Lower Back Pain
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February 2, 2012 - 5:15pm
low back pain, mri says spasm, 2 doctors say im 0% impairment
Hello All,
I'm having lower back pain due to an on the job injury back in Feb 2010. I have had an MRI and it says everything is fine other than a spasm in my lower back. That was 10 months ago. I went to a Sports Specialist (workers comp sent me to these places) that seemed to be more frustrated with me than trying to figure out what is wrong. He made me do the basic bend over, lean back, twist left, twist right routine and was like "you're fine". Like I have told every doctor I have been to "there is nothing I cannot do, I can do ANYTHING, I'm very flexible. But I can only do it for a limited amount of time, the pain is always there but when I begin to do something it increases very rapidly." I'm so honest with them its frustrating to me because I feel as if they think I'm lying. And what about, I have no idea.
He later sent me to a PT which understood everything I was saying. She said I have Lordosis and Sculliosis. And she also believes that something is aggrivating my elialic lumbar ligiment causing it to spasm. Also says to look at me and to see me bend like I do is VERY flexible. "WOW"
After several times there I was sent back to the sports specialist. There is no improvement on the pain after around 14 PT visits. He also prescribed me to cymbalta. which I did not take. I also asked him what he asked the PT, his reply was "i did not go into any details with her"
Really? I asked why not and he said no need to.
He then sent me to a pain management Dr. that made me do the range of motion test. Once again I aced it with ease and was telling him the same thing. He gave me the injections (not sure what kind) and sent me on my way. came back to see him. Another Dr. was there. She just talked to me and said I was fine.
They do not take the things the PT said into consideration.
thats my story for the past yr
results
Constant lower back pain
MRI shows everything is fine other than spasm
x-ray normal
i have lordosis and sculliosis
pain increases while sitting, standing, walking, driving, and bending/twisting
while in lower pain level i can still move and even lift weights, but pain rapidly increases while doing.
I get slower as the pain increases to where it becomes very uncomfortable and unbearable
please help if anyone knows what it could possibly be
i really do appreciate it
I'm only 27 yrs old, I was 26 at the time of injury
and the job i was performing at time of injury was repetetive bending and twisting all the way to the floor
thx once again and sorry for being so long a drawn out!
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PT also said 38% impairment
and by lift weights, i mean physical therapy supervised!
and the PT was a spinal specialist. last post i just keep thinking of more to say. not sure if it helps but i just feel it needed to be said
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Post Edited by Authority Member Liz
Hi,
Sounds like you are frustrated. And, at a young age I can completely understand that. Heck at any age it is frustrating to have a set back with no 'real' answer.
Unfortunately, with backs, there is no magic pill or fix. A lot has to do with keeping core muscle strong after injury, learning how to stretch, making sure you don't bend/twist/lift OR if you do, that you do it properly and staying generally fit even if you get tired.
In my mid-20's I started having problems. I can't say I had an injury like you but it did start shortly after a car accident...like something jostled loose.
I found that I had to pay attention to what aggravated my condition - sweeping/mopping was one (I used to work in restaurants). I also had to do stretches pretty regularly and especially when I had 'flare up's of pain. The doctor's told me they wouldn't even do an MRI because chances are I had degenerative disc disease, a bulging disc, or stress fracture. In all cases in my 20's they would not operate b/c the risks would not outweigh the benefits.
That being said, I know you are looking for answers
- if you aren't happy, keep seeking answers. Find a doctor that will take time to explain your situation and how you can help. You might have to do this on your own dime b/c sounds like WC doctors are not who you would pick. Not sure if you can do this or not.
- you aren't crazy, if you hurt, you hurt.
- Consider keeping a log/journal. You might find certain activities or movements have more or less impact on your pain. I know it's silly but if you can narrow it down, you can at least adjut.
- If you drive more than 1 hour, plan to stop and walk around the car 5 times to stretch your legs every hour. Sitting is lousy for everyone.
I wish I had more advice.