i have a bad back my doctor says there is no treatment?

Question

I have a very bad back. Which was caused by a fall from a rather large horse. My doctor says there is no treatment but i havent even had an MRI scan yet. He said there is no point as my back is inoprable. How do i now go about getting an MRI scan, as i am in constant pain, finding it now difficult to walk and constantly on painkillers. No one actualy knows exactly what is causing the pain

Thank you all for your caring answers. Unfortunatly i can not afford to see a chiroprachter and my doctor says the NHS does not cover this sort of treatment. The pain is very sevear at times and restricts my abilaty to walk. I also find it very difficult to stand up or sit down. I have to keep my wieght in my arms until i know i can sit down properly without the pain becoming worse and my legs giving way. I have found that the tense machine does not help although i am greatful for that suggestion. I am taking voltarol 50mg two to three times a day tramadol buscapam and have now been given Dosulepin 25mg and all this seems to do is make me sick from the tramadol and very bad indegestion from the voltarol which i was perscribed renatiden pain killer advice would be helpfull too. I live in Brittan and do not have private medical insurance i am also unemployed because of my back

Answer 1

go to a specialist

Answer 2

I believe that before you do anything or think about it you should go to at least 3 doctors. It maybe a bit expensive but it's a serious matter.
Doctors have different opinions and believe in different things, so you should go to one that you are comfortable with. Myself I always go to ask opinions to at least 5.
For example when I was a teenager I went to a dentist that told me the only way to resolve my problem was to operate, I then went to another 3 and all of those doctors, with small differences in treatments, said it could be treatable by simple treatments and some teeth braces. I'm fine now but Imagine if I had gone with the first one.

Answer 3

I was in same situation, it got to a point when I was going to the doctor everyday. When he says 'there is no treatment' perhaps he means the NHS won't do it. You have to find out the exact diagnosis and go from there, ask him if anything can be done privately. I can't see how he can say there is no treatment without a firm diagnosis. Otherwise change your doctor. I ended up having an MRI then an operation but leading up to that no painkillers worked.

Answer 4

Get an orthopaedist specialised in vertebral column. A doctor
who is not a specialist can‘t help you. I should know, since I
have a fractured L5 and all disks below this are pressured.
It is inoperable because I am 69 and also have high blood
pressure. But, if you are somewhat younger, as I think you are,
there is a lot that can be done. Otherwise you will end up like
me, having to wear a tight corset with steel rods, shaped to my
spine, two on either side of spine and two on my sides so I
am immobilised. Can walk short distances with the help of a
cane. So you don‘t want to end up like this. I wish you all the
best, but get treated immediately before further damage sets in.

Answer 5

If you haven't had a scan I fail to understand how your doctor can say it's inoperable. You need to see a chiropractor, they are back experts and will firstly examine you. After he has examined you he will send you for any x-rays or scans neccessary. You will soon have an answer and the very best treatment. First consultations cost around £50 then £30 per follow up. Seriously though it will be the best money you have ever spent. Best wishes for a speedy recovery xx

Answer 6

If your doctor is not a neurosurgeon I suggest making an appointment with one as they are much more skilled in this area than a regular MD. I've had broken ribs misdiagnosed by xray 4 times before a doctor ordered a proper and specific xray which found the problem so they are not infallible just because they have a title. Good luck on this continue to seek help.

Answer 7

Tell him you want a refferal to physio and to a back specialist. There are pain clinics too which are quite useful. I had the same problem and for years I suffered in silence, munching painkillers until my liver rebelled and I became very ill. After that I finally got the treatment I should have had years ago. I now walk without a walking stick or a wheelchair and although I still have pain its at a level I can cope with and I no longer use painkillers...good luck...be firm...;

Answer 8

Find a better doctor who will write a perscription for an MRI. Get the MRI, but price around for that because it can be expensive! You may have to see a specialist such as a neurologist. I would recommend getting the book "Healthcare for Less" by Michelle Katz because this is going to cost you, but it needs to be done and the book can help you save lots of $$$$$$$. IN fact, I think the author had to get back surgery and had no isurance, which is why she wrote the book! Her website is www.healthcareforless.us and you can click "buy a book" to go to the reviews.....I hope this helps...oh, the book also has a section on how to choose the right doctor for you!

Answer 9

Backs are always hard to mend although a physiotherapist could help . You could also try acupunture, massage, a tense (sp?) machine.

You should try everything. My dad had a bad back and had to go through everything befor a tense machine made it better. You can get these at Boots or any good chemist although may not help they arent very expensive and worth a try .

If you think your doctor is dismissing you case get a second opinion if you havent already.

Answer 10

See a chiropractor. I had severe back pain for years, from a fall down the stairs. I found out I had a broken vertebra....after I finally got an x-ray. I used to think that chiros were quacks, but after a year, and monthly treatments, I feel NO pain.

Answer 11

Get another doctor and ask to be referred to a specialist..
I suffer from protruding discs and take morphine to manage my pain...
There is surgery, but at this point the doctor does not want to do anything..
There is natural therapies, chiropractic, massage, physical therapy and more..
I had a doctor that told me that.. It took me 2 years but I finally found a doctor to listen..
I suggest shop around for the right doctor..