Stupid back

luvmy2cats

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My lower back has been bothering me for awhile now. Back in May I worked in a warehouse and hurt it lifting. The company doc said I had strained my siatic tendon. Anyway, I was on light duty for a few weeks and then the doc released me. Now my backs bothering me in the same spot I injured it. I have no idea what the deal is but it stinks.
 

jugen

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Originally Posted by luvmycat1

My lower back has been bothering me for awhile now. Back in May I worked in a warehouse and hurt it lifting. The company doc said I had strained my siatic tendon. Anyway, I was on light duty for a few weeks and then the doc released me. Now my backs bothering me in the same spot I injured it. I have no idea what the deal is but it stinks.
I have some back issues on occassion and I take Bayer back and Body for Them.
It helps believe me. Hope you feel better fast.
 

lunasmom

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I would revisit the doctor. If he says the same thing again or nothing is wrong, see a second doctor just in case.
 

mom of 4

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Be sure you go to an orthopedist. And get a referral for physical therapy. They will give you some exercises to strengthen your core muscles, and treat your back with heat, exercise and cold.

You should be able to continue the exercises at home.
 

worriedmommy

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I am so sorry you are having back problems. I have a herniated disk in my lower back. The thing that helps me the most is getting a cortisone shot there. It lasts me several months. Don't know if you can find a pain management Dr. to get it done or if your insurance would cover it. I would highly recommend it if you can though. Hope you feel better soon.
 

exoticbabee

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I'm sorry to hear about your back pain..have you tried doing yoga? There are many gentle stretches that can help relieve back pain. Hope you feel better soon.
 

strange_wings

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Originally Posted by luvmycat1

My lower back has been bothering me for awhile now. Back in May I worked in a warehouse and hurt it lifting. The company doc said I had strained my siatic tendon. Anyway, I was on light duty for a few weeks and then the doc released me. Now my backs bothering me in the same spot I injured it. I have no idea what the deal is but it stinks.
What type of doctor was it who diagnosed you? Were there x-rays and/or mri done?

Are you sure the doctor didn't say sciatic nerve? If he really did say tendon, then you definitely need a different doctor.

As was suggested look for an orthopedic specialist/spine specialist. (Not all orthopedic doctors are the same, I had one who told me I'd have to live with pain - that he wouldn't do anything for me and another who was able to give me some options were it to get worse. So if you don't like what one says, don't give up, try another.)
If it really is your sciatica then there could be something pushing on it or pinching it, you need to make sure your discs are fine. At the very least you could get some medication to help. There are also some stretches you can do for lower back/sciatica, but you may want a doctor to clear that by checking an mri first.

And if the first doctor never did order an mri, then your problem could possibly be something else all together.
 

calico2222

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I was wondering if it was the sciatic nerve too. That can be so painful. Mine acts up sometimes, and one basic stretch that helps is the lay on a hard floor and pull that leg up to your chest and hold it for 30 seconds. I would definitely check with the doctor before you do that to make sure it isn't going to hurt anything (especially if it is something with a tendon). Also, sleep with your legs elevated with a pillow or something under your knees. That will take pressure off you spine. But, you need to find out exactly what is wrong first.

A hot relaxing bath also helps.

Hope you feel better soon.
 

kittkatt

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I feel for ya!
I have a chronic deteriorating spinal condition, in which I've already had one back surgery for, and last May my doc took me out of the workforce b/c it's gotten much worse. I am now in the process of filing for disability.
It's not a fun condition to have.


You need to see a specialist, to pinpoint the problem: at the very least, an MRI should be taken. That's probably one of the best ways to determine just what your condition is. Re-occurring back conditions are usually a sign that something's wrong: if it's just a pulled muscle or something not serious, the problem should have cleared up.

I hope you get to feeling better, and that it's nothing too serious.

~KK~
 

skyecat0117

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Definitely try and get and MRI done on it. Your back is something you don't wanna mess up. May I also suggest acupuncture I'm thinking of doing that for my migraines since nothing else seems to work. I've heard nothing but positive things about it. Just do your research and find a reputable place. Sometimes it can be as simple as something like a nerve ending is blocked.
 

strange_wings

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Originally Posted by KittKatt

I feel for ya!
I have a chronic deteriorating spinal condition, in which I've already had one back surgery for, and last May my doc took me out of the workforce b/c it's gotten much worse. I am now in the process of filing for disability.
It's not a fun condition to have.
Make sure to get a lawyer, many people are denied even when they obviously cannot work. And get copies of everything you can.


