Author Topic: Back Pain (Read 26448 times)

Thor · « **Reply #125 on:** August 30, 2011, 07:27:32 PM »

It took me several hoops to jump through before I got some of my issues resolved and/or discovered. A GOOD MD would have done w & w/o contrast. It ultimately took me to find a good Neurologist that did a brain and full spine scan. Looking at what I saw, you SHOULDN'T have been in pain, HOWEVER, as cmypay stated, NOBODY can tell you whether or not you're in pain. Also, it's entirely possible that your pain is originating from a higher level. (Thoracic or Cervical Spine) Without a full spine MRI w/ contrast, there's no way to really tell. Frikkin Doctors these days....

Gina · « **Reply #126 on:** August 30, 2011, 07:42:09 PM »

Quote from: Thor on August 30, 2011, 07:27:32 PM

It took me several hoops to jump through before I got some of my issues resolved and/or discovered. A GOOD MD would have done w & w/o contrast. It ultimately took me to find a good Neurologist that did a brain and full spine scan. Looking at what I saw, you SHOULDN'T have been in pain, HOWEVER, as cmypay stated, NOBODY can tell you whether or not you're in pain. Also, it's entirely possible that your pain is originating from a higher level. (Thoracic or Cervical Spine) Without a full spine MRI w/ contrast, there's no way to really tell. Frikkin Doctors these days....

so will an orthopedic dr be my best next step or a neurologist?

Thor · « **Reply #127 on:** August 30, 2011, 08:09:21 PM »

Quote from: Gina on August 30, 2011, 07:42:09 PM

so will an orthopedic dr be my best next step or a neurologist?

I went through two orthopaedic surgeons before I got to the neurologist. The second Orthpaedic surgeon noticed something missed by countless Doctors.

DumbAss Tanker · « **Reply #128 on:** August 30, 2011, 08:56:15 PM »

Ever see "Joe and the Volcano" ...? Don't shrink at asking for a second opinion from a different doc if you're not being helped or get drastic treatment recommendations.

Gina · « **Reply #129 on:** August 31, 2011, 07:33:27 AM »

Great advice, don't you think?

Quote

When I first had an MRI on my back pain, the pcp relied on the radiologist report. He didn't even see the MRI itself, the report didn't say I had broken facets. Nevertheless, the pcp continued to prescribe vicodin for me. I took the same MRI (got a copy on a disc) and brought it to an NS, he said several disc were herniated, no broken facets. Again the same disc, I brought to an OS, who pointed out the broken facets. I went back to the NS, and then he saw the broken facets. So, it is important to 1) get the disc and radiologist report; 2) seek different opinions, and 3) get them to discuss the MRI in front of you. Some doctors like to walk out of the room to a different room to see the MRI. If that is the case, ask if you can see it too, and join him. Another way is to load the disc into your laptop and bring it with you to the next doctor's appointment.

CG6468 · « **Reply #130 on:** August 31, 2011, 08:22:15 AM »

Quote from: Gina on August 30, 2011, 07:42:09 PM

so will an orthopedic dr be my best next step or a neurologist?

I'd go with the orthopod.

debk · « **Reply #131 on:** August 31, 2011, 03:39:18 PM »

Gina...you said FNP told you that you were not in pain.

FNP? Is that a Family Nurse Practioner or something else?

If it was a Nurse Practioner, since when are they the be all/end all in reading MRI's? Not meaning to put down any nurse practioners, I'm sure there are some very good ones out there, and I have a great deal of respect for nurses (my mother was one), however, if'n I'm in the condition where an MRI is required, I'd want someone with a whole lot more education and experience than a nurse practioner telling me what is - or isn't - wrong with me.

You're a redhead, Gina! Stand up for yourself and demand some answers from someone who knows what the hell they are doing!!! If that isn't your DOCTOR, then tell him you want a referral to someone who is SPECIFICALLY TRAINED for back problems...which is either an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. If he won't do it, then call your insurance company . There has to be more than one accepted gatekeeper physician provider with your insurance policy. The way insurance companies are these days, it could be he's afraid of losing you as a patient if he refers you to someone else, or he's been referring too many patients to specialists and is afraid of losing his preferred status with the insurance company.

BlueStateSaint · « **Reply #132 on:** August 31, 2011, 07:06:33 PM »

Gina, I'd read what Deb wrote, especially the last paragraph. I'd do it if I were you.

My back pain story--For years, I've had issues with my lower back pain. Then I threw it out about seven years ago. Wow! As I remember it, I was bending down to pick up a plastic tote with my deer hunting clothes in it, to go to camp. I struggled with it to the car, and got in the car--I was damned sure going deer hunting! I made it half of a mile, and turned around. A couple of days later, I was able to move in a normal way again. (The chiropractor helped.) Off and on with back pain for years, then a year ago last March, I told my primary care doc that I wanted an MRI done, and I wasn't about to take 'no' for an answer. Let's just say that he was a tad surprised with the results. I went to my chiropractor first, though, and he gave me the scoop--every one of my lumbar discs was herniated towards my right front, and one of those discs was torn. How did I get those herniated discs? That car crash in Germany 23-odd years ago. The chiropractor gave me some back exercises to do to strengthen my back muscles. I'm spotty on doing them.

