Bad back

the_holgate_roof

the_holgate_roof

Well-known member
Have had a bad back since the end of May, the doctors put it down to a bulged disc, I got some physio through work and also visited the physio at the doctors. I was given some exercises which I did every day and I would say it receded to the point of not really feeling it by December, so happy days. Anyway through nothing at all it has come back with avengeance, no real incident, the only thing I can think of was driving to London and back for the match at the weekend. The napraxen and ibrufen aren’t even touching the sides, so can’t even sleep with it, do you think the doctor will treat it as the same incident and maybe refer for an MRI, or will they start from scratch again?? It is really depressing to be honest, especially as I am in an office job, so Sat all day long, which is the worse thing you can do.
 
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the_holgate_roof said:
Have had a bad back since the end of May, the doctors put it down to a bulged disc, I got some physio through work and also visited the physio at the doctors. I was given some exercises which I did every day and I would say it receded to the point of not really feeling it by December, so happy days. Anyway through nothing at all it has come back with avengeance, no real incident, the only thing I can think of was driving to London and back for the match at the weekend. The napraxen and ibrufen aren’t even touching the sides, so can’t even sleep with it, do you think the doctor will treat it as the same incident and maybe refer for an MRI, or will they start from scratch again?? It is really depressing to be honest, especially as I am in an office job, so Sat all day long, which is the worse thing you can do.
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Very similar issues. I ended up paying for an MRI myself (£250). Got results and a report within 48 hours. I then desperately rang every number I could find to speak with a specialist and again paid privately for first appointment but luckily he was so angry with NHS treatment I had received he didn’t charge me after that period. During all of this I got taken into Hospital twice as I collapsed on the floor and could no longer walk. The MRI showed I had 2 slipped disc and one bulged disc which was pushing as my nerve (sciatic nerve) down left leg. The pain was unbearable.

I went on every medication but nothing worked and I asked to go on Gabapentin and that helped calm the pain but also I did loads of research and read that a tens machine also helps so bought one and it did help calm the muscles around the nerve. Since then I have to either swim (I do physio exercises in water) or walk an hour every day. I was due to have an operation this Thursday but it’s been cancelled as physio and specialist are pleased with my progress so I am just continuing.

I would go private for MRI as it will determine the best exercises for you but believe me - go in water. It’s like heaven for the pain 😂

For sleep - consider a harder surface. For about 2 months I slept on living room floor. Obviously with a blanket and pillows but the hard surface really helped me.
 
Also has your employer done an occupational health assessment? I finally got mine last November and they are getting me a new desk and chair for home. One of those ones which moves up and down. It will hopefully help posture.
 
Thank you so much for your advice, I may also consider the private MRI scan, if it helps to get to the source of the problem and direct the correct form of treatment, I have had some physio through work but as you say, a further self referral may dictate some different office equipment, also noted the water treatment, many thanks.
 
the_holgate_roof said:
Thank you so much for your advice, I may also consider the private MRI scan, if it helps to get to the source of the problem and direct the correct form of treatment, I have had some physio through work but as you say, a further self referral may dictate some different office equipment, also noted the water treatment, many thanks.
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Good luck. An MRI will definitely help determine the best treatment / exercises as some can be more damaging. UTB
 
I sleep on a hard mattress.
It consists of several wooden planks (I only have a narrow piece of wood).
Lay it over with a rubber mattress about 2 inches thick.
Most of the time I like to sleep on my side. So I have to have a rather large bolster.

I tend to sit hunched over a lot, so I have to remind myself to sit up straight.
And when I have back pain I often use a long stick to do exercises with. I watched the exercises on YouTube.
It can't be helped. Because we're getting old. I'm going to be 50 now.
 
Can you try and ask you physio to write a letter to your GP cos you will wait for ever and a day for appointments, assessments, scans etc etc and may help in fast tracking your case.
 
I have had two operations on my lower spine after a work accident and it was a long process.