At this time, I've sort of been diagnosed with sacroiliitis and degenerative lumbar disease (also referred to as degenerative disc disease), blood test results and a follow up with my rheumatologist will determine if that changes.

The sacroiliitis, though technically in my pelvis, can cause low back pain as well.
My off the wall guess, is may the original poster could have a disc problem from improper lifting.
 
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luvmy2cats

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

What type of doctor was it who diagnosed you? Were there x-rays and/or mri done?

Are you sure the doctor didn't say sciatic nerve? If he really did say tendon, then you definitely need a different doctor.
It was a company doctor since the injury happend at work. There were no x-rays or anything. He just tested my range of movement and pressed on my back to see if that hurt.(it didn't) Anyway, he said it was a siatic ligament or tendon or something. I no longer work at the same job so I'd have to consult my regular doctor.
 

kittkatt

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

Make sure to get a lawyer, many people are denied even when they obviously cannot work. And get copies of everything you can.
The first disability claim was denied (which wasn't a surprise - it's almost always that way, and I've heard of people having their claims denied 4 or more times before they're finally approved.
.) Anyways, I filed an appeal, and now have social security disability advocates working on the case for me. They're supposed to be very good, and although they can't guarantee winning your case for you, they rarely take a case unless they're sure they can win it for you. They collect their fee after they win it - unlike most lawyers, who want the money upfront. And of course, since I'm no longer working, I don't have the money to pay anything upfront. So I was lucky to find out about the SSD advocates, b/c if they DON'T win your case, you owe them nothing!


Thanks for the suggestion, though!


~KK~
 

kittkatt

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Originally Posted by luvmycat1

It was a company doctor since the injury happend at work. There were no x-rays or anything. He just tested my range of movement and pressed on my back to see if that hurt.(it didn't) Anyway, he said it was a siatic ligament or tendon or something. I no longer work at the same job so I'd have to consult my regular doctor.
Company doctors are almost always FOR the company, and not the employee. I would recommend getting another doc's opinion...

~KK~
 

strange_wings

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Originally Posted by luvmycat1

It was a company doctor since the injury happend at work. There were no x-rays or anything. He just tested my range of movement and pressed on my back to see if that hurt.(it didn't) Anyway, he said it was a siatic ligament or tendon or something. I no longer work at the same job so I'd have to consult my regular doctor.
Sheesh, the guy sounds like a quack.

A doctor cannot diagnose problems with the sciatic nerve without looking at an mri. Besides, you said back pain? not pain that travels down your legs, numbness, and tingling. Your regular doc can schedule any test you need, but will likely refer you to an orthopedic surgeon or spinal orthopedist for treatment.
In the mean time you can switch between a heating pad - heat to relax muscles, and an ice pack - cold in case there's any sort of inflammation to see if that helps a little. A couple aleve in the morning and at night could possibly help, but I'm a little hesitant to suggest that since you doc might not agree, plus too many NSAIDs can be bad for your stomach and kidneys - consult your doctor before taking that dosage for more than a few days. Try to keep moving some, don't let it get you stuck in bed.
Good luck in getting this treated, hopefully it's something that proper PT and medicine can help you with.


KittKatt, I hope your case gets a decent judge next time and that this group helps you win your appeal.
 

kittkatt

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

Sheesh, the guy sounds like a quack.
I agree!
What kind of doctor makes a back-related diagnosis/ w/o taking any x-rays?
You really should get another opinion: back problems are nothing to take for granted...



KittKatt, I hope your case gets a decent judge next time and that this group helps you win your appeal.
Thanks for your kind sentiments, Strange-wings!
My case wasn't heard by a judge yet: it usually goes before a judge after your 2nd or 3rd denial, I believe. I hope it doesn't go that far, and that the SSD people can win it on their own.
But if it does go that far, I intend to fight it to the end!


Have you heard anything else, Luvmycat??

~KK~
 
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