Help, back pain?

Question

Been having it for about 4 yrs now. At first, it was light pain, now its become really bad, it hurts when i stand, sit, lie down or sleep on a different mattress. I suspect the primary cause for my pain is 4 yrs of carrying heavy books throughout highschool. I tried to avoid it, but in one of my schools, they never even had any lockers. So hear i am, only 18 yrs old, & my back is killing me. I've told my physicians about it, they've done X-rays, & found nothing. Well, it still hurts & it gets worse & worse. My doctors aren't even being helpful everytime i see them, cause they ignore it, they assume that just because my X-rays haven't shown anything, that there's no problem. & now i' m really stuck in a rut because, i was supposed to get an MRI done on my back, but my mom & i have a real bad relationship, & she's my sole financial provider, & she's refused to spend any money on my back problems. So i can't even see i doctor about it when i want to, or have any further diagnosti

cs because i have no money. What should i do? Does anyone have any solution as to what could rid of my back ailments? Should i try seeing a chiropractor? Do they help? If i tried to get state insurance or medicare or something, would that cover my expenses?

Answer 1

I’m sorry you have back problem. Here’s some info that might be helpful. From what you described, it could very well be that you have a problem with you L4 and L5 discs. The X-ray was a waste. If there is a problem and based on your pain, I say there is, only an MRI will show the exact cause. You can go to any public hospital in the States and say you don’t have any insurance and that your back hurts to the point that you can hardly walk and you’re afraid of becoming paralyzed. The hospital will have you fill out forms (lots of them) and may have you wait in the waiting room for a long time (8-12) hours is common in Los Angeles County Hospital. Having said all that, let’s focus on the cure.
Surgery should be your last resort and this decision should be made carefully in conjunction with your doctor. Besides surgery that doesn’t always work, but with the advancement in medicine in becoming more and more an acceptable alternative, you can still do 2 things that can ease your pain. You need to strengthen your abdominal muscles and your back muscles through low impact exercises. And very important when you are feeling well and not suffering from back pain; don’t take it for granted. Don’t make moves that would suddenly make your back act up as an example, always use your knees to pick things up, and never bend your back.
To end this answer, the pain you experience is mainly due to your L4 and L5 discs. They can be herniated. In simple terms the discs are inflamed (swollen) and there is a gap between them. This displacement along with the fact that they’re inflamed pushes the ultra sensitive nerve around your spine and that’s why you feel the pain. Please take care of yourself and have the patience to go to a county Hospital and get the MRI. As you grow older your back can get worse so take care of yourself while you can. You will be happy you did. Best wishes :)

Answer 2

If you cannot file for state medical insurance then go to E.R. and tell them how your back hurts and need MRI as told by Dr. and cannot afford. Let them do it and pay slowly. Most back injuries cannot be seen with an X-ray. I have had 8 back surgeries in the last 4 years and faced the same problem in the early nineties when no one would believe something was wrong until I lost almost all feeling in legs and shoulders except pain. Then the surgeries which I wish I could throw at some Dr;s Mercedes Benz .

Answer 3

The State could possibly help with the costs if you go thru State Insurance but the first step I would recommend taking is to check with your city's health dept to see if they offer a free health clinic.

If not check to see if there's a Medical School close by that can be of help for another opinion.

But yes this requires getting another opinion and preferably from someone that does not share the same office of the ones you have seen already.

Answer 4

It needs a complete history of yours which is not possible here. It is certainly not because of the books you carried. it is a case of muscle dislocation, that needs to be detected and you will be fine thereafter. If you trust please get back to my email address [e-mail]. I shall try my best to help u getting rid of this pain. I know it is miserable.

Answer 5

you should definately go to a chiropractor. find yourself a good one. some aren't that great. some are. icing your back is good for temporarily relieving the pain.

Answer 6

Have them check you for Scoliosis..Yes getting a medical card will pay for your tests on youre back.

Answer 7

Chiropractors are very very helpful, try one.

Answer 8

i feel for you sweetie
I'm 39 and my back kills me, wait until another 21years and you will know what back pain is