Hello Spash,

Sorry to read about the back pain you have suffered with for so many years. I can relate to the "hereditary back pain" thing. My Dad suffered from back pain, my brother did, and so do I. Sure hope my son and daughter don't "get" it.

May I ask which type of doctors you have seen regarding your back pain? Have you had x-rays and MRI images taken? Also, have you had any epidural injections?

I'll look forward to your response.

RichT

Firstly, I would like to tell you how much I appreciate your response.

I haven't seen a back specialist, only my GP, over the years they have changed, but all treat me with pain killers and anti-inflammitaries. A few years ago I was in so much pain that my mother rang for a home visit from the GP. It was a locum and she gave me an injection that relieved the pain immediately, but I have no idea what she injected me with! About 5 years ago, my partner rang for a GP visit but my regular doctor prescribed me with the usual, and gave me the impression that he thought I have a low pain threshold. That is so untrue. Giving birth to my 3 children was easier than this pain. At least I knew it would end!!!
I haven't had an x-ray or MRI scan. The only epidural injection I have had was giving birth to my daughter aged 24.
I am so hoping you can point me in the right direction, as I am at my wits end. I am currently suffering from a small knock I did last wednesday, the pain is still horrendous, I cant sleep, work and need pain relief. I think it's called referred pain that I suffer, where it moves to different parts but then usually ends up back where it started.

By the way, I am the only sibling to suffer as my mother did!

So looking forward to further contact

Warm regards

Spash

Hello Spash,

Thank you for your kind words and I much appreciate the information you have provided.

I assume you are in the NHS in the UK. If so, I do understand the difficulty in seeing a spine specialist. However, in my opinion THAT is EXACTLY the person you need to see.

Spash, I can't believe that having seen several GPs that not a one has taken x-ray or MRI images. Pardon me, but that's like practicing medicine in the dark.

Pain meds only try to cover up the problem, they do nothing to solve the problem. AND unfortunately most pain meds are highly addictive. I've been there.

You need to have x-ray and MRI images in my opinion. No, I am not a doctor, just a spiney like most here.

Okay, want the very best spine surgeon in the UK (in my opinion)? Then make an appointment to see Mr Martin Knight who is with The Spinal Foundation in Cheshire. Spash, if it wasn't for the "pond" between the US and the UK I would have made an appointment to seek his advice many months ago. His CV is absolutely outstanding. Just go to Google and type in "Mr Martin Knight UK", and then click on a website about him. Look for his CV and read it.

Okay, now the realities of life - If you are with the NHS, then you will need to have one of your GPs recommend that you see a spine specialist. I do know in my communications with a fine British lady that getting the "panel" to approve you using the services of Mr Knight is difficult. He is at the "cutting edge" of spinal surgery, and thus unfortunately his procedures are considered "experimental". GRRRRrrr, we have the same problem in the US.

Spash, I hope this helps somewhat. I know the road ahead for proper medical treatment of your back pain will not be easy. Be tough and determined.

I wish you the very best, and DO stay in touch.

RichT

Hi RichT
Once again, many thanks for your help. So very much appreciated.

I have looked up Mr Knight and luckily enough he holds a clinic in Huddersfield which is just 5 miles from me. What a coincidence!!

As you also suggested, I must have a referral from my NHS specialist. So I am going to start insisting with my GP also as you advised.

I will let you know my progress.

Thanks once again for putting me on track.

Warm regards

Spash

Hello Spash,

You are most welcome!

I wish you the best in getting through the "system". GO FOR IT!!!

Stay in touch and let us know how things go.

RichT

Hi!
how you doing now? Did you get the treatment from Mr Knight? I am interested to know how effective his treatment turned out to be in your case. I am looking for this for one of my friend.
Thanks,
RiteR

Hi riter
Almost a year since my last post and a lot has happened in that time.
As previously said, i insisted my GP send me for a MRI scan and a bone scan. The bone scan didn't take long to come through, about 5 weeks. The result was osteoporosis! My mother was diagnosed just before she passed away, goodness knows how many years she had it! I am now taking medication for it, as it was caught quite early, they think it may slow down or stop the disease.
I had to wait 6 months to see an nhs specialist, and got my results a few weeks ago. First he did a MRI scan and it was 3 months before my next appointment for the results!! At my next appointment he sent me to xray because he said an xray would show up the spine more clearly, sure enough, I have 3 crushed bones in different parts of my spine.
Now the funny thing is, the pain has gone due to prozac!!! would you believe??? I was put on prozac just before my mother died 5 years ago. I came off them voluntarily 18 months ago. I didn't realise, until I went back on them 2 months ago that it was this anti-depressant that gave me pain relief.

Would you believe that I had daily acute pain for months, visiting the doctor weekly, he never picked up on it!!!
I hope this helps you and anyone else who may read it.
Regards
Pat