RobJohnson · « **Reply #133 on:** September 01, 2011, 09:03:01 PM »

Quote from: Gina on August 22, 2011, 01:17:46 PM

nah, it's a constant pain either sitting or standing. If I am walkiing it seems to alleviate it.

Thor......20k units? I thought 5k units was toxic?

There are 50,000 IU Rx Vit D capsules. Some people need them. They are usually taken once a week.

Just be up front with your doctor that you are in pain and need something to help you get through the day. Some pain mgt. doctors are quicker to write you an Rx then your regular family doctor, but a good doctor can tell if you are in pain without a bunch of tests. Every try chiropractic? Many chiropractors work with MDs to use different modalities to help with the pain & pressure.

I have a good relationship with my doctor's office. He hands me the Rx pad, I write what I want and he signs it.
There are reasons why I get away with that.

RobJohnson · « **Reply #134 on:** September 01, 2011, 09:08:30 PM »

Quote from: Gina on August 23, 2011, 07:00:45 AM

hydrocodone is lortab isn't it? I took 2 of them this morning but they make me sick to my stomach. I am going to make sure I mention that. I hope my other dr can get my xrays/report to the new dr this afternoon so they don't think I am pulling this crap out my ass. wish me luck!

Hydrocodone may or may not be Lortab, it's in other drugs as well. Lortab is Hydrocodone mixed with APAP (tylenol) which can be really hard on the liver if you take too much.

RobJohnson · « **Reply #135 on:** September 01, 2011, 09:19:17 PM »

Quote from: chris_ on August 24, 2011, 12:38:25 PM

Three different kinds? That seems excessive.

In Las Vegas we call that breakfast.

It's actually not excessive. The Percocet is usually for "breakthrough" pain. The Soma is a musscle relaxer for the spasm, which is easily justified by the xray. I take 10 mg of Valium twice daily for spasms. If I don't I can't move when it gets bad....

Physical thearpy, traction & chirporatic is where I would start. Not just any chiropractor, one that actually does spinal rehab. Of course I am not a doctor.

RobJohnson · « **Reply #136 on:** September 01, 2011, 09:23:59 PM »

Quote from: Gina on August 24, 2011, 08:24:03 AM

anyone know how soon I will know the results from a mri?

It's easy to get a copy of the films right away. Sometimes it takes a while (few days) for the radiologist to read the films and write the report. My last neck MRI showed 4 spinal indentations (cervical) with only 6 mm clearance around my spinal cord at c4/c5....so I am one accident away from having major problems...I failed a NCV and EMG on my upper body/neck...all part of life, I just deal with it.

CG6468 · « **Reply #137 on:** September 01, 2011, 09:24:32 PM »

Gee. All of you younger folks with back problems. I thought those were saved for old geezers like me.

RobJohnson · « **Reply #138 on:** September 01, 2011, 09:25:45 PM »

Quote from: Gina on August 24, 2011, 01:45:56 PM

Oh yes....

the percocet was for extreme pain or breakthrough pain. (take 1 tablet 2x per day as needed for pain)

The ultram is to be taken every 8 hours or as needed for pain

The soma says take 1 2x daily as needed for muscle spasm

I guess I should of read the entire thread before I commented....

Gina · « **Reply #139 on:** September 02, 2011, 05:05:14 AM »

Quote from: CG6468 on September 01, 2011, 09:24:32 PM

Gee. All of you younger folks with back problems. I thought those were saved for old geezers like me.

I guess being on your back alot is dangerous

CG6468 · « **Reply #140 on:** September 02, 2011, 08:23:09 AM »

Quote from: Gina on September 02, 2011, 05:05:14 AM

I guess being on your back alot is dangerous

From someone who knows?

zeitgeist · « **Reply #141 on:** September 02, 2011, 02:48:24 PM »

Quote from: CG6468 on September 02, 2011, 08:23:09 AM

From someone who knows?

Props to GOP Congress for the pic.

seahorse513 · « **Reply #142 on:** September 03, 2011, 03:46:00 PM »

I think I hurt my back yesterday at work . I was cashiering, must have turned wrong or picked up something too heavy , and i pushed myself, and this morning my back paid the price!!! I took a couple of Ibu's so it should be ok. I had to run an errand for a friend, I didn't want to let him down, so I went anyway. Backs are fragile things.....

jtyangel · « **Reply #143 on:** September 03, 2011, 05:57:44 PM »

Quote from: seahorse513 on September 03, 2011, 03:46:00 PM

I think I hurt my back yesterday at work . I was cashiering, must have turned wrong or picked up something too heavy , and i pushed myself, and this morning my back paid the price!!! I took a couple of Ibu's so it should be ok. I had to run an errand for a friend, I didn't want to let him down, so I went anyway. Backs are fragile things.....

