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flysacessna · 04-25-2005, 01:20 PM

I've had back pain for a long time but finally about two years ago my wife decided to make me go to doctor. I was diagnosed with Sciatica, buldging lumbar disk and thoracic djd. I of course get the lower back pain with a constant pain in buttocks but the worst is the middle back. Always feels like it needs to pop. I've found relief from a brace and stim but it just seems to be getting worse. i was supposed to get a shot in back but the doctor seemed a little weird so I decided not to. Now two years later things are getting worse. My primary physician was the one who was seeing me before and now that our insurance has changed I don't need a referral anymore.

My question is what kind of doctor should I go to now? Should I start over with images tests etc. or should I get my primary to give me a copy of back history to take to new doctor? But where should I go? Any ideas?

Rampage · 04-25-2005, 01:36 PM

was the disc causing the sciatica? if there was no clear indication about that, it could even be 2 separate problems (i have 3). all of mine are in the same region, so it took 4 years to id them as separate.

for the bulging disc, at least, i would visit an ortho surgeon to discuss options. you may be able to find a real solution (incl. non-op) for the disc. i had a tear & ddd (L3-4, L4-5), and an idet has worked for me since i had it done last july/aug. there are quite a few non-op options for bulging discs, from what i understand.

you will hear this from others: everyone's different so idet may not be your answer, and make sure you find an ortho w/neuro knowledge. mine had a neuro fellowship, his office has a neuro on staff, and they're on the cutting edge of testing new procedures for fda approval.

good luck!!!

et318 · 04-25-2005, 01:44 PM

flysacessna,

i always tell people to be careful of the diagnosis if sciatica. It is considered to be one of the most mis-diagnosed conditions out there. Have you had an MRI? Is the pain increased by prolonged sitting?

In regards to choosing a doctor, I would recoomend finding a board certified pain management specialist. He/She may be able to narrow down or treat the possible pain generator. If you do need surgery then at least you would be sure what the surgeon is attempting to correct.

The reason I bring this point up is that studies have shown that a large majority of adults have abnormalities on MRI. However, only a small percentage of those same individuals report back or extremity pain. This would lead us to believe that just because something appears abnormal on MRI does not mean that it is the source of your pain. Yet we all know someone who talks about their back surgery and laments the fact that their symptoms never improved. Narrow it done first and then talk to a surgeon if needed.

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