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Original poster

Horrible back problem - any advice appreciated!

69 replies

MuppetsMuggle · 04/03/2009 12:45

I feel like i've been put together wrong if that makes sense. My whole back is locked up and tight, my hips are dodgey and i have a numbness feeling in my hips and feet.

I have had back issues since i was 15, and have only had the following conditions diagnosed last year. 2 conditions possibly 3. 1st is trochanteric bursitis (inflammation of the hips), 2nd sacro illiac dysfunction (spine & pelvis problem), and 3rd is possibly sciatica. (i'm only 26, feel like i'm falling apart)

I'm seeing a chiropractor, but can't afford to see her very often. Doc has referred me for physio again (last time didn't have no effect).

I'm in soo much pain, and theres only so many painkillers you can take. I can't even lift my daughter at the moment, and have pillows propping me up to keep comfortable.

Just wondering if there was anything else i should do, or ask for a referral for further investigation.

OP posts:
Original poster
MuppetsMuggle · 04/03/2009 20:13

I can't get comfortable

Do you think i should demand a referral to a specialist??

OP posts:
herbietea · 04/03/2009 20:25

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Original poster
MuppetsMuggle · 04/03/2009 20:30

I will be making another appointment. i can't deal with this pain

OP posts:
Original poster
MuppetsMuggle · 04/03/2009 20:38

also on the dietary issue.

should i follow some sort of diet for my muscles and joints??

OP posts:
OhYouBadBadKitten · 04/03/2009 20:39

blimey herbietea!!!!!

Muppets. You do need to see a consultant. They need to have a proper look at your problem.

I had an mri to have a look at my sacro-illiac issues (I have psoriatic arthritis). Will get the results in a couple of weeks.
I've found an osteopath to be pretty helpful. (In fact he was extraordinarily helpful, really relieved the muscles surrounding the joint for a good couple of months)

But really, the most important thing is that you get it looked at properly.

herbietea · 04/03/2009 20:43

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Original poster
MuppetsMuggle · 04/03/2009 20:43

Okay so i will ask for a referral to a consultant. will look into an osteopath too. Now its dietary i think?!

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OhYouBadBadKitten · 04/03/2009 20:45

I did, it was very interesting but what a horrific time you've had of it. You poor soul!

OhYouBadBadKitten · 04/03/2009 20:46

dietary? - beer helps

Original poster
MuppetsMuggle · 04/03/2009 20:47

i'm getting fed up of the pain tbh. My mum has seen me today and isn't happy about the way the doc is dealing with it, and told me to get it sorted!

OP posts:
OhYouBadBadKitten · 04/03/2009 20:52

I'm not surprised you are getting fed up! It sounds like you've been fobbed off for far far too long.

Megglevache · 04/03/2009 20:55

Muppets.

I am reading these posts with my mouth wide open. Gosh for the past few years I have been panicking wondering what on earth is wrong with you, pretty much most of the symptoms you describe I have. I feel so exhausted and I worry that I take too many painkillers

They only thing that has ever made a difference (have tried accupuncture/ Osteo/Chiro/Reiki etc)to me was one to one sessions with a physio who did pilates with me (I was so cynical) after about 6 weeks I noticed such a difference. I can't afford the £30 an hour any more and didn't keep it up (had dd1) but when I get some money I will see her again.

I'm sorry you're feeling so damn awful. Do you have a friend who has a TENS macnine, I find mine fantastic when I don't want to use painkillers- I swear by mine, in fact a couple of weeks ago when I wasn't able to walk very well and in agony the battery went and I was sobbing in my lounge- Lovely dh went to the 24/7 to buy another one for me I really would try to borrow one, to see if it will help?

Original poster
MuppetsMuggle · 04/03/2009 20:55

I guess i'm just not good at being forward when it comes to me!

OP posts:
Megglevache · 04/03/2009 20:55

sorry for typos (doing three things at once- 1st para should read "wrong with me)

Megglevache · 04/03/2009 20:58

Kitten how on earth did you manage to get an MRI? My doc said there was no way I'd be able to get one and the best route would be a private one!

Original poster
MuppetsMuggle · 04/03/2009 21:15

Meg - I had one (Tens) for labour, but passed on to a friend when she was expecting her DD and never got it back.

OP posts:
Mummyfor3 · 04/03/2009 21:18

Lots of good advice above.

Also consider Alexander Technique, you should be able to find a local practitioner if you google it. V v effective in chronic back problems (may also with time make you half an inch taller..)

Megglevache · 04/03/2009 21:28

Hmmm MF3 I have heard that this week and another person suggested the Bowen therapy too.

I'm like Muppet, getting a bit desperate.

herbietea · 04/03/2009 21:37

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herbietea · 04/03/2009 21:40

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Mummyfor3 · 04/03/2009 21:45

If you would like to pursue the Alexander Technique here is a link.
Good luck!

Megglevache · 04/03/2009 21:57

Herbie- you lucky thing! Do you knwo how much they cost

herbietea · 04/03/2009 21:59

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Megglevache · 04/03/2009 22:03

Cor Blimey, I bet he had nice cufflinks on!

My doctor told me no way for the MRI scan. I was so bad when my ds was about 5 months old that I had to buy a special pushchair to wheel him around my home for most of the day I found it impossible to bend/nappy change etc for weeks. Doctor told me the wait for a physio alone was 4 months!

pacinofan · 04/03/2009 22:07

Really sympathise. I had horrific sciatica for approx 10 months last year. I tried every treatment going and found physio, accupunture did very little, but swimming helped massively. Not sure why really, but I always felt tonnes better afterwards.

One thing I would like to point out is something my GP referred to when I went to see him at about my worst. He pointed out that it is very, very easy to become severly depressed when faced with chronic pain and to try and keep a positive outlook, even when I felt dreadful. Sounds simple advice, but this helped me enormously to keep a positive outlook whenever possible.

I am happy to say, that despite my physio's opinion that I would require an op to put right my 'bulging' disc, one morning I woke up and my right leg didn't hurt, and i was completely pain free. Couldn't quite believe it, still don't some days, and I have not suffered since, no painkillers in months now.

Really, really hope you get better soon, there is some really good advice from people here