is starting to scare me. Does anybody know if having prolapsed disc can also cause all these other problems, I can't understand why it all started with such excruciating pain in my tail bone when sitting and going to standing, and it is still so bad. I also don't understand why I feel like my hips are being smashed. During the day is less of a problem than at night, it is more when I am trying to sleep, but there are some days when the pain is really bad in the day as well. I made silly mistake of going on a swing yesterday, and today my whole back hurts, not just the other stuff! I haven't been referred for physio, I have got naproxen if I need it, but I can never tell if it does anything. I do really worry about the effects of taking ibuprofen and tramadol every day. I wonder why nothing has been prescribed to protect my stomach...should it have been? I think it was to help me sleep because he thought that if I slept better I would cope with the pain better? I was a bit shocked when I looked it up and it said it was an antidepressant as well, but it does also say for nerve pain, however it made me too drowsy in the morning and didnt particularly help me so sleep, so I didnt bother with it.

On a side note, I really do want to have another baby before it gets too late, but I'm starting to think it may not happen because of my bloody back, which is kind of frustrating me.

Was it the GP who said 18 months or a consultant? Were you referred to a consultant for the mri? I would take the naproxen every day but ask for a stomach protector too. Tell GP that you cannot go on like this - that you are not sure you can continue to work etc. Ask what more they can do to help you cope. Ask why if its a matter of waiting for things to gradually improve they are getting worse. Ask what happens after 18 months if it is no better. I suffered for years because I let myself be sent away by the GP and consultant. A senior physio ordered an mri resulting in an emergency op. I could have been permenantly damaged. I'd been sent on my way by many GP s and two consultants. You have to speak up. I was too shy and in awe or their superior knowledge.

Hi clank, sorry to read that you haven't been as supported as you need to be by the GP. I would second what Berrie has said, and persist with the GP or go to another - and emphasise that it is having a significant effect on your life - impacting work/decision to extend family etc. I'm also surprised by the Citralapam. There are more effective nerve pain analgesics, I believe - and it's primary function is as an anti-depressant. As a fellow disc prolapse person here, you would definitely expect secondary/referred pain, but the hip smashing sensation sounds odd. GO BACK!!!

The other things I have found to be massively helpful have been physio - have seen two physiotherapists, the second (current) one is awesome. And Pilates in a v small group... ally, how are you finding your new group for Back pain Pilates? Sounds ideal.

Hi Berrie - how are you doing this week? So sorry to hear that you have had a Black Dog episode (have you seen that book?) I've been thinking of you. It's horrible, isn't it?

matilda safe travels back, and I trust that the no-doubt vast drop in temperature doesn't send you into shock. Very much hope the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. And leave that bloody gorilla behind. I'm sure there's a zoo there, isn't there?

Welcome Clank I did spot you in General Health and was going to invite you in here but the lovely Matilda got to you first! I can just repeat what's already been said and from my own experience that crying over the GP repeatedly wears them down eventually and physios are mostly great. My GP also likes it when I tell him what I want like "please refer me to physio for my neck". Sadly the "can I please have some Diazepam for emergencies" request didn't work though!

I am back to physio on Thursday (last BUPA freebie) but she has helped my neck tons and helped my back last week which I love her for. I think I invited her to come and move in but she didn't seem keen

Brit sadly the pilates thing wasn't me unless I have been in here gibbering in my sleep. Funny my chemist just asked me if I enjoyed my salsa holiday in Cuba and that wasn't me either. I am really boring but obviously look like someone more exciting! . What's the black dog book? I'm guessing its depression related to might want to check that out myself?

Oh no. I am an idiot, ally, and cannot keep a single thing in my head for longer than a nanosecond, as clearly not being able to scroll back whilst writing a post has done for me... So sorry. The salsa holiday your double went on sounds fun, though, doesn't it?

'I had a Black Dog' by Matthew Johnstone is a fab illustrated book that this guy wrote about his experience of depression - it's a fantastic explanation of how he felt, and is great for explaining to others how depression impacts upon your life. If you google the title and go to his website you can scroll through it there. It looks like a children's picture book, but is simple, easy to identify with and ultimately very uplifting - it's interesting to read the author's account of writing the book too.

Do you think that good physios actually have scores of overly-attached clients scattered around the country, all wistfully remembering the marvels they once wrought with their amazing massages and manipulations? I would happily evict DH for mine. Good job he never looks at MN

Hi everyone, I've always loitered but thought I'd say hi!

