Degenerative Spinal Arthritis

I've been recently diagnosed with severe degenerative arthritis over a year after telling my doctor about having back problems.  The doctor failed to follow up with my concerns and my back is so bad now that I am unable to walk much further than from my car to the doctor's office.  Any bump in the road is agnoizing.  Addtionally, now I have to take heavy pain killers to allow me to sleep.  My question is:  If the doctor had referred me to a MRI where the final problem was found, would it have made any difference in my recovery?  What are my best choices  to provide me relief?

[ejwilson]

Hi.  When you have degenerative spinal problems sometimes the degeneration happens quickly. If this is effecting you while you walk short distances and bumps in the road are agonizing you may have bone spurs. (Osteophyte) is a bony growth formed on normal bone and is a common finding, particularly in patients with arthritis. Bone spurs are often documented to help assess the severity of a condition such as arthritis.

I'm not sure what your asking about the MRI, did the doctor refer you for a MRI ? or are you saying he didn't , so then did not give you a diagnoses to be able to help you recover?

This is what an ortho Dr. would do.
1st - x-ray
2nd -MRI if there are findings to get a better look then go to 3rd step
3rd -cat scan
How old are you and do you have any other health problems  and any other info the dr did give you would be helpful and what state do you live in?
I can't really answer your last question with out a little more info though.  I will wait to hear from you.  elaine

[gnatelee]

I have very similar problems and a similar diagnosis.

Don't be so quick to blame the doctor/doctors.  Without them, we would be in more pain.

I am in constant pain.  I am taking a combination of pain releivers.  Sometimes the pain is so bad, it takes me a half hour to turn over in bed.

If you have a medical question, ask a professional.  Layman (or those that may be on this 'community' will attempt in good spirit to help you and compare your problems to theirs and visa vi.  No one knows your back or 'where ever your pain eminates from' but your medical doctor.

If you do not care for your current medical doctor, then go to another.  It is your choice who you chose to put you faith in.  Every doc does  not have the same ethics, bedside manner, or training that you may wish for, but stay with-in the medical profession with your questions, it is safer.