Back pain

# 72

Posted: 22/01/2011 05:43

Back injury problems can be solved by chiropractic techniques.

# 71

Posted: 12/01/2011 18:48

I suffered two back injuries decades ago. Upper and lower back. A few years ago an Xray showed that the vertebrae in the lower back had deteriorated. Walking, exercise and swimming helped. Then the pain returned. This time the diagnosis was excessive pronation down in my feet. Prescription orthotic inserts allow me to continue exercising and keeping that pain at bay. No medication was necessary. At the onset of backache I believe that one should not take painkillers as they can give a false sense of relief causing you to further damage vertebrae.

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There is no smoke witofire!

# 70

Posted: 05/05/2010 20:52

I spend most of my time in front of my computer and that makes me suffer from back pain almost every day.  I also find out that lying at your back straight without pillows do help.

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# 69

Posted: 10/02/2010 17:32

Hi

I'm new to this site but suffering with sciatica and just wondering has anyone any advice / tips on how to deal with it on a daily basis.  Been to doctors, hospital, tried painkillers / muscle relaxants / accupuncture etc / physio - none have really worked

All suggestions greatly appreciated

# 68

Posted: 15/10/2009 22:01

Hi Dec Russell here.

                           I had the L 4 and the L5 removed from my back, they are the lower discs in the back. it made no difference to me I am in chronic pain for the last 12 yrs, I'm swallowing painkillers (morphine based) to get around. Some people are lucky after surgery but of coarse I was one of the unlucky ones. I tryed everything thats going - painclinics, epedurals,nerve blocks you name it i have tryed it, next thing they want to do is fuse the vertibre and insert 2 or 3 pins to keep ot in line. I just try to keep going it's hard at the best of time.

I understand and have deepest symphaty for you. Hope you can get out of it, I had surgery 3 times, my legs are numb to touch, probably from the opps.

I hope all will go well for you.

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Russell the Man

# 67

Posted: 07/06/2009 11:43

Declan13; Hi Declan. Hope you are well. After years of turmoil with my back, my osteopath lent me Alexander Walker-Nadells's book. (I was booked in for surgery at the time, with a missing ankle reflex.)

Having read the book, I rang for an appointment, and he fixed me. It worked brilliantly, and I had several years of calm, until once again, I had an accident. (I simply have to lift heavy stuff for work).

At the time I asked was anyone going to carry on Alexander's work (he was 86 when he saw me I think), but alas, the answer was no.

And from what I can tell now, that's still the case.

I think the main objection (from conventional surgeons) to his treatment is that it it's necessarily permnent, in that the split in the disc remains, so further contents can ooze out at a later date (which I presume is what happened me).  

Certainly if he were alive I would go again. His treatment was sooooo very uninvasive. Such a pity - it seems nobody continues his method. Stephen.  

# 66

Posted: 28/03/2009 00:52

I went through all the discectomys fusions stenosis etc etc and have just had a spinal cord stimulator put in which is of great help rather than further fusions in the lower back. Next, to get plates and a coulpe of discs taken out of my neck and then hopefully a drug rehab course to get off the opiats. Then Im finished with surgery.However throughout all of this I found two things to be of great help. Pilates which is exercises that build up the core around the stomach and strengthen the back and balance everything. A lot of people when they injure their back loose a lot of muscle power which leeds to inflamation especially in the sacroiliac joints which in turn cause disc problems which when operated on cause scare tissue to build up which necessatates fusion then stenosis above the fusion and if allowed, more fusions which weaken the vertabrae and joints above so unless totally necessary the start of back surgery is a long road. Anyone who injures their back should do the physio exercises (the basic 5) and never let up on doing them then do palates to strengten their weakened backs. Drugs work but not long term. A book called Manage your pain by Dr. Michael Nicholas is available on Amazon and well worth a look.

# 65

Posted: 09/02/2009 14:02

Has anyone read the book The Slipped Disc and the Aching Back of Man by Alexander Walker-Naddell. 1: Has anyone had this procedure done and what are the results.