I'm waiting to be referred to Physio, after putting up with back pain and an painful groin/hip. Seemed to start after I had SPD during my DDs pregnancy.

Getting frustrated as been waiting 6 weeks now since being referred and still no letter!

Lol Brit I am permanently confused these days so only miracle is I didn't say something wrong first

Thanks I will look for that book as I need to try and understand it/my head

I was pretty fond of the last physio too lol ... I suppose its understandable when you go in all bent over and close to tears and come out all flexible and smiley - like a wee temporary miracle - it must make them feel good too I guess and tbh she gave me a wee counselling session too as I was pretty down all round and almost blubbed all over her ... I think I'm in love haha

Hi bigbro - see above for physio love lol .. sorry you are having to wait so long .. I have BUPA through OH's work so was seen immediately and have paid privately before to avoid the wait as I feel its worth it and we can afford it - hope you get a letter tomorrow!

Sorry if that sounded braggy but we are allowed to say things in here that would get us kicked out of mh elsewhere

mh? mn obviously doh! running away to hide now

Hi All - I feel as if my backs about to go any minute :(. Christmas time I went down and picked a towel up 4 days later I couldnt move. Dr perscribed diclafenac and exercise to loosen up and after a good week I got back on my feet.

Today at work I moved a box very carefull with my feet and this afternoon I can feel dull, deep pain in my lower back the pain is deep as if Ive got period pains...Ive got a feeling it going to go...latter end of this week isnt good for me as I have DS to get ready for school etc...

any hints tips on what I can do when I go home in a mo :(

I never remember when you should use ice pack or heat (am currently sitting on a heat pad) so try one then the other and some pain me d's - good luck!

Hi Brit it was me that is going to a back pain pilates class, but my first session - which is the assessment, is tomorrow, so I will report back in a few days.
Today is ds last day of Easter holiday. I took him out to a studio tour - way way too much standing, for me. Still he enjoyed it and was so understanding ( for a child with LD and ASD,) of my need to rest- an emerging skill for him and so I feel like a milestone has arrived. Dh has taken him out now to run off some energy before bed. I'm a bit worse for wear.
Ally I think cold to reduce inflammation and to reduce bruising (eg after manipulation/physio or an injury) and heat to help with achy tight muscles spasms and pain. Trouble is I don't always know what pain is what- and I think we are all different in what helps when. I use both at different times.
I have mostly back and hip pain at present (sciatica/leg pain is mostly intermittent so not too bad at present.
Clank, I would also say go back to your GP, especially as everything is getting worse for you. I don't know if physio will help but as you have had an MRI so your injury/structural damage is known about the physio will know what to avoid and may be able to help you. some hospitals have a back pain clinic or a chronic pain clinic, with physio as part of the service. It has been many years of back pain for me, and only because I have got stroppy am I actually on the waiting list for an MRI- and soon to see a physio at the chronic back pain clinic. The most helpful thing for me has been regular costly visits to my chiropractor -(without which I would and do cease up and get full on sciatica and locked facets joints) but I probably don't have a disc bulge - (I have scoliosis and probable spondolisthesis (not sure how its spelt) - I think the physio who can see your MRI report might be safer -knowing you have a disc bulge. Pain clinics have various things in their armory, and although not able to wave a magic wand they are experts at managing back pain. You could ask for a referral, although the waits can be long.

How did you get on Clottedcreamtea ? I hope it didn't go in the end.

I don't know - I step away for a day and look at all the chat I missed!

DH and I had a fancy day out in London with my brother yesterday. We had a champagne lunch after visiting his new shop. Alex Polizzi - The Hotel Inspector- thanked me for standing aside as she came up the stairs very charmingly in just the way she does when some odd person has shown her to a grubby room in their crap hotel - made my day! She looks much younger and smaller in real life than on the TV.
We then took a stroll along the South Bank and went to the Tate Modern - DH's choice - I prefer old stuff - but there were not enough windows and a bit too much herding through galleries in one direction and I started to feel panicky so we sat on a boat on the river in the sunshine drinking more chatting until it was time to go home. Ahhh what fun! Shame to be back to boring real life!
I am now trying to find a campsite in Oxfordshire for Bank Holiday weekend so I had better get on with it!

