I have minor arthritis in the back, I’ve hyper extended it a few times (thrown off of a horse, fell down the stairs) and physical therapy doesn’t help. I see a chiropractor 3 times a week and he only helps a little bit. I can’t do any housework or waliking for more than about 20 min. before I start to have major pain. I’m only 30 and fear it will get worse as I get older. Especially if I ever have children. I’ve had an open MRI in which they didn’t find anything wrong. Please, any advice or tips? Any ideas or answers to my pain? I have a dr. apt. next week with my orthopedic.
#1 by mistify on February 27, 2010 - 12:52 pm
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Remember that an MRI is only a picture at one moment in time…usually when you are lying still on your back…when most people feel the best. It might be time to consider a flexion/extension myelography…this will show what happens to the vertebral disc during movements.
My next point would be: what were you doing in PT and the chiropractor’s office? What types of treatments did you have? Did you only see one? Many times, it is imperitive to see another therapist with a different treatment approach. If you haven’t seen someone already, I’d recommend a PT who is credentialed in mechanical diagnosis and therapy. You can find one at: http://www.mckenziemdt.org
People often go to different physicians for different opinions…it only makes sense to also seek out the opinion of different therapist or chiropractor.
Good luck
#2 by Dr Graeme Teague on February 27, 2010 - 1:25 pm
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Hi J Girl
I agree with the person above … 3 times a eek to your Chiro and minor relief … see someone else.
Being a Chiropractor who specializes in chronic and difficult back pain issues, I can tell you that 3 times a week for 1-2 weeks should have corrected the problem completely if they were targetting the right areas. This is nothing against your Chiro, but they probably don’t use the right techniques.
If the MRI is clear, then there is no structural damage. However these do not show how well the area is moving. Also like most people and practitioners, just because the pain is in one area – don’t just look at that area. You need to make sure your entire spine is working correctly.
If you have had a few falls off horses – then you may have some Diaphragm tightness, which will be aggravated by vacuuming and evening walking longer distances. The minor arthritis means there are joints not moving well so the area swells a little. Get these areas moving and event eh arthritis will disappear.
You need to do some things at home. Seeing a therapist is good but if you do techniques at home you will save time and money. If the pain has ben there a while, you need to break the habits that have formed. Doing things at home breaks the habits faster than seeing someone. it only takes a few minutes each night – even in front of the TV.
See the link below for some free techniques and email me if you wish for advice or help.
All the best
Dr Graeme Teague
#3 by Big Girls Dont Cry on February 27, 2010 - 1:46 pm
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you know your body and you know something is wrong and maybe your orthopedic will find what’s wrong …if not you should definately get a 2nd opinion.Your back is nothing to fool with and should be taken seriously.good luck!
#4 by Chas on February 27, 2010 - 1:58 pm
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