I have been suffering with an extremly bad back for the last 9 weeks. My Dr had been treating it as acute muscle spasm for 7 weeks but now fears I have a prolapsed disc (also pins, needles and numbness in my leg all the way down to my toes) He wants me to have a MRI scan and physiotherapy but could take at least 12 weeks to be seen.
I can't stand the pain and discomfort any more so am thinking of seeing a chiropractor, Has anyone had any experience of them and more importantly do they help.
Thanks.
2007-03-23 01:48:00 · 9 answers · asked by siany 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Yes - it certainly sounds like you have herniated the disc.
A physiotherapist experienced in using the McKenzie technique would certainly be able to help you to manage the pain and symptoms yourself. Take a look at www.mckenziemdt.org.
Keep pushing for the MRI sooner and the physiotherapy. You do not need to get the MRI results before the physiotherapist sees you - you just need to get an experienced therapist.
Chiropractic may be able to help, but just make sure that they do not con you into coming 3 times a week for the rest of your life - hobble out the door as quickly as possible if that happens!
Good luck!!
2007-03-23 16:49:40 · answer #1 · answered by nolhtairt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had chronic back pain for years, caused by several disc prolapses. Sometimes I'd be so bad that I could hardly move. I'd crawl on all fours to go to the toilet. A chiropractor was great help, but it lasted only for a while. Then I started training and discovered some really good stretching exercises. I'm stretching every day and haven't had any pain for months. I found that I can actually stretch away the pain. Try www.spinehealth.com
The worse thing you can do is to leave the healing of your back to the doctors. you can do a great deal yourself to get well and stay well.
2007-03-23 02:33:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes go to a chiropractor. If it wasn't for my chiropractor I'd be in the hospital.
Just a hint. Since you've been 9 weeks in pain, it would be to your benefit if you saw the chiropractor - had an adjustment then went to see a massage therapist. The chiropractor will put your bones back into the position they should be then the massage therapist will massage the strain out of the muscles that have been affected.
Also - never do anything strenuous after seeing the chiropractor. He has just put everything back into position but if you go & do laundry, or grocery shopping etc. you could easily undo what he did. Let your body relax back into it's natural position - there's nothing that can't wait until tomorrow.
2007-03-23 02:06:31 · answer #3 · answered by Lucy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I had a bad back since I was 9 years old. When I was 24 i was eventually taken seriously by the doctors and operated on. It's good now. Nearly had the wrong operation, and it was a chiropractor that eased some of the pain, diagnosed the problem and corrected the doctor! That was 6 years ago, and it still plays up now and again, but a lot better. Also tried accupuncture, which worked for about a week, but they tried to sell sell sell.
2007-03-23 01:53:46 · answer #4 · answered by PhoenixRights 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A chiropractor can help you feel better, but usually it only lasts a short time. It may be enough to help you until you can get further treatment. Pain and tingling down your leg is a classic sign of the sciatic nerve being pinched by a ruptured disc. Keep pushing to get the MRI done as soon as possible. My ruptured disc went misdiagnosed for so long that I now have chronic sciatica. Best wishes. I know exactly how you feel.
2007-03-23 04:14:50 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ terry g ♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was 19 I had the same problem. My doctor wouldn't take me seriously so I had to get second opinions. They then realised after 3 months that I had a slipped disc and trapped a nerve. I had physio which was great but then I decided to try a Chiropractor. Absolutely brilliant! I still get problems now though because of the nature of my job.
2007-03-23 02:01:33 · answer #6 · answered by sabbyt 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think i would try accupuncture first!!! Chiro's won't touch me bc i severe scoliosis and had to have my lumber (lower back) fused in 2005. WHY can't you get an MRI before 12 weeks? That's crazy!!! You could do more damage by then!!!!!!!! I have to have an MRI today or Monday bc my back has started acting up - again!!! Also, i take Soma for the muscle spasms, they are the best and i've tried them all!!! Good luck and if you have any ????? just email me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-03-23 02:00:42 · answer #7 · answered by VICTORIA L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and i think they are great they can help relieve the pain without medication that makes you sluggish
2007-03-23 01:51:50 · answer #8 · answered by shortyb 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try Acupuncture its fantastic and it works that what you want.
2007-03-23 01:51:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