A large part of them being 'fragile' is because we don't do enough to strengthen our core. Core muscles not only act as a girdle, but they help support the back. The abdominal muscles and back muscles usually work in sync and protect one another. Unfortunately, many people are not strong in the abdomen and their backs are more prone to injury doing routine movements. I know it sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo but before I lost a lot of weight, I used to ahve back pain at night and into the morning. With weight loss also came core strengthening. It really was a tremendous help. I know it doesn't mean much for a back already fudged up, but maybe for those who have healthy backs currently, it would be useful to really work on those core muscles to help prevent back strain and issues in the future. I'm sure it doesn't hurt ot have that extra support once backs that are injured are healthy enough to tolerate some light core training. I'm only posting this seahorse because I know you probably have a minor strain from teh sounds of it. Work that core up and strengthen it so it can do its job and support that back.

longview · « **Reply #144 on:** September 03, 2011, 10:15:34 PM »

^ Good advice.

RobJohnson · « **Reply #145 on:** September 03, 2011, 10:17:35 PM »

Quote from: Gina on September 02, 2011, 05:05:14 AM

I guess being on your back alot is dangerous

It's a dangerous job, but someone has to do it.

Thor · « **Reply #146 on:** September 04, 2011, 09:30:48 PM »

Quote from: jtyangel on September 03, 2011, 05:57:44 PM

A large part of them being 'fragile' is because we don't do enough to strengthen our core. Core muscles not only act as a girdle, but they help support the back. The abdominal muscles and back muscles usually work in sync and protect one another. Unfortunately, many people are not strong in the abdomen and their backs are more prone to injury doing routine movements. I know it sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo but before I lost a lot of weight, I used to ahve back pain at night and into the morning. With weight loss also came core strengthening. It really was a tremendous help. I know it doesn't mean much for a back already fudged up, but maybe for those who have healthy backs currently, it would be useful to really work on those core muscles to help prevent back strain and issues in the future. I'm sure it doesn't hurt ot have that extra support once backs that are injured are healthy enough to tolerate some light core training. I'm only posting this seahorse because I know you probably have a minor strain from teh sounds of it. Work that core up and strengthen it so it can do its job and support that back.

This is true on the whole. However, you have people like me that lift more than they should without a back support. Being a "He man" (or woman) can get a person in trouble.

CG6468 · « **Reply #147 on:** September 04, 2011, 09:55:28 PM »

Quote from: seahorse513 on September 03, 2011, 03:46:00 PM

I think I hurt my back yesterday at work . I was cashiering, must have turned wrong or picked up something too heavy , and i pushed myself, and this morning my back paid the price!!! I took a couple of Ibu's so it should be ok. I had to run an errand for a friend, I didn't want to let him down, so I went anyway. Backs are fragile things.....

I wasn't aware that you were an Italian.

JLO · « **Reply #148 on:** September 04, 2011, 10:16:04 PM »

Quote from: jtyangel on September 03, 2011, 05:57:44 PM

A large part of them being 'fragile' is because we don't do enough to strengthen our core. Core muscles not only act as a girdle, but they help support the back. The abdominal muscles and back muscles usually work in sync and protect one another. Unfortunately, many people are not strong in the abdomen and their backs are more prone to injury doing routine movements. I know it sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo but before I lost a lot of weight, I used to ahve back pain at night and into the morning. With weight loss also came core strengthening. It really was a tremendous help. I know it doesn't mean much for a back already fudged up, but maybe for those who have healthy backs currently, it would be useful to really work on those core muscles to help prevent back strain and issues in the future. I'm sure it doesn't hurt ot have that extra support once backs that are injured are healthy enough to tolerate some light core training. I'm only posting this seahorse because I know you probably have a minor strain from teh sounds of it. Work that core up and strengthen it so it can do its job and support that back.

What you say is so true. My long-ago injured back responds to a healthy weight and exercise. Last summer I felt the best ever since 20+ years because I was at my regular healthy weight due to a physical therapist's exercise program she had me doing for something totally unrelated.

The best back exercises for me are standing tall (holding onto a chair back) and slowly lifting each leg straightened backwards.

Best to all my fellow back sufferers!

Gina · « **Reply #149 on:** September 05, 2011, 07:26:28 AM »

I am back from my 2 days of straight walking. Although I am sore. My back feels somewhat with less pain even though it's sore. I did stop taking my percocet last week to save for these 2 days and I think it was a very wise decision because I would have been miserable without it.

I am going to try the c25k program with my son.

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Author Topic: Back Pain (Read 26448 times)