Back Pain Forum - Back pain to the extreme

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What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....

Q: Back pain to the extreme

asked by: bsjulstad on August 25th, 2008

New User

Last week I woke up and couldn't move my back or my right wrist. It hurt to walk, sit, stand, lay down and so forth. I have been going to the chiropractor to try to remedy this for a week now. I am a little better, but I can't stand up straight and now my pain is also in my sides and stomach. I am not pregnant. I decided last Friday to go to the DR. since the chiropractor didn't work. All I was told (without even touching me or taking an xray) is that I have a Lumbar strain. How can a Dr. diagnose someone by looking at them? I am still in extreme amounts of pain. I don't know who else to see. I could go see someone outside of my network but that would cost a fortune. I am calling the clinic I go to, Merit(doesn't)Care. I need help. I don't know what else to do. I have taken ibuprofen, but that does absolutely nothing to ease the extreme pain I am having in my back. I also have some flexeril from my mother in law...all that does is put me to sleep. I want the pain gone not subdued. Please anyone, help me.

Replies(5)

RichT

replied on August 26th, 2008

Active User, very eHealthy

Hello Bsjulstad,

Welcome to this forum.

Sorry to read about the pain you are in.

I would highly recommend that you seek the advice of a spinal surgeon. They are the most knowledgable about spines and back issues. Search for the very best spinal surgeon in your area, and then make an appointment to see that doctor. In fact, make an appointment with the spinal surgeon listed 2nd on your list. A 2nd opinion is always a good idea.

You are very correct, you need to have an X-ray. (You are far ahead of your chiropractor.) Do have the x-ray as directed by the spinal surgeon. I would not put my trust in your GP (PCP) to have it done correctly.

I'm with you on the Flexeril. I tried it once, never again.

I hope all goes well. Let us know how things go for you.

RichT

P.S. - May I be so forward and ask how long you have had your current mattress?

bsjulstad

replied on August 27th, 2008

New User

Today is even worse

I have my mother in law's tens (sp?) unit hooked up to my back and I can't find little releif without it. I am going to take your advice today. The only problem with our medical system where I live is you can only get in by referal. So I need to somehow let the Dr. that I went to see about my back pain (who wasn't great) that I need more assistance elsewhere and for her to send a referral.
The mattress I have is not good for me. I looked at it last week and I can see it bows a little in the middle. That can't be good for me. Once I have enough saved up I am going to go that route as well and try to get a good mattress as soon as I can.
Thank you so much for the advice. I really think this forum helps people out.

bsjulstad

RichT

replied on August 27th, 2008

Active User, very eHealthy

Hello Bsjulstad,

Thanks for your kind words to the forum.

I went "OUCH" when I read you are using you mother-in-laws tens unit. PLEASE don't play doctor. That is not wise sorry to say. It may help, however you are playing with fire if you are not using the unit under the care of a spinal doctor.

SOOooo go to your doctor and twist his/her arm until they ok you to see a spinal surgeon, and not just any spinal surgeon, but the VERY BEST one in your area. I really like your drive and determination. GO FOR IT!!!!

Not sure where you live, however, in the U.S. there is an air mattress company which has an excellent mattress at a very good price ($200). I sleep on one every night. Because of forum rules, best you send me a PM and then I can share the name of the company with you.

RichT

littleonefb

replied on September 8th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

The last thing you should be doing is using someone else's medication of tens unit or anything else like that.
Nor should you attempt to self treat yourself with any kind of treatment including chiropractic care.

What you need to is to be properly evaluated by a spinal surgeon to determine what is wrong with your spine.

Fran

littleonefb

replied on September 8th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

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