Wear and tear on the spine

[DaveMyHat]

Hi, I've been suffering with chronic pain in different parts of my body including my back. I had an MRI done and the doctor said the results showed signs of wear and tear on my spine. But nothing seemed to happen after that. I wasn't given any advice or pain relief.

I suppose my question is, is wear and tear on the spine normal and expected and probably not related to the pain, or is it something I need to seek treatment for?

Sorry should have said, I am 32 and the pain has been bad enough to affect for my day to day life for at least 3 years. So I wouldn't have thought it was an age related thing... but then I don't know.

I think it's worth going back to the Dr to see if you can get physio or other treatment. It seems that with chronic problems like this nothing is offered unless you push for it imo.

Thanks deecaff, yeah I'm beginning to understand that you really need to push for this stuff. It's not in my nature at all. I tend to just get on with things (not in stoic, brave way, more in a "I am anxious about going to the doctors and if I ignore this it will go away" way) but now I keep reaching the point where that isn't possible. It's a LOT harder than I realised to get help. Have been to the doctors a few times over it, when things have been particularly bad. They've done different tests (x-rays, MRI, blood tests) and then nothing happens. I find it very confusing. I thought they'd at least give me some kind of pain relief because the OTC stuff doesn't cut it.

Have you seen an osteopath? Having had a problem with my back before in the lower area and the pain not going away, I visited an osteopath and I was told the problem was in my upper back and I felt better after one massage. I was amazed. Worth a try.