2: Is there anyone in Ireland/UK who does this procedure at present ?

As one who is in the " back club" I have tried most procedures except surgery which is a last resort.

# 64

Posted: 08/01/2009 16:47

After reading all the posts here, I can see that you all share the similar problem and that's the Pain.

Pain and trying to get a painkiller that works to even help a tiny bit is the problem

painmanagement, what I v tried up to now has not been successfull, when dealing with nerves that are in pain it is so hard to get relief, I had a SCS spinal chord stimulator inserted and removed so I can advise about that.

I myself have been in Chronic back pain for over 18 years mine too was Neurosurgery as it was a cyst on my spinal cord that gave me all the problems,I am only 44 now, so I know I will have to deal with this pain for the forseeable future.

Its called a tarlov cyst has anyone here ever been told they had one,on their spinal chord or has it shown up as an incidenta finding on the radioligists report, or the Dr read the MRI and brushed it off?

I would be inferested in helping anyone that i can with information, be it about Nerve blocks MRis pain relief I have a lot of years educating myself on this,

please contact me sharongillece@yahoo.co.uk if I can help in any way i will do my best,

Thank You

Sharon

ps has any Dr ever said to you its the scar tissue thats causing your pain, that in itself is a disease Arachnoiditis if you want to know more information please dont hesitate to e mail me.

# 63

Posted: 11/06/2008 12:38

Hello all, I was suffering with back pain, shoulder pain, joint pain and neck pain and no GP or hospital could prescribe anything to ease the pain or help the condition. After two years of agony I was about to give up and accept that I would have to put up with this, when I heard about the Endorphin Release Clinic in Crumlin, Dublin. Within 4 sessions I was completely pain free. I just went back today for the first time in three years with a swollen ankle that no one could help with. I've had this swollen ankle for over 6 months and was in a lot of pain. Now its cured. The people in the Endorphin release Clinic didnt throw pills at me, they figured out the pain came from a twisted muscle in my groin, and they fixed it for me. Don't suffer with pains and aches go and see these people. They deal with arthrtis, back injury, sports injury, whiplash, gout anything you can imagine. Please try it out, it works.

# 62

Posted: 31/03/2008 09:34

i'm 38 and and had a compression fracture in my l1 vertebra and a fracture of my transverse process. also its compressed by 30percent. its 14 months now, i still have back pain every day. i finished work as the doctor said i wouldn't be able to do physical work i cant stand on my feet for too long and i cant sit down for long as well. just wondering has anyone had this type of injury and how did they get on? how much of a recovery can i hope to make?

# 61

Posted: 28/09/2007 19:57

My brother plays football and has been out for the last 12 mths with back pain. After several mri, bone scans etc his consultant has suggested fusion. Does anyone know anything about this.

# 60

Posted: 04/08/2007 16:11

I am considering having fusion surgery on my lower back. Has anyone else out there had this surgery. When, when, did it work?

# 59

Posted: 22/06/2007 10:59

I fell three weeks ago and through x-rays found out i broke my coccyx bone. the pain is unbelievable, it's sore when i sit when i lie down and even when i walk .i was told this bone has no purpose by a friend .will i need to have surgery if pain continues?

# 58

Posted: 13/06/2007 20:39

One of the many reasons back pain is so difficult to treat is because low back pain of itself is not a diagnosis it is merely a symptom. There are many structures which can cause back pain such as muscle, ligaments, fascia, myofascial trigger points, nerves, bone spurs etc. Recent research from Dr. Paul Hodges a physiotherapist researcher in Australia has found that the lumbar mutifidii which are very deep back muscles in conjunction with other muscles which are responsible for lumbar segmental stability fail to recover following back insult or injury. These and other muscles must be specifically targeted to assist with dissipating loads through the lumbo-sacral region. Failure to specifically address the cause of the pain can lead to years of unnecessary back pain, overuse of medication and poor quality of life. Presence of pathology via MRI ie herniated disk is not always correlated with low back pain as studies have shown that approximately 30% of the population can present with herniated disks and other such pathologies without any symptoms. I have succesfully used real time ultrasound imaging and electomyography as an assessment and muscle re-education tool in my practice in the US in those with chronic low back pain and urinary incontinence as there is an association between both of these conditions. Its wonderful for the patient and I to be able to look inside at these muscles, measure their function or dysfunction and get good outcomes. Finding out what causes the pain is vital to recovery. If you are interested in reading more about this go to www.maherpt.ie

