Thanks for the reply. Yes, insurance does prob. want a referral to an orthopedist first, just seems "the cart before the horse" game. How does my GP know who to refer me to, an ortho. or a neuro. without the MRI results first?? Could poss. cost them more in payouts, if I'm referred to the wrong person?? I hate ins. companies....I've paid in premiums more that enough this year to pay for an MRI!! May have to pay out of my own pocket to get it done. I am trying to stretch slowly, but scared of what stretches to do, so as not to make it worse. I did quit taking the Flexeril, yes it did seem to make it worse. Why don't they tell you these things?? Have not seen my chiro. recently either, cant imagine him pushing down on my back right now!! Today is a little better, but missing work...can u give suggestions as to what stretching exercises would be good instead of harmful?? I'm afraid to bend over very far, and it pulls on my right hip! Also, seem to get as much relief with Ibuprofen as I do with pain meds?
I think why you may not be getting responses, is you are basically asking an insurance question. Most people probably don't have any suggestions of how to deal with the hundreds of insurance companies. (however, give it time, I know there will be some on here who will have some ideas)
However, if the Dr. ordered it, I don't see why BC denied it. Unless it was an ER Dr. Plus, maybe they denied it because it was ordered by your GP? Most likely, they want a referral to an orthopedist first. (all guesses)
As far as the back goes, muscle relaxers such as Flexeril are generally considered a bad idea, as they make it worse. The muscle tightness is the body trying to compensate for the injury. The flexeril takes that ability away.
Laying down and/or not moving around much is also not good, as the back tightens up even more. Slow stretching and changing from sitting, lying, standing often.
I tend to give a negative bias towards Chiropractors, as they are very dangerous when the patient doesn't have a complete understanding of their condition and what manipulation can do to it. (no personal bias, but still biased)