Lower back and leg pain

[irishgreenc16]

Just found your this forum and have to say its been great to find such vast amount of knowledge in one place.

I've had problems with my lower back for over 6-7 years now, rangeing from mild discomfort lasting a week, to intense pain lasting months.

In september 08, I had a very servere attack of lower back pain, where it felt as if my spine was collapsing/ compressing the pain was terrible and I couldn't support my upper body weight, I ended up on my hands and knees on the floor. This happened a few times over the following days, even sitting in a chair i had to support my upper body weight with my arms to relieve the pain.

Because i've had problems with my back for years now I just put it down to my back playing up again and that it would sort itself out like it always does.
But it hasn't since september now I have been having pain in my left buttock, knee, calf and ankle. It feels like a burning pain in my calf and its quite bad at times, also pins and needles in my foot. Ive lost a lot of movement in my back and struggle to put on my shoes and socks, bending forward is completely out of the question.

Been to the doctor the other week as I couldn't put up with it any longer, he has sent for blood tests and an mri scan. As well as giving my lots of pain killers. He seems to think it is likely to be a problem with one of my disc's.

I'd just like to know what you lot think? and how long it normally takes for an mri scan appointment?
Im 26 and am very active, I do lots of diy and my job involves lots of bending and lifting. Would be nice to finally find out whats wrong with my back.

Sorry if i rambled on for my first message

 

[qkigqezj]

Hi there,

have you gone to see an osteopath? It sounds to me like they would be able to help you. It might not be as severe as you might feel it is. I have had A LOT od problems with my lower back region and to be honest, the only ones that can help me are the osteopaths. If you live in london there is a great osteopath school that have a clinic, I have been there myself and they are great, loades of very professional and competent people. The teachers are very helpful. If you don't feel like that's the place for you or you live far from it I think you should call them anyway and speak to them, they will help you in how to find a good osteo in your area. Try to go on recommendation otherwise, ask around, there is always someone that knows a good osteo (or chiropractor in an alternative),
Logon to: http://www.osteopath-help.co.uk/osteopaths/cranial-osteopathy/uk/london/swiss_cottage/british_college_of_osteopathic_medicine

There's lots of info there. please don't just live with your pain, I promise you, they can help you!!!!!
Hope this helps!

 

[JonnyJivany]

This does sound like sciatica. It is probably due to a semi-prolapsed disc putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, which would cause the pain down the back of your leg and the pins and needles in your foot. Bending and lifting will make things worse - you should always bend from the knees, keeping your back straight. If the scan does reveal a disc problem, you will probably be referred for physiotherapy. The hospital where I work has got waiting times for X-rays and scans down to one week.

 

[jacky the Minx]

Hi

My experience of waiting for MRI scans is not very good, in my case it was a ruptured acl in my knee, and it was a couple of months.

Unfortunately there is always pressure on the discs in your spine unless you invert to about 60 degrees, so if you have a problem sitting or laying can still cause pain and hurt.

I firmly believe in using an inversion table, for most people they seem to work wonders over a period of time and using mine has resulted in zero back pain. However, if for what ever reason you don't fancy it, like twinkletwinkle suggests I would try and osteopath. I think they are far better at helping with biomechanical problems.

Good luck.

Pete

 

[Yellowstonedogs]

Thanks for the replies , I havent been to a osteopath before, been to a chiropractor a couple of times few years ago when my back wasn't as bad as it is now. I have been trying to do more gentle exercise like walking and swimming as i've heard these are good, haven't really noticed much benifit but will stick with it.
I will be booking an appointment with an osteopath next week, as i have one close by me, who has been recommended.

The one thing I did mention to the doctor but not on here was that 7 years ago I was knocked over by a car, they hit me with there wing mirror at about 50-60mph which hit me in the small of the back . Went to the doctors after it but wasn't in any great pain so they told me just to take it easy. Is it possible that there was damage to my back from the accident which is just getting worse over time? never had any problems until after the accident.

Just another quick question, has anybody else had problems with tablets called Naproxen, there giving me a bad stomach and not really doing much for pain either , is it worth asking doc to change them or just stop taking them if there not doing anything?

Cheers Barri