# 57

Posted: 26/04/2007 22:25

Kate. I hope since you posted your comment that you have gone to see a physio or some other specialist. I have had a lower back problem for about two years, and have just had an MRI which showed that 2 discs were bulging and pressing against the nerve. .I had done physio for a few months which had greatly helped the initial back problem and built up the muscles, but had not uncovered the disc issue. So I went to a sports injuries doctor, who sent me for MRI. .I think it goes to show that you sometimes need to try a couple of different options. .good luck

# 56

Posted: 04/01/2007 13:20

I fell at work 19 mths ago and hurt my back and have been in very bad pain ever since, got mri scan done and the doctor said nothing showed up on it, dont kn ow what do now some days I can hardly walk and find it realy find it hard to do anything. I feel like I\'m going off my head now because I don\'t no what to do...please help

# 55

Posted: 21/12/2006 15:22

Since a fall at work I had progressive back pain. Eventually I saw a Neuro surgeon. He had a MRI done and informed me afterwards that I had a disc problem and that I needed surgery. I had the disc removed and the next day the surgeon came to see me and said you are well now Mr. ---- I said Thanks I\'ll be fine I suppose in a few weeks \"no\" he said yor better now but I can\'t walk says I and I have a lot of pain when I move. He says that can\'t be. I went home with the aid of my son and a taxi. I had to borrow crutches from my local hospital. A few days later I telephoned the surgeon and he suggested that I come and see him and haave another MRI the following Friday, which I did. When he looked at the MRI in my presence he stated that he could not see anything else wrong and comparing the fist MRI and tha post op. MRI He showed me the difference which was impressive as it showed the protruding disc and then the all clear. He then stated that there was nothing else he could do.
Ever since I have been suffering with back pain worse than before I had the Op. which is now spread to my right leg which may be like sciatica. I have been on Deurogesic patches ever since but whilst the patches relieve the back pain a bit they have no effect on th pain from my right buttock down my leg. My GP keeps on prescribing painkillers but they don\'t work. I have also visited a physio. which only made things worse.
Has anyone else been able to relieve similar leg pain. Please give account.

Thanks
liammor

# 54

Posted: 11/11/2006 12:14

I am 45 and some morning I wake up with a tightness in my back that feels like I have been winded. It takes time to get moving,any advice considering I have had the same bed for over 5years

# 53

Posted: 09/09/2006 15:05

i just had epidural and im still in a lot of pain getting realy depressed everbody keeps telling it doesent always work first time why ?anybody know.why

# 52

Posted: 22/08/2006 11:20

I\'ve had back pain for two years going back and forwards to doctors and hospital in a lot of pain.
Finally a hospital agreed to give me the epidurail. anybody out there get it and did it work and how long before you can go back to work?

# 51

Posted: 08/08/2006 11:00

Hi. I get back and stomack pain at the very start of my period. what can i do to cure it? is taking comtraceptive pills still dangerous? I have taken them before to stop me from having really bad periods. but later I found out on the BBC news that it was doing more harm than good to your own body etc..! is having an hystrectomy the wrong thing to go about? I have periods just about every monnth and I suffer with Tender swollen breasts, Feeling irritable, stomach bloating, backache, Mood swings and Clumsiness and most of all Tireness. In some countries you can have a hystrectomy, but their not very common in this country eg. (N. Wales UK) but if you talk to your own GP about the symptoms, they suggest that you go on a pill or take another course of action. what do you people think out there? what should be done or how to go about it? please let me know A.S.A.P.

