Hello. Im writing to ask for help for my fiance. He has had back problems for many years. He saw a dr. and he took x-rays and found some minor degenerating disks but basically that was it -- no follow-up, no advice. His dr. did not suggest any type of surgery.
He is in pain constantly. Ibuprofen doesn't help; celebrex doesn't help. Can anyone suggest anything else to help with his lower back pain. He has it constantly and I don't know how to help him.
Would a deep muscle massage help? Acupuncture? Anything besides Ibuprofen? I'm desperate. Thanks!
Hello. Im writing to ask for help for my fiance. He has had back problems for many years. He saw a dr. and he took x-rays and found some minor degenerating disks but basically that was it -- no follow-up, no advice. His dr. did not suggest any type of surgery.
He is in pain constantly. Ibuprofen doesn't help; celebrex doesn't help. Can anyone suggest anything else to help with his lower back pain. He has it constantly and I don't know how to help him.
Would a deep muscle massage help? Acupuncture? Anything besides Ibuprofen? I'm desperate. Thanks!
Hello Cyndee, As you will notice while reading these threads that we (back Patients) see alot of doctors. Tell him to get out there and do his homework. Try different meds, try different doctors, try different theropies. Its totally up to the patient with the pain to do the foot work in order to gain relief. We are all different in how we react to meds so he may have to go thru many before he finds some that work for him. It can be a long proccess, but the sooner he starts, the better. As for surgery, no respecting surgeon will operate until such time as he has tried all other options, which is where the time factor comes in. We back pain sufferers have all had to wait at some time or another. Tell your fiance to act like a customer and to treat the doctor as a salesman, and your fiance is not to leave the office until he has some satisfaction. The more you complain and whine the more action you get. This comes from seeing doctors for 19 years now. So get him to think positively and act on that thinking. Good Luck. PS: He is very lucky to have your support as many of us are alone in our plight. You are obviously a wonderful person.
Don't give up until you find a doctor that will seriously help resolve the problem. And the more your finacee educates himself the better he will be able to communicate with the DR(s).
What types of DRs has he seen? Maybe a physiatrist who specializes in spinal care would be a good avenue. Surgeons only know how to cut and medicate.
Don't know what happened to that second web address - you can fin it by going through Google and searching for "brain talk communities" - it's a site through MGH-Harvard Neuro.
It sounds like he has something definitly wrong but an x ray does not show everything. He needs an MRI. I have three herniated disc with nerve damage and am trying to get disability because of the constant pain. Dr's can make you feel like the pain is nothing. In the last three years I have had maybe 6 occasions where I cannot move or walk at all. I was just in the hospital two weeks ago with the last herniated disc. I have no insurance so I sometimes feel like I am really not getting the care I would other wise.
Let me know if your fiance has any questions I could help with. I am not sure about the other methods you were asking about.
I agree with the others; get another opinion, this time from either a neurosurgeon or an ortho. Preferably, both would be ideal. Surgery should be your last option, when all else fails to bring relief. Shop til you drop in order to find a good, caring, knowledgeable physician who want to do his best for you. Good luck.
Carol
I agree he should go to at least two different doctors and/or a chiropractor. Someone who specialises in back pain and problems will be able to give you a lot more information that a general practicioner.
I agree with the other posts seek another Dr. I went through hell with my back, finally a MRI found my problem and I had surgery.It seems hopeless at times but keep seeking help.
He does need an MRI for starters. I would stay away from a chiropracter unless a back doctor recommends it. They could cause more damage than help at this point.
Therapy-physical, accupuncture, yoga, are all different modailites that can offer some relief for the pain Heat 15 min. on then off every hour might bring him some relief also.
Hello. Im writing to ask for help for my fiance. He has had back problems for many years. He saw a dr. and he took x-rays and found some minor degenerating disks but basically that was it -- no follow-up, no advice. His dr. did not suggest any type of surgery.
He is in pain constantly. Ibuprofen doesn't help; celebrex doesn't help. Can anyone suggest anything else to help with his lower back pain. He has it constantly and I don't know how to help him.
Would a deep muscle massage help? Acupuncture? Anything besides Ibuprofen? I'm desperate. Thanks!
Tell us Cyndee what type of treatments has your fiance had over the years and what has helped most.
James
Last edited by james079; 01-22-2012 at 08:11 PM.
Reason: changed word
