Back Pain

[valeriedl]

Does any one else have back pain?

Mine is in my lower back and sometimes down my leg. Often it will get so bad that I can't move.

I go to my PCP and he pescribes pain killers and muscle relaxers. I really don't like taking them because I know people that get addicted to them and don't want to end up like that. Sometimes they don't even do anything for me.

If the pain doesn't go away in about a week or so he has me go to therapy. All I do there is streches there, which really I can do at home. I go three times a week and since I can't drive it's hard sometimes to find someone that can take me there and sit for an hour till I'm done.

It acts up every few months. This past time it really hasn't gotten better. I can move but it still hurts, it's lasted about 3 weeks.

Should I maybe try going to a chiropractor, or someone else?

[Endless]

I have back problems too, and have run the gauntlet of doctors for it. You need to be properly evaluated by either a sports medicine doctor, or an MD who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. I vote for the sports medicine doctor. I think they are better. If they aren't able to adequately help you or they recommend surgery and you don't want it, see a pain specialist. Pain specialists are anesthesiologists, but they have both drug and non-drug solutions for pain.

I am so sorry you are going through that - it's miserable. I especially hate nerve pain - that shooting pain down your legs. Ugh.

P.S. Both the sports medicine dr. and the pain specialist highly discouraged seeing a chiropractor that uses their hands to "crack" your bones, especially your neck, because they've seen them do long-term damage to joints and connective tissue. They said that in their opinion, the chiropractors that use the little activator tools are okay.

[valeriedl]

Also I walk 5 times a week. I need to loose weight and I think this is the least streanious thing. Don't think that would have anything to do with it. If the pain is really bad I don't do the walking.

Forgot to mention that above.