# 50

Posted: 16/06/2006 14:31

My father has been suffering for about a year with a numbness in one of his legs. He visited a consultant , who referred him to (reputedly) one of the top physiotherapists in Dublin. He visited the physio a number of times and has been very disciplined in doing all his exercises twice a day as instructed. He was told the numbness is due to a trapped/dying nerve in his spine. The numbness has not improved despite all his efforts. He used to be very active, and a regular tennis player. Now, he finds it difficult to run & feels like he has to \'drag\' his leg. Its also cold & feels dead. Can anyone recommend any alternative routes or any advice at all please?

# 49

Posted: 08/05/2006 20:16

i have a pain across my shoulders and down my arms

# 48

Posted: 21/03/2006 11:19

I have been suffering with constant pain for the last 5/6 years it started in my left shoulder and down my left arm as a numbing/heaviness pain it then travelled to around my ribs and neck and lower back when i lay down at night i couldn't breathe with it, i've had an mri scan which showed no abnormalities and had a nerve test which showed there was a nerve trapped in my left elbow, but the doc just gave me painkillers for it. The pain in my back has got worse so I started attending a chiropractor in sept to which i thought i should only have a few sessions i'm still there and i've not seen much improvment if anything i think i was doing better myself has anyone had similar thoughts or pain? I went to a different doc and was told it was anxiety??? I don't think suffering in pain every day for the last 5 years is anxiety. I don't know where to go as my doctor seems to have lost interest in listening to me anymore. Please help i'm only 25 and i've no outlook on life it's affecting me badly.

# 47

Posted: 03/12/2005 17:36

i am just after receiving my secon lumbar epidural two days ago and i dont feel good at all will the pain ever go away my life is destroyed because of back pain .if does not work my doctoe is talking about nerve blocks what does anyone think.

# 46

Posted: 23/08/2004 13:20

I actually work for a chiropractor in Cork City and just wanted to let ye know that if you have any queries, don\'t hesitate to contact me. My e-mail address is sdaly@pavalock.com.

# 45

Posted: 23/03/2004 19:10

HI ALL. IN 2001 I HAD SURGERY FOR A RUPTURED DISC L5/S1. SINCE THEN I HAVE CHRONIC NEUROPATHIC PAIN IN RIGHT FOOT AND LEG AND HAVE NOT FOUND RELIEF IN MEDICATION. HAVING TRIED EVERYTHING ELSE AVAILABLE I AM CONSIDERING THE FINAL OPTION OF SPINAL CORD STIMULATION. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS ANYONE OUT THERE WHO HAS HAD ONE IMPLANTED, AND IF SO, WAS THE IMPLANTATION DIFFICULT, IS THE GENERATOR PACK UNCOMFORTABLE, DO YOU RECEIVE MUCH PAIN RELIEF AND HAVE YOU HAD MANY RETURN SURGERIES FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT OR LEAD MIGRATION? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY RESPONSE AS THIS IS A BIG DECISION FOR ME. THANK YOU.

# 44

Posted: 20/12/2003 12:55

I have had lower back pains for the last 2 years. Much of the pain was associated with wrong exercises and bad posture. I started Yoga classes two months ago and already I have noticed a significant improvement. Ashtanga Yoga provides a good workout and helps undo damage caused by years of bad posture etc.

# 43

Posted: 10/12/2003 16:23

In the past week I have this discomfort feeling in my back mostly lower to middle of back, not very painful but nonetheless there is something up, i work out in gym alot so i am putting down to strain on muscles also my posture isnt great. I am having a massage done later this evening my a physio in the gym which i hope will help. Could this just pain be a result of overtraining, bad posture? Otherwise my health is fine.

# 42

Posted: 04/07/2003 22:09

I had a road accident 12years ago, and at that time i had a whip lash. I never suffered from back pain until the may bank holiday weekend when it came on me suddenly. I went to a doctor who told me I has Spondilitis, and gave me injection and tablets since than I have gone to Chiropractor, bone setters,and a healer to no avail. The pain is coming down both sides of my neck and out my right shoulder and out my right hand, I would be delighted with any advise I have token all different painkillers to no avail, now I have given them all up. I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience.
Thank you.

