Bad back - all in my mind?

[Katy May]

Hope someone can help as I feel really low. I've had back problems for around 20yrs (I'm now 39), walking for too long, sitting still, lying still etc results in a sick nagging pain. I went for a CT scan when it first started and was told there was no sign of anything and to live with it. Which is what I've been doing, but in the last year it's got worse and is affecting my life. I insisted on seeing a specialist and have just had the results of an MRI scan which has said evertything is normal. And that's it. Apparently there is nothing wrong with me, no other diagnostic tests will be done, nothing else will be considered.

So, I'm sitting at work wondering what this means, the idea of living with this as it is for the next 20yrs is pretty awful, let alone if it gets worse. Is it all in my head? Am I going insane? What else can I do?

Can anyone suggest what this means and what I might do next?

[4GS]

Is the pain in the small of your back, or further up?

[Panic Button]

I have suffered similar problems for years, and got similar results. The best help I received was from a physiotherapist at the local hospital via my GP.

It seems mine is mostly postural, so with a bolster behind my back in my car seat and care not to sit slouched I can improve things.

A great improvement happened a few years ago when I changed my car. I hadn't realised how the drivers seat of the old one was putting my spine in the wrong position. Also some of my worst episodes happened when my children were babies, due to slouching low on the settee holding a bottle and baby for periods

You must always ensure that your lower back is pushed inwards so that your spine forms an S shape, which is where the bolster comes in. They can also show you exercises to strengthen the muscles and inprove your posture. Good luck.

[ELVIS68]

100% agree with Panic Button, bad posture is one of the biggest causes of back pain

[Katy May]

Pain is lower back, mainly on one side (right) and spreads into my hip and down into my knee/ankle on bad days. I try and maintain good posture but not always easy when tapping at a keyboard all day - hadn't realised it was so crucial, will look into getting someone to asess this (no idea who though).

Will ask GP for referral to Physio. Thanks for your advice.

K

[4GS]

Hold on!!!!
I may be sciatica
has your GP ruled that out?

[joannie10]

a couple of my friends have now been to chinese herbalis doctors with regards to various aches and pains, one of which was chronic back pain. We have all been amazed by the results of acupuncture. Of course it is not only the chinese herbalists that do this but would definately recommend them.

[Katy May]

No-one's mentioned sciatica - I assumed this was as the pain is not shooting, more of a dull ache and because the MRI scan was normal.

[daffy654]

I'm with 4GS on this one,it sounds like sciatica.

[Panic Button]

Whether the pain is Sciatica or not, it can still be due to bad posture.

[fbg40]

Katy May
I have had a bad back for some years. I ended up going to a Chiropractor - never looked back !! Best thing since sliced bread, why not give it a try ?
Good luck
FBG40

[Panic Button]

Try something like this. It feels a bit intrusive at first, but it forces your lower back forwards and you may notice a rapid improvement.

http://www.back2.co.uk/products/atwork/cushion s/lumbar_d-roll.html

It is known as a lumbar roll, and can be found in D shape or full circle. The physiotherapist had a selection of size and firmness for me to try, but anything helps.

[Katy May]

Thank you for all your advice, I really appreciate it. Feeling much more relaxed about it now.

[WendyS]

I have suffered incidences of back pain for over 10 years, partly as a result of disc surgery but after one really bad patch I hobbled into a chiropractor at the end of my tether.. It transpired that my spine was out of alignment and probably had been for a long time. This had probably come about gradually by bad posture (sitting for long periods at a computer) and a number of other reasons. However, the end effect was to put all kinds of undue physical stresses on my skeleton. A number of sessions vastly improved the situation. If you can afford it and as a MRI scan has shown nothing amiss, a chiropractor may be able to help you. A good lumbar roll in your car and on your computer chair may help, as may laying on the floor morning and evening for a few moments and gently stretching out your spine. Joining a Pilates class may also help as it involves gentle stretching movements.

[Katy May]

Thanks WendyS. I think I was most upset by the idea that that was it, one test had said everything was OK and therefore I must be lying or insane in some way, and also Ifelt utterly dismissed and disregarded by Consultant. Have since found a couple of others with same experience by same consultant. Am going to get refered for Physio and will also look into Chiropractor, does depend on cost tho'.

Thanks again