Back Pain Issues?

Question

I am a 24 year old Male. Over the last 1yrs or so I have had numerous problems with my back. I sought chiropractic care but eventually I had to stop that due to $$ reasons. Recently in the last 3-4 Months the pain has became constant. Some times worse than others. I work at a Job where I am at a desk all day. Half way through the day I am in so much pain in My back and my neck . I have seen my primary doctor and he recommended physical therpy. I have started physical therapy , my therapist says that I have 2 curves in my spine and that one leg is 1 1/4 inches longer than the other(talk about giving someone a complex). I am still in pain daily and it gets so mad at work that I want to cry at times because I have no choice but to stay there and take the pain. The doctor has perscribed Tramadol and a muscle relaxer which slightly helps at times but not close to enough. Please help, Anyone know any good,sympathetic doctors around Portland,ME or any advise would help thank you

Answer 1

I think you have done the right thing by opting for physiotherapy. It sounds as though all those $$$'s you spent on quack doctoring ('chiropractic' fakes) did not reveal even the basics....
Leg shortening can have a dramatic effect on spinal architecture - as you have found out - and the stress that this creates, by 'tilting' the whole of the pelvis, can cause a huge amount of pain, stressing the sacroilaic ligaments and the muscles of the lumbar spine.
As a first step you need this corrected. Unfortunately, 1" + cannot be corrected by 'shoe-lifts' - its too great a difference. You will need a referral to a biomechanics dept (hospital-based) for corrective footwear. I know what you are thinking - its not an attractive idea!! OK, but a lifetime of worsening back pain isn't much fun either...
One effect of the discrepancy is that it will have altered your posture - and you need to address that. Have a look at the Alexander Technique ('Google' that) for some clues on what you can do, and stick with the physio.
In the workplace you could think about involving your Occupational Health advisor. He/she should check the 'ergonomics' of your workstation and ensure that this is optimal for spinal health and good posture.
'Tramadol' is a medium strength opiate, but it is not the drug of choice for back pain. Diclofenac Sodium ('Voltarol', in the UK) has more efficacy, and is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug specifically targeted for pain of this nature. Low-dose Valium is often appropriate for short-term use, and Baclofen or Methocarbamol would be useful muscle relaxants. There is no point in 'zapping' you with Vicodin, Buprenorphine or similar opiate pain-killers; you need to correct the leg discrepancy and your faulty posture: this done the pain will diminish. Regular stretching exercises will also be beneficial.
PS: Contrary to a previous piece of 'advice' given: we put back braces and belts in the waste bin 30-40 years ago. There is no evidence for them - and they would only help to weaken the muscles you need to exercise for good spinal health...

Answer 2

Sometimes I think whoever invented the desk should be drawn & quartered. It's really not the desk's fault, more than likely it is the chair. You might ask your doctor to prescribe a pad that sits on the chair & fits in the small of your back - they do help. DO NOT SIT ALL DAY - get up and walk abount. Your PT should have given you exercises you can do while sitting at a desk. One of my favorites (and you may get strange looks from co-workers) is to just bring one foot up & place it on the edge of the chair; hold it for a few seconds then do the same with the other foot. This exercise is a mild form of traction that helps to stretch the tendons & muscles temporarily.

I am in the Central Valley of CA, so can't help with doctors in ME; how about asking your MD for a referral to a Pain Management doctor - they are usually anestheologists and, I have found, are a great source of information and help in relieving pain.

Answer 3

I know what you mean about the back pain!!!

I have had 4 back surgeries and a fusion!! I used to work as a nurse and the worst thing for a back is when you have to sit down!!!

I had a doctor tell me to never let a chiropractor work on my back! And I never have!!

Has your doctor taken any X-Rays of your back?? They can tell if you have any disc problems?? do you have pain running down one of your legs?? if so this could be a disc problem??

All the work on your back is not going to help if your leg is longer then the other!!Just walking around will cause you problems!! You at least need a new pai of shoes specially made!!

Ask your doctor for a stronger pain pill!! I have been on so many different kind of pain medicine it isn't even funny. At this time I have a internal pain pump that is putting Morphine right into my back!! It works faster this way! I also am on oral Morphine 30 mg 2 every 4 hours for brake thru pain
.
With all this medicine I couldn't pass a drug test if my life depended on it!!

I used to be a nurse, now I stay at home all day. I am in pain constantly. Sitting, standing and laying!!

You need to find out what is going on with your back?? See if your doctor will do some back X-rays at least you will know for sure what is going on and they might find something.
Good Luck!!

Answer 4

hopefully in time the physical therapy will help you. If you have a access to a Jacuzzi this would really help massage and relax your back. if not take a hot bath it every night with 2c. of dissolved epsom salts and soak for 30 minutes.

I highly recommend deep Tissue massage therapy. this can really work out a lot of back problems. Since you have to sit So much I'm enclosing a link about desk exercises. This might help you get through the day. You should use a back support in your chair. Most chiropractors have these for sale. This will make a big difference in your back pain. You may need to wear a support belt around your back During working hours. This would give support and your muscles would not have to work so hard to sit. During lunch or any breaks place an ice pack on your back for fifteen minutes. This will help you get through the day.

If you have any further questions please let me know,
Billie77

Answer 5

the only thing that my husband remembers, what the Doctor
told him, it was a compressed fracture in the lower back, 2wks.ago, before he went to the hospital, he couldn't even
get out of bed. He would get a sharp spasm in his back.