# 41

Posted: 13/06/2003 15:01

Very much agree on McKenzies' 'Treat your own Back', but as they themselves say it is only good for certain types of pain, particularly lower back. The main exercise alone is worth the price of the book. Anytime I have pain I use it and generally improve quickly. (It's the one where you lie on your front propped up on your elbows, or later at full armstretch) Anyway, buy the book!

# 40

Posted: 09/06/2003 14:45

I have a large L4/5 disc prolapse (MRI confirmed) which has caused fairly continous and severe leg pain with 6 months. Following 8 sessions of electro acupuncture (over 8 weeks) I am almost pain free. I am gone from walking an 1/4 mile with great pain and diffculty to 3 miles with little effort. Its worth a try for anybody suffering referred pain from a prolapsed disc.

# 39

Posted: 05/06/2003 13:15

Hi there,

I have had very bad upper back pain for two weeks now, Ive been to my doctor who told me I pulled the muscle and that it would go away in a couple of weeks. The pain hasnt gone, in fact its got worse and even the spine itself is sore now.My worry is that Im afraid of it might turn out to be cancer or something as bad as. Am I right to worry and be so anxious and do you thing I should go and get a second opinion??

Thanks

# 38

Posted: 06/03/2003 18:42

I am 27yrs old. I never suffered back pain in my life until September 1999, I injured myself in work. I fell to the ground I was in so much pain. I went straight to my G.P who said it was most probably inflamed muscles or torn ligaments. I was prescribed with anti-inflammitories and pain killers. I got even worse a couple of days later and was sent for an x-ray which showed the same as the G.P had said. I was given stronger pain killers!! About two weeks later I was rushed off in an ambulance as I literally could not move a muscle, it was extremely frightening. I waited 10 hours to be seen in St James Hospital after been given an injection to relieve the pain. I was then x-rayed again and sent home with valium to help me sleep!! They also told me it was inflamed muscles and torn ligaments! It all got too much for me and eventually I was referred to a specialist. I was only 2 minutes being examined when he told me straight away I had slipped a disc. He sent me for an MRI scan which confirmed this and I was taken in the same week for treatment in Blackrock
Clinic. I stayed one week there and got a series of epidural injections into my spine. This was hopefully going to prevent surgery and is renowned for helping slipped discs. But unfortunately it did not work and I was admitted the following week for surgery. I got instant relief from the surgery thank god!! I might add my G.P also suggested an Oesteopath which did not help my case at all, if anything it made me worse. The only answer is to have an MRI scan done as this will show up exactly what is wrong. Apparently normal x-rays would never show anything serious. I try and do a lot of walking now which does help keep the strenth up in my back. I do feel for anyone with back pain as it is the most frustrating thing in the world!! Unless you have suffered with it you will never understand.

# 37

Posted: 20/02/2003 08:56

I have had back pain on and off for the last four years, i have also been thru the mill of all the physio's and chiropractors at great expense. I was finally referred by a former back pain sufferer someone who is helping my particular condition. My advise is do not go to the first fancy ad you see in the golden pages, ask other people who have back pain to see who helped them the most whether it was a chiro, a physio or a chanting monk for that matter!

# 36

Posted: 11/02/2003 02:38

Anon,

While you are certainly entitled to your opinion, and if you think people should stay away from Chiropractors, so be it, but at least stay away having all the facts and accurate information. In regard to that, I must correct a couple of your mistakes:

1. Osteopaths (whether trained in Europe (Osteopath) or the US (Doctor of Osteopath)) are not better trained than Chiropractors. A US or Canadian trained D.C. goes through a minimum of two years undergrad work (pre-med course work) but typically does four years undergrad, and then goes on to a minimum of 4.5 years postgraduate (doctoral) work specifically in Chiropractic (in the UK schools, it is straight into a 5 year university level education followed by a one year externship). While I don't have it for an Osteopath (their education is similar to that of an MD in the US with the exception of adding courses in OMT (Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy)) the following should educate you a little on just what a DC goes through before they care for you:

Average Doctor of Medicine program vs. average Doctor of Chiropractic program:

MEDICAL CHIROPRACTIC

Class Hrs. (min.) Subject Class Hrs. (min.)



