Lower back pain and central disc protrusions Posted: 12-31-07 23:21pm
I am a flight attendant who was involved
in turbulence that saw me fall into an
aircraft door handle. I am currently going
into week 8 of WorkCover. Not being able
to fly and having restricted duties that
unfortunately do not allow me to even work
on the ground. I had an x-ray and CT scan
that could not explain the triangle of
pain in my lower back and right buttock.
At week 6 I was authorised to have an MRI
scan which concluded the following:
Small central disc protrusions with
associated annular tearing at the L4-5 and
L5-S1 disc levels but no significant
central canal or foraminal compromise. No
neural impingement.
This pain is constant and I seem to be
getting no where with it. My GP keeps
saying "it should be better now" and a much more
sympathetic Physiotherapist (and in my
opinion more knowledgeable) says, "It will
take time" and puts those life saving
electronic currents on my back. This
really is the only thing that helps with
the constant pain and the relief from not
feeling it is immense.
Having just spent Christmas in bed I am
feeling considerably sorry for myself. I
am not one to take sick days from work. In
the last 14 months I had one sick day and
that was a cold that I couldn't fly with
(Flight Attendants are unable to fly with
severe colds as it could result in
bursting an ear drum). I know I am feeling
this pain and I know it is a direct result
of the accident at work. Alas, where to
from here? Is a specialist just going to
suggest operating? How much longer before
I get better? Should I be in this much
pain?
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 909
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-01-08 08:46am
Hello CallieMarie,
WELCOME to this forum and the New Year.
Sorry to read about your accident.
No, you should not continue to be in such
pain. To be blunt - forget your GP and
search out the best neurologist/spinal
surgeon that you can find. Make an
appointment with the spine spelialist and
take copies of the Xrays, CT scans and MRI
images to the specialist. In fact, see at
least two specialists. Second opinions
are ALWAYS a good idea.
NO, you may not need surgery. That of
course will depend on the specialists
opinions.
I wish you the best and DO see a spine
medical doctor.
and a much more
sympathetic Physiotherapist (and in my
opinion more knowledgeable) says, "It will
take time" and puts those life saving
electronic currents on my back. This
really is the only thing that helps with
the constant pain and the relief from not
feeling it is immense.
