Pain between vertebrae - which HP will help?

[Ratburglermcgee]

I have a very painful tender area which seems to be directly between two of my vertebrae in my spine. The pain is the same all the time, it hurts more if I bend but generally it's just there. It hurts to touch/press the area. Started up about 4 months ago, hasn't got any better or worse. Topical neurofen doesn't help much. I have no idea why it started, I didn't bang it etc. I do have a young child so it could be the result of lifting.

My question is: from who should I seek help?

If I go the GP presumably I will get a referral to a physio - which in my experience is a lengthy wait along with a lack of specialism when you get there (tend to be generalists). Should I seek a private physio specialising in backs? However I am not convinced that muscular exercise will help it... I do yoga and that hasn't made any difference. I am not sure I believe in osteopaths or chiropractors given their practice is not "evidence based", but I would give it a try if I thought one or the other were genuinely the right person to see, they knew what they were doing and wouldn't do any harm.

Anyone have any advice? Or even anyone have any idea what the problem might be?

Thank you!

No ideas?

If this is your first time, I would go to the GP first so they can rule out other things (can't think of anything particular but think it's worthwhile). In the mean time if you're able, self refer to physio. I'm not sure if all areas do this but in my area we can do this without the GP. This way you can get the ball rolling. In the mean time for that maybe visit an osteopath, although you would have to pay, they are very good with backs. Good luck.

A chiropractor or Osteo will be evidence based. They are both regulated healthcare professionals, who’s regulatory bodies require practitioners to work within an (evidence based) remit.

Ideally visit one who has been recommend to you, it generally means they are doing something right!

Chiropractors have an incredible amount of training in subjects such as neurology, pathology, diagnostics etc. They will be able to examine you, rule out and red flags and refer if necessary. I couldn’t comment on an Osteo training, but would assume it’s similar.

Good luck op!

Thanks guys. That's helpful

I'm seeing an Osteopath at the moment, and have had more results from 2 sessions with her than in the last 8 months of seeing my GP.

She knew straight away what to do (I've got a form of costochondritis), and has made a massive difference. I'm taking my pain killers in half quantities and hope to stop over the next month.

Having said that, I would always see your GP for a new pain.

Go to the doctor.

DD started with this sort of pain when she was 18 after a summer job at a very badly understaffed care home. 4 months later the pain was really bothering her and a physio visit led to an emergency MRI and orthopedic appointment and a diagnosis of 2 herniated discs. Her case was very severe and the consultant was seriously discussing surgery which they are reluctant to do on a younger patient. In the end DD opted for physio rehab and is almost back to normal but still needs to be careful.

Oh thank you for your replies. Perhaps I will try an osteopath... also goodness me that sounds scary about your daughter glad she's recovering... maybe I should try a physio too