back pain

[tm1967]

i have had pain in my lower back for 5 weeks and when i walk the pain goes down my hips and my groin and legs  and painkillers do not work neither does physiotherapy  doctor wont send me for x ray or scan  i suffer from sciatica but this pain is so different  does anyone think it could be a slipped disc

[tm1967]

thanks for your info helen i went to my doctor  last nite and showed him the results from the chiropractor he said i have a trapped nerve as the pain in my lower back  is worse than the pains in my legs and he also said that it can take up to 8 weeks  for the pain to go away he has given me stronger pain killers and the pain has eased slightly  but i will still go to  physio and mention piriformis syndrome   i will let you know how i get on    


thank you
Theresa                                          

[helenlegs11]

Unfortunately X-rays are not enough, especially when better technology (MRI) exists.
Do exactly what you said, make an appointment with your Dr, and go through the NHS. There may be a back clinic or similar near you, they can offer pain management and physio etc. Please ask a physio to check out your piriformis muscle too tho'.
By the way, degenerative disc disease (or degenerated chronic bone disease) is NOT a disease, it's just the aging process, a bit like hair going grey. And it doesn't mean any further degeneration is imminent or even likely.So don't get too worried about that diagnosis, it sounds a lot worse than it is and is used too much,when other things can't be explained
Don't pay all that money . . . .  .she sounds a bit unscrupulous, most would say 4-6 sessions at most, to see improvement. What if there was no improvement at all. . .  did she just expect you to pay for 12 weeks worth?
Don't explect your Doctor to have a clue about Piriformis syndrome (I know I keep going on about it) But I've got it and the related groin, hip and leg (sciatica) pain for over 2 years and although my physio diagnosed this problem I still have a fight on my hands getting Dr's to recognise it.
Good luck with it all.
Helen

[tm1967]

i went to see a chiropractor and she did x rays of my neck and lower back she said i have degenarated chronic bone disease  and said i had to go to her  3 times a week for 12 weeks  at a cost of £30 a session  does anyone think that physiotheraphy woukd work i am going  back to my doctor with the chiropractors findings and to see if he will send me for a x ray/scan  to see if they find the same problem as the chiropractor i will let you know how i get on

[Londres70]

Why isn't the physician ordering a scan?  What kind of pain medication have you tried?
Have you taken any anti-inflammatory medication?  

[helenlegs11]

The thing is, that a slipped disc, especially if it impinges on the sciatic nerve,( which it is prone to do), will bring on sciatica. But you say you already have sciatica and the pain is different? What brought on the sciatica?
I can't understand why your Dr. won't send u 4 a scan as that is the only way u are going to find out what it could be.
Check out piriformis syndrome as well. Not well understood by the medical profession, but, especially if your hip and groin are affected, it is deffinitely worth checking out.
Helen