Recently, I have started with pain in my neck and cramps in both arms. I went to the doctors who made me a physio appointment the following week and a MRI Scan. I got an appointment for the MRI Scan within two weeks and had to go to the medical centre in Acklam to have the scan.

With in a month of first going to see the doctor, I had the results back.
 
Mate had a glassback, always going at the slightest issue (like being sat at a desk or in a car for an extended period), did physio, injections, had an inversion table, minor lumbar surgery and ultimately had a couple of vertabrae fused to provide stability that the muscles & ligaments couldn't. Nothing worked.
End of his tether he went travelling & took up yoga in Thailand, found it provided benefits for him (swimming loads & not spending 10-12 hours sat at a desk probably didn't hurt either), he got qualified as a yoga teacher and now he's back in the UK he does it as his 'side hustle' (sic).
He's working as hard again, playing football etc and no back issues just lots of yoga.
 
newusername said:
Mate had a glassback, always going at the slightest issue (like being sat at a desk or in a car for an extended period), did physio, injections, had an inversion table, minor lumbar surgery and ultimately had a couple of vertabrae fused to provide stability that the muscles & ligaments couldn't. Nothing worked.
End of his tether he went travelling & took up yoga in Thailand, found it provided benefits for him (swimming loads & not spending 10-12 hours sat at a desk probably didn't hurt either), he got qualified as a yoga teacher and now he's back in the UK he does it as his 'side hustle' (sic).
He's working as hard again, playing football etc and no back issues just lots of yoga.
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I would second this! I have a bulging disc in my neck and get quite a few back problems. I used to yoga regularly and I never felt it then. I haven't done any for ages and m back is currently not in good shape.
 
I have a prolapsed disc which gave me lots of problems in my 30s and 40s. I used Voltorol and Naproxen when it flared up with limited effect.Consultant wanted me to have 2 discs fused but I refused as a friend had a terrible time following the same op.Tried massage and tens machine even stretching on a jig with ropes all with limited effect. Started playing golf in my late 40s and noticed the exercise on my back had lessened the number of time it would flare up..
Now in my mid 60s it just niggles me occasionally.The only time I get any real pain is if I don't play for a while due to weather closing the course.Also i haven't needed any medication to help control it..
I mentioned it to my GP who said the kind of movement a golf swing gives to your spine is very beneficial for it.
 
I suffered from lower back pain for absolutely ages. Then took up pilates and it has disappeared.

I know that people may have to do physio to get into a good place. Others might never get there again. However if you reach a place where you can exercise then, from my experience, pilates can help you stay there. As it builds your core strength.
 
spanishman said:
I suffered from lower back pain for absolutely ages. Then took up pilates and it has disappeared.

I know that people may have to do physio to get into a good place. Others might never get there again. However if you reach a place where you can exercise then, from my experience, pilates can help you stay there. As it builds your core strength.
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Definitely any exercise which works the core is crucial. I hope to do Pilates more when better.

I think first step is definitely finding out which disc is the issue. Golf, suggested above, for me would be good from walking perspective but the swing movement would be a disaster. Tennis is similar. Just about listening to body isn’t it. Heat for example - bath. Spa. Heat patches etc have a bad impact on me but cold is good.

UTB.
 
I had damage to a cervical bone in my upper spine near my shoulder… mainly down to poor posture and age…

Had several online physios recommend resistance band therapies none that worked…

Eventually saw a doctor who identified what was causing the pain and verified with a scan..

I went to Norton physiotherapist and saw drew coverdale (ex Boro youth and physio) he tried methods to reprogram the pain and change how I perceived it.. the pain actually manifested in my arm although caused by the disc impinging the nerve going to my arm…

I was sceptical but the pain has reduced significantly… anyway, he has a book (although I didn’t read it) but I’d recommend a visit with him also…

He’s a canny guy, same age as me and has had an interesting life..
 
Out of interest, has anybody used Vista Health for a self referral for a private MRI scan, can this bypass a lot of the NHS ted tape, understand this would only bypass the scan waiting time but I assume the results would be sent to your own GP for their analysis and recommendation??
 
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