Hmmm advice needed.
I've just had a phone call wanting to book in my first appointment for counselling for my agoraphobia. They can only book me in on a Friday when I work as that is the only day she visits our surgery. I could travel somewhere else but I wouldn't! or I can do it over the phone (would hate that) The chap on the phone said that he didn't have access to the therapist's diary so didn't know whether she could work round it somehow after the initial assessment so I accepted the initial appointment and will see what she says after that.
Thing is - when I ask for the time off I'm not sure I want to tell them why. They will know it is not a hospital appointment as you can usually change those to suit and obviously with me working only 2 days a week - Friday does not suit... I am not ashamed of my mental ill health and I do talk about it fairly openly. I don't really want to discuss it with management somehow but is that silly as they can just ask my closer colleagues who know?
I know that I can just say that it is a medical matter and that there isn't a way that I can change it though I've tried and decline to discuss further details...but I don't suppose I would actually do that...
Is it worth it any way? If I am only going to be able to go on a Friday then I'd be far better going to work as that is the one thing that makes me feel normal and I'd feel really guilty being out of school fairly regularly and someone missing their non contact time to cover (won't get a supply teacher for an hour or so) But...that's not the issue at the mo as I'm going to ask to go to the first one and see...the issue is... do I have to tell them why? I think it's that I don't like admitting to a weakness that might count against me.
Sorry for rambling!
Daft thing is - I'd be better having the sessions in the summer holidays anyway as that is when I am most nutty! It was my back going and resulting increased agoraphobic symptoms back in the Autumn that initiated me going to the GP about it.

I am not even sure that I approve of me feeling ashamed or secretive about mental health issues!

Hello all, I'm home . Feeling very weary but nice to be back to my house (intact, thankfully. DS2 has some history which made this uncertain. The garden has totally changed and the birds are singing so no post hol blues yet and frankly just glad to get off that plane.

Berrie, I would say go for the first appointment and see how you feel because they might be awful( hopefully not but you never know) in which case no school dilemma. They might say, ok defer until the summer or might be able to offer other days or something. So school don't need to know until you are more sure IMO. Then, if you decide to go ahead it's frankly up to you whether you decide to share that info. It's fine to say the specialist you are seeing is only available on Fridays. I have a close friend who is a teacher and only very recently told me she has bipolar. She hardly tells anyone because of the stigma which is a shame because she's an excellent example of someone living very well with mental illness. So, do you want it 'out there'? I, also am torn on this. Anyway, good luck with it and let's hope it is marvellously helpful.

Clunk, I'm so cross on your behalf. Giving you a painful and long term diagnosis with no actual help is a disgrace. I would be going back and asking for physio with a spinal specialist, a pain clinic referral (lots on offer there including injections which sometimes work really well) and more meds such as amitriptyline to get you some night time respite. Can you modify your work to allow some recovery. I'm thinking about lifting etc. maybe reducing your work would allow you to continue rather than ending up unable to carry on. It's so difficult and nobody much gets how painful and draining it all is.

Mags, can't believe you STILL haven't had your MRI, are you certain the referral hasn't been lost?

Ally, hi! So glad your neck feels better. When I've had a good person who actually helps I have carried on paying for it. Gathering a good team around me has been like preparing for battle, the better the soldiers the more hope I have.

Brit, the gardens here are looking good. Hoping the drop in temp doesn't mean bad things. How is your back feeling after your hols. Do hope it's holding up.

Hello to everyone else. Brain a little lot sleepy so will pop back when I'm more with it. Back is agony but that was to be expected I guess.

Yay! Matilda is back!
Thanks for the advice. They might decide that my symptoms are not severe enough to warrant much intervention anyway. My coping strategies are fairly effective term time though long term I am getting worse.
Will you suffer more than usual for long do you think Matilda or will you be back to normal pain levels fairly soon? Have you got anything nice planned to distract form the post holiday blues?
Hope your class went well Mags

Berrie I think it is perfectly acceptable to say the specialist you need to see only attends your locality (local hospital/clinic) on a Friday. I do not think you need to tell anyone what type of specialist you will be seeing. I had a similar problem when DH could only have day surgery (in our local neck of the woods) on the only day I regularly work - so I took a day off, but could work a day in leu to make up for it. It really depends on how often you need treatment sessions, and whether you could be seen not too far away on a better day.
Matilda, lovely to hear you, and that you have returned to lovely spring weather. Yes I am still waiting a date for my MRI. I had wondered if I should ask for an Xray while I wait- as that will presumably show up any spinal misalignement (from the spondilolithesis). I am soon to go to the pain clinic physio, so will double check I am still on the MRI waiting list. I guess it is not at all urgent as I am no worse than for many years - and going through a better patch.- despite the general trend to be downhill over the years.
My pilates assessment session, was very gentle. He showed me how to do several leg and hip stretches without upsetting my back, which should be useful. I will be in a small class next week. I did not feel too decrepid - I feel a bit silly at times in my big class, as ladies twice my age are far fitter!
Hope everyone is having a better day.