508 Anatomy 520

326 Physiology 420

335 Pathology 271

325 Chemistry 300

130 Bacteriology 114

374 Diagnosis 370

112 Neurology 320

148 X-ray 217

144 Psychiatry 65

198 Ob./Gyn. 65

156 Orthopaedics 225



2,756 Total Hours 2,887



Other required subjects for the Doctors of Medicine: Pharmacology, immunology, general surgery and other basic subjects related to their speciality.

Other required subjects for Doctors of Chiropractic: Adjusting, manipulation, kinesiology and other similar basic subjects related to their speciality.

4,284 Total Class Hours Including Other Basic Subjects 4,485

The above class hours were compiled following a review of the curriculum catalogues of 22 medial schools and 11 chiropractic colleges and updated from the National Health Federation bulletin and other publications’ statistics. From the Parker Foundation flyer of the same title.

As I think you can now see, Chiropractors are very well trained in their specialty.

2. As to your claim that regular Chiropractic care "can significantly weaken your back", this is a wholly false statement with no basis in fact. The Chiropractic adjustment does not bring the joint outside of it's anatomical limits and in no way weakens your back. In fact, with a nerve system functioning properly (the objective of the Chiropractor) your muscles have a better chance of functioning up to their full potential.

I'm sorry that you need to use heat bandages just to get through the day. However, I'm intrigued that you think that the use of these and/or drugs (marijuana or anything else for that matter) for the rest of your life is OK, but if your Chiropractor recommends that you have your spine and nerve system checked on a regular basis you scoff at it. Do you wait for pain and "only then" brush and floss your teeth? Your entire body requires constant and regular care. Is you spine and nerve system any different than the rest of your body when it comes to needing regular care?

# 35

Posted: 30/01/2003 10:32

n relation to back pain I feel I could write a book myself. I would urge people to stay away from chiropractors. They are not as well trained as osteopaths and their desire to constantly keep you coming back can significantly weaken your back.At one stage major surgery was considered but then another consultant informed me relief would be short term. My osteopath kept me sane and when it flares up I visit him and only then. I believe you have to manage back pain and in relation to exercises I found a physio practice near the montrose hotel to be excellent.They gave me information and treatment over a two month period and again were not trying to rip me off. I have often been advised by medical personnel (off the record) that marijuana is one of the best muscle relaxants and pain killers with a lot less side effects than prescribed medication. When you are in enough pain you will consider anything. The use of heat bandages is a real help in getting through the working day.

# 34

Posted: 29/01/2003 16:41

I am now on neurontin and vioxx also and really notice the difference when I dont take them. I found the tens machine excellent for muscle pain. As you know there is no cure for fibromyalgia, keep stretching (all the time) especially between your shoulder blades. Having spent 6 months in bed and a month in hospitital, I am not willing to to that again. I find that I push myself harder physically by doing lots of swimming 4-5 times a week. Keep the positive mental attitude up and don't expect other non-fibromyalgia or non- back pain sufferers to understand.
Also I use 5-htp to aid sleep.

# 33

Posted: 29/01/2003 13:23

I have had back pain for nearly 15 years now and I've just turned 30. Finally I've been told I have Fibromyalgia. However, I was diagnosed with this a few years ago, but several professionals have told me that's the name they give when they don't know what's wrong with you! I'm now on Neurontin (anti-epileptic drug - but I'm not epileptic) for pain and now Vioxx (for oseo-arthritis - but I'm not arthritic), having just stopped Zydol (another painkiller). Absolutely nothing works and I'll be getting a Trigger Joint injection very soon. Anyone got any ideas - I really just want a painkiller that works - as to date, NOTHING has ever worked and as for anti-infammatories - well it's just like taking smarties to me.
Please, please, please, is there anyone else out there with mysterious all-over back pain or who has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and is seeing some results from those so-called Pro's? By the way, I've also gone the 'alternative' route and had many many tests done over the years. I'd really appreciate any feedback... A