Anyone else been told their pain is psychological?

[deepbreath]

I had a car crash 2.5 years ago, and have had severe back pain and muscle spasms (amongst other things) since then. I lose sensation in my legs and have had several bad falls.

I have seen orthopaedic surgeons, and a neurologist. The neurologist said that the last MRI scan of my spine showed some areas of inflammation that were of uncertain significance, but that they "could" be why I'm having these symptoms.

I am in the process of claiming compensation from the driver that caused the crash... I have lost the job that I'd had for 10 years, and we have almost lost our home because we've been struggling to keep up with the bills.

You can imagine how I felt when I read a letter from my solicitor that said he's asked a private orthopaedic surgeon to look at my medical notes. This Dr suggested there's no physical reason for my pain, and that I should see a clinical psychologist. None of the specialists that have actually seen me have suggested this. I am on allsorts of medication. Surely they wouldn't keep giving me pills if they thought a bit of counselling etc would work better?

Has anyone else had anything like this happen to them? Or has anyone else got any advice for me please? I feel like I'm being called a liar

It sounds as if they are just trying to avoid paying out the compensation. They are trying it on. They are acting on behalf of his client, not you - it's their job to look for anything they can to try and avoid paying out.

This doctor hasn't actually seen you, has he? Maybe you need to get your own GP more involved - can he write letters or send them copies of reports to back up your claim?

I was once told that my RSI was in my head - apparently it was because I was "sexually repressed". Dh pointed out that if that was the case, it would be him who would be more likely to have the sore wrists ...

Thank you, WWB. Sexual repression?! That's a new one
I did like your dh's response, lol!

This private orthopaedic surgeon saw me a couple of months after the crash. He announced after a very brief examination that I'd got whiplash, and that I'd be perfectly fine within 6 months.

I wasn't sleeping a few months ago, and my GP prescribed a course of Diazepam to relax me (in the hope that my pain levels would be better too). It didn't help. I'm now taking Baclofen, codeine, paracetamol and occasionally some other stuff too.