What should I do?

[backetyback]

I've had a bad back for 16 years. The first time I pulled it it healed quickly and I had no issues for about a year. It would then sporadically hurt after an awkward movement or strain then get better .

The past 3 years it's got a lot worse and now it hurts most of the time with intermittent periods of back spasms.

I've been under Phisio on and off for at least4/5 years. I've been doing yoga 7 years and Pilates 3 years. I do physio stretch's/ core building exercises every day . When I'm up to it I do weights ,and Zumba . I also walk 90 min every day. I'm late forties now and getting a lots of aches and fatigue which I think is aggravating it. I also have other symptoms which make me think I'm in peri menopause .

About 3 years ago I got referred to the hospital and was assessed by physio there who determined there was a slight bulging disc and issues with a muscle in lower back . They said I didn't meet the criteria for a MRI and recommended Pilates and over counter medication.

Now for the past month I'm getting a lot of nerve pain. - shooting pains, numbness , tingling, weekness in my legs, when I stand it can take several minutes before I am able to move and I have to lean on something as I can't support my body.

Is it worth going back to doctors or am I just wasting my time? Has anyone had success coming back from something like this?

Tingling and leg weakness needs investigating sooner rather than later.

Bump

The above poster has given you extremely sensible advice.
Why the Bump?

To see if anyone has any specific experience they can share. Or outcomes

Go back to your GP and explain the new symptoms. They may refer you back to physio with acupuncture. It's incredibly frustrating to break the infinity loop they seem to have adopted.

I had a micro-discectomy about 10 years ago but took 3 years to get to operation. Tried physio, acupuncture and steroid injections 1st. The op dealt with Sciatica and dontbhave anywhere near as much trouble with my back now but still have to be careful

I'm going to be potentially unpopular here, but if you tell your GP you have parasthestia in your 'saddle' area (be aware they just might test this with pricks!) or you feel you're having trouble weeing that might trigger an MRI referral.

From what you have said, you're doing everything you should but it's getting worse.

Sure, most low back pain goes away by itself. But yours isn't.

Getting an MRI is a bit of a lottery. But I've seen plenty of people who've 'done everything right' but who turn out to have a disc bulge no amount of physio is going to fix!

Conversely, I've seen plenty of people in agony who have no MRI evidence of spinal cord impingement whatsoever! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Can you have a private MRI? They’re £200 in my area.

That's what I'm leaning towards thank you

£200 is cheap! They're £420 here! Phone around.

I’ve had very similar to you.
I was referred to an NHS physio who said I was the first person he’d seen in three months be able to touch their toes and he discharged me.
Last month, my husband booked me an MRI.
I went on the Tuesday, got my results back on the Thursday and after emailing my results to my GP I’m being referred to a neurosurgeon.

My advice is to pay for an MRI.

Well I had the MRI it's a prolapsed disc. Not bad enough for surgery so just a case of getting on with it. Pilates, physio etc.