Son born with Spina Bifida Occulta complains of constant pain

Hello all, I am new the forum not sure of the protocol but I am really worried about my child. Well I say child, he is 17, and thinks he is grown and would give me a dirty look for saying he's a child LOL but anyway.
Approximately a year ago I took my son to ER for this pain in his back, they did xrays and a CTscan. The doctor came in with the results and told us that my son has a "hole" in his lower spine and diagnosed it as Spina Bifida Occulta. He told us that he was born with it. I had NEVER been told this by my sons pediatrician and I always took him for regular visits during his childhood.
My son is now complaining of constant back pain, sharp stabbing as he describes it. It is only relieved with lying flat or strong pain medicine as in Lortab, which he has been prescribed in the past but has none of at the moment. I am very concerned and am heartbroken to see my son in so much pain. Should I take him to ER? He does not have a reg doctor right now because we have no insurance coverage. Please help with any advice thanks.

[Kalvin]

We have no protocol here, you ask a question and hopefully someone has some knowledge or experience to share.

My knowledge of Spina Bifida Occulta is limited, but I do know that it's severity can vary tremendously. Many people don't experience any symptoms from this, maybe he did something to aggravate it. If he needs something for his pain, by all means take him to the ER or to a walk in clinic. But he really needs to see a specialist so you can have idea of what exactly you're dealing with here.


Take Care

[squirtatious]

Oh wow, I feel for u!!!!! Somany have no insurance and that's a crime!!!!! I too no longer have any. I would strongly advise taking him to the er as they cannot refuse treatment and many hospitals have a "charity division" to help with partial or all costs. Ask the er u take him to if their hospital has one. I wish u the best!!

[GracethruFaith]

Thank you for responding. Yes I have tried taking him to a local bone and joint clinic and they wanted $250 just to see him and do tests, due to no insurance. I agree he needs to see a specialist in the worst way. I am going to try looking around Nashville, which has many health care facilities. Fingers crossed.

[GracethruFaith]

My son was seen by his regular doctor yesterday. She did an exam by having him bend forward. His spine is crooked. She said the possibility of scoliosis and they want to give him tests. At least we have something to go on. She gave him Flexiril and Naproxen for the pain.

[Kalvin]

Well it sounds like you're making some progress, it's a good idea to take Naproxen with food, it can be hard on the stomach.


Take Care