If I could afford it, I would certainly go private tbh!

Everytime I walk my groin is agony and my back seizes up. Been like it for blimmin' years, but being stubborn, I'd left it assuming it'll get better by itself!

No letter so I'll leave it until Monday and call GP. I actually asked to be referred last year and it turned out my GP had forgotten to do the referral ??

Thanks for the explanation Maggs I will try to remember but the heat one seems more helpful mostly for me (as I am mostly achy tight) unless I need frozen really fast That class sounds helpful - shame we can't all come with you.

Berrie I have had this problem tons over the years (bowel investigations as well as mental health that I don't want to discuss) and I find (particularly useful if manager is a bloke) that "woman's problems" shuts them up or "you don't want to know the gory details, trust me" shuts them all up. I am rubbish at lying though so pretty sure my lies were never believed but better than discussing imo. I was once treated for a throat infection and the rumour in the office was that I had an abortion - quite a leap as I was actually telling the truth and not that kind of girl anyway so no idea what that was about. You can't win is what I am saying I think! You could also put it off until the summer?

Welcome home Matilda

No idea what the groin pain is bigbro but hopefully someone else will?

Bigbro, sorry you are still waiting for your appointment letter. Our hospital makes you wait for ages, then sends out letters with only a week or twos notice, which I find quite difficult. Sometimes - such as for the back physio they send a letter once your name gets high on the list asking you to phone in to make a convenient appointment, which is far better. Its usually within a couple of weeks. Perhaps yours is doing the same?
Ally how is your neck settling after your last physio? Your old work collegues sound an unpleasant bunch- so I think you were wise to leave! In some way its much better since staff medical details have to kept confidential, but I find it feels odd when staff are missing (they could be on holiday or in another department) and I don't know why - or more importantly what support to give - if any.
Pavlov how are you?

This week's appt was cancelled Maggiso so not till Tues now but I am feeling pretty good. Back not too bad, neck bearable and sun is shining. I am going to try and make the most of the days which are "ok" after having a few weeks of terrible to zombie, etc.

Just schlepped all the way up to Accessorize to get a pink bag I'd seen (which they didn't have) so ended up with an orange one from D Perkins - was in the sale though! . Now look online for pink one hehe.

Striped carpet down and thank god we went conservative and not the wild one ... some people might need sunglasses as it is .. cheery though!

Hope you have recovered from your hols Matilda and hope everyone is ok ... where is Pavlov?

My Dexa scan showed osteopenia in my spine - not quite in the osteoporosis catagory but about 3/4 there IYKWIM. Hips are OK thankfully. The scan was a bit like a blurry Xray and clearly showed something not right at what I think was L5- that vertebrae was not the right shape as if it had collasped on one side - but was darker on the thin side. Nurse said it was showing wear and tear. Its presumably where the spondolysthesis is. I already take vit D, magnesium and could eat cheese/drink milk (calcium rich diet) for England, and eat loads of leafy greens (am lowish carbing so eat more greens than carb rich veg like spuds). Don't know what to feel. My Gp was very reluctant to let me have a dexa scan (too young-even though I knew I had several important risk factors) and now it looks as if I am only a few years from full scale osteoporosis. I have ordered some osteocare supplements and strontium! There are not many life style changes I can make - don't smoke, am slimish, rarely drink, eat all the good stuff - I can't exercise much now due to needing to pace carefully (and difficulty standing) but did use to be very fit. I'm hoping the physio next week will have access to the scan next week as its at the same hospital. I think the long wait for the MRI is because there is no machine locally.
How is everyone else? Sorry to be a bit moany today.

Hello all. I will read through the thread to get some ideas but I thought I would post to say hello.
I have thoracic back pain possibly due to disk degeneration caused by Scheuemann's (which I've only just discovered at the age of 45). I went to a consultant about the back pain and the MRI showed 4 black discs and wedge shaped vertebrae. The Consultant wasn't confident that surgery would make much of difference and has referred me to a physio. I also have a slightly bulging disc in my neck and we are going to see if physio sorts it out before trying injections.

I always thought I just had bad posture.

Hello Chaz! Have you got long to wait for physio? It must have been quite a shock to get your diagnosis. Good luck with the physio.