doctor confirmed. (my back hurts)

jonathan_matos5 · #1 10-31-2011, 06:24 PM

that was money well spent.

i went to the doctor hoping to get some treatment because my back hurts. they took some x-rays and handed me a prescription for some medications that i cannot afford. and a paper with a diagnosis of "back pain"

i cannot practice because it hurts to move.

i can't even kick back and enjoy the meds until payday.

fmoore200 · #2 10-31-2011, 07:36 PM

Welcome to the broken health care system of America

jrthebassguy · #3 10-31-2011, 08:58 PM

Try visiting a chiropractor - most can't write scripts so they actually have to try to fix you.

jonathan_matos5 · #4 10-31-2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrthebassguy

Try visiting a chiropractor - most can't write scripts so they actually have to try to fix you.

this will probably be my next step.

HaRd · #5 10-31-2011, 10:34 PM

You can't play sitting down/laying down?

Icey101 · #6 10-31-2011, 10:45 PM

go to a specialist, check for compressed nerves

jonathan_matos5 · #7 10-31-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaRd

You can't play sitting down/laying down?

maybe my ukelele. i can barely move. and that definitely includes picking up my bass and taking it out of its gig bag.

sandmangeck · #8 10-31-2011, 11:04 PM

Sounds like you've thrown out your back. Flexeril would work. Or a cortisone shot would work. Start with drinking more water, and stretching everyday. Lift with your knees. and I hope you feel better bro

HaRd · #9 10-31-2011, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathan_matos5

maybe my ukelele. i can barely move. and that definitely includes picking up my bass and taking it out of its gig bag.

Damn thats horrible. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic about that. I've never really had chronic back pain or neck pain but I can definitely see how it could be crippling. The few times I've slept funny on my neck/back were pretty bad experiences but never bad enough to really cripple me. My dad has a pretty bad back though... it's sad.

jonathan_matos5 · #10 10-31-2011, 11:46 PM

I'll live. this is my first experience with back pain of any kind. I'm still trying to figure out how i did this. it seems to have just happened with no outstanding cause. hopefully it fixes itself.

Munjibunga · #11 11-01-2011, 12:55 AM

If you lie in bed for five days and take the drugs, your back will feel better. If you lie in bed for five days and don't take the drugs, your back will feel better.

**dmonroe** · #12 11-01-2011, 04:19 AM

As someone with a life-long issue of back problems, I say go see a chiropractor. Take the meds as well because aligning a spine is not a one-time fix. If you do in fact have a slight spinal subluxation, when the muscle moves with it and becomes inflamed. A chiropractor puts the vertabrae back in place but the muscle is still inflamed and will try to push it back out for a few days.

A reputable chiro won't touch you w/o taking x-rays first. If this one's willing to you may want to try another one.

Time Monkey · #13 11-01-2011, 04:59 AM

my aunt is a nurse practicioner, and i get occasional back tpain where i cant move at all She skips all the bs, and gives me two tylenol with codine and a soma.

knocks me the hell out for about 10 hours, and any pain i have anywhere is gone. muscle relaxers and sleep work wonders.

i_got_a_mohawk · #14 11-01-2011, 06:00 AM

Physiotherapist/physical therapist > chiropractor IMO.

(granted, that's because over here one of a medical profession and the other is voodoo that thinks any problem you have is caused by a misaligned back).

Jon, a few things to consider.

Is it upper or lower back pain?
How in/out of shape are you?
How tight are your hamstrings? Can you touch your toes?

If your hamstrings are too tight this can cause your hip to be tilted back when standing, this throws out the alignment of your back.

Your core stability may not be great, Swiss Ball work or Pilates could help you out here. They would also help you with flexibility and the help stretch out your muscles.

I may be wrong, but considering the Dr just seemed to brush you aside like that gives me the impression it's nothing too serious and they are taking the easy (and expensive) route without sorting the problem. While there could be other causes, I'd say that most back problems are caused by muscular tightness or lack of muscular support.

*Not a medical doctor but someone that has had a lot of back troubles over the years.

Carver · #15 11-01-2011, 09:08 AM

I'm a chiropractor who owns/operates a chiropractic/physical therapy center. Shoot me PM if you want, and I may be able to point you in the right direction.

I'd recommend finding a reputable chiropractor who also uses physical therapy in their practice. IME many forms of back pain are caused by a combination of neurological and musculoskeletal issues, so you should be looking someone who will cast a wide net and can do a thorough orthepedic/neuro exam, then treat them together.

sickest beast · #16 11-01-2011, 11:03 AM

for the love of god, PLEASE be careful with pain medication.

SO MANY people are getting hooked on powerful narcotics because their doctors are too lazy and would rather write a prescription instead of getting to the root of the problem.

Fishheadjoe · #17 11-01-2011, 11:11 AM

Ice and exercise are your friend... use them!
Fishheadjoe

jonathan_matos5 · #18 11-01-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sickest beast

for the love of god, PLEASE be careful with pain medication.

SO MANY people are getting hooked on powerful narcotics because their doctors are too lazy and would rather write a prescription instead of getting to the root of the problem.

i avoid pain meds already. so far all ive taken is over the counter ibuprofen and Tylenol. but it isn't really working.

Fishheadjoe · #19 11-01-2011, 11:43 AM

You will likely need some form of anit-inflamitory to relax the muscles so that they can begin to heal.
Fishheadjoe

MatticusMania · #20 11-01-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathan_matos5

I'll live. this is my first experience with back pain of any kind. I'm still trying to figure out how i did this. it seems to have just happened with no outstanding cause. hopefully it fixes itself.

Havent strained yourself in the last week or so? Heavy lifting?

I once had to lift a big industrial microwave when I worked at Burger King. Heavy mofo. A week later, my lower back was a giant ball of flame. I couldnt bend over to tie my shoes without being in pain. Took about a week for the pain to subside.

This:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

If you lie in bed for five days and take the drugs, your back will feel better. If you lie in bed for five days and don't take the drugs, your back will feel better.