Thinking ahead re: back problems---UPDATE---
See update on second page. I have a great HMO but, a very cautious one that does a lot of very conservative procedures before sending a patient to a specialist . I have a problem with my back, it ...
Forum Discussion
Well DE I am a Chiropractor with 35 years in. I have yet to figure out how many visits a patient needs in in advance. So I agree with your MD. Not to say I don't have a general idea, but different patients progress differently.
My Opinion. Start with a good x-ray exam, follow that up with an MRI. X-rays only show bone not soft tissue. Without a thourgh x-ray and mri exam, Doc's are just guessing why you hurt. You condition may or may not, respond to conservative care or you may need surgery. Reason for the MRI, so we know how to approach it
If from your degerative disc disease, you have a bony spur on a nerve root you will in most cases need surgery (spinal stenosis) for example.
With conservative care, along with the chiro a few things to consider and change.
1) loss weight get active walking is great
2) egronomics don't lay on the couch, proper computer set up. sleep on your back or side with pillows between and or under you knees.
3) Shoes often over looked. Good shoes, I like new balance 956. If they don't cost at least $100 don't buy them. And change them out every 6 months as they break down and lack of support affects your back.
4) no heating pad ever, yes I know it feels good, but it is only gating out the pain, but in the mean time greatly increasing inflamation.
5) Specific back exercises, whgci are differnt depending on your condition.
6) Inversion table, for daily use
7) possible lumbar brace for occasional use.
You can not un-ring the bell, once the damage is done the spine in that area is a weak link.
But in my practice very often we can manage it, Give the patient a very good quality of life. So they are actice, rving etc.
So keep the faith, much can be done. But as of right now, sounds like no one has done much of anything.
I hope this was of some benefit to you. And little disclaimer this is only general advice and does not specifaccly apply to you or anyone else. In other words I don't want to get sued
My Opinion. Start with a good x-ray exam, follow that up with an MRI. X-rays only show bone not soft tissue. Without a thourgh x-ray and mri exam, Doc's are just guessing why you hurt. You condition may or may not, respond to conservative care or you may need surgery. Reason for the MRI, so we know how to approach it
If from your degerative disc disease, you have a bony spur on a nerve root you will in most cases need surgery (spinal stenosis) for example.
With conservative care, along with the chiro a few things to consider and change.
1) loss weight get active walking is great
2) egronomics don't lay on the couch, proper computer set up. sleep on your back or side with pillows between and or under you knees.
3) Shoes often over looked. Good shoes, I like new balance 956. If they don't cost at least $100 don't buy them. And change them out every 6 months as they break down and lack of support affects your back.
4) no heating pad ever, yes I know it feels good, but it is only gating out the pain, but in the mean time greatly increasing inflamation.
5) Specific back exercises, whgci are differnt depending on your condition.
6) Inversion table, for daily use
7) possible lumbar brace for occasional use.
You can not un-ring the bell, once the damage is done the spine in that area is a weak link.
But in my practice very often we can manage it, Give the patient a very good quality of life. So they are actice, rving etc.
So keep the faith, much can be done. But as of right now, sounds like no one has done much of anything.
I hope this was of some benefit to you. And little disclaimer this is only general advice and does not specifaccly apply to you or anyone else. In other words I don't want to get sued
