Treatment for Back Pain - Collapsed Discs

[bluemoonexpat]

I have recently suffered 2 collapsed discs in my back. I was given the usual medication from BPH, however they are reluctant to advise what can be done other than to alleviate the pain. This is no surprise as the BPH is basically a pharmacy that charges hign prices for medication that can be obtained from a regular pharmacy at a much lesser cost.

Before I consult a Doctor of Chiropractic, is there anybody out there that has suffered similar and can advise what can be done. I would also like to know what exercises can be done and those exercises that should be avoided e.g. cycling and swiming are OK but jogging is not.

Appreciate all responses, cynical or otherwise.

[JSixpack]

BPH is basically a pharmacy

No.

[aveabeeror2]

Get a scan,BPH operated on my back with complete success. Trying any physio.,chiro and the like could severe your spinal column, depending on your back condition. Only a scan will tell.

[seajae]

A scan is pretty important at this stage to see how much damage there is. For exercises, you are better off walking in a waist deep pool and doing various different exercises as the water neutralizes your body weight, once you have strengthened the muscles back up the you can start gym work specifically for your back. I was unable to do swimming as it involved twisting your body and that caused me to loose everything below the waist so you should see a specialist before doing too much. A lot will depend on which discs are gone and how bad they are, surgery is possible but again it depends on the injury. Anything that involves just leaning forward slighly can cause pain, you really need to see a specialist before you do too much at all or risk doing more damage.

[LukDod]

Get a scan,BPH operated on my back with complete success. Trying any physio.,chiro and the like could severe your spinal column, depending on your back condition. Only a scan will tell.

What a bold...and totally inaccurate statement!!

So, conservative approaches to treatment are more dangerous? What an uninformed comment by a lay person!

If the poster uses 'scan' to mean and MRI or a CT x-ray imagery, then both are usually unnecessary, and more expensive,

when a simple plain film x-ray will suffice in most cases.

[Gsxrnz]

Get a scan,BPH operated on my back with complete success. Trying any physio.,chiro and the like could severe your spinal column, depending on your back condition. Only a scan will tell.

What a bold...and totally inaccurate statement!!

So, conservative approaches to treatment are more dangerous? What an uninformed comment by a lay person!

If the poster uses 'scan' to mean and MRI or a CT x-ray imagery, then both are usually unnecessary, and more expensive,

when a simple plain film x-ray will suffice in most cases.

May one politely ask if you are a non layman in the context that your comment is informed?

[ThaiBob]

I suggest this be posted or moved to the health forum.

[chiang mai]

I agree that you need an MRI, that will tell the story. Disks either prolapse (bulge at some point) and impinge on a nerve or in extreme cases they burst, prolapsed disks cab be treated successfully through chiropractics and physio providing you can find a suitable qualified/skilled practitioner. Taking the big step to having an operation to fuse the vertebrata is one that you need to give substantial thought to, you cannot unoperate and the chances of success (as defined in pain free movement and the ability bend/sit/wlsk etc as before) is quite low.

There are some intermediary steps that can be taken based on what the scan shows, one of these include injections into the disk to try and correct the prolapse, you would need to research this option later perhaps.

FWIW I had two severely prolapsed disks at S2 and S3 and in severe pain and was three days away from having a disectomy when I was urged to visit a chiropractor, the operation was cancelled as a result of that visit and now, twenty five years on, I have not had a problem since.

[aveabeeror2]

A scan is pretty important at this stage to see how much damage there is. For exercises, you are better off walking in a waist deep pool and doing various different exercises as the water neutralizes your body weight, once you have strengthened the muscles back up the you can start gym work specifically for your back. I was unable to do swimming as it involved twisting your body and that caused me to loose everything below the waist so you should see a specialist before doing too much. A lot will depend on which discs are gone and how bad they are, surgery is possible but again it depends on the injury. Anything that involves just leaning forward slighly can cause pain, you really need to see a specialist before you do too much at all or risk doing more damage.

Dont do anything the flower man says. Get to BPH and get a scan, yesterday. Ive had three back operations, one at BPH, and a ruptured disc that was inoperable.

Edited November 28, 2013 by aveabeeror2

[aveabeeror2]

Get a scan,BPH operated on my back with complete success. Trying any physio.,chiro and the like could severe your spinal column, depending on your back condition. Only a scan will tell.

What a bold...and totally inaccurate statement!!

So, conservative approaches to treatment are more dangerous? What an uninformed comment by a lay person!

If the poster uses 'scan' to mean and MRI or a CT x-ray imagery, then both are usually unnecessary, and more expensive,

when a simple plain film x-ray will suffice in most cases.

Complete and utter crap. Plain film x ray show up nerves,rubbish. "more expensive!". What price do you put on being able to walk? If I had followed Lukdums advice , I would now be crippled, quadraplegic. Fact.

[gerrygoat]

See this gent, I can highly recommend him http://www.pattayachirocenter.com/

[curtklay]

Your problem is far too serious to be seeking advice on a Thai Visa forum. See an Orthopedist.

Edited November 28, 2013 by curtklay

[KhunOr]

Go to see an orthopaedic surgeon for an opinion, but be sure to go see a chiropractor too. Eight years ago I was told by an ortho that I required surgery on my spine immediately and he was ready to book me in there and then (after studying x-rays and examining me). He said that if I didn't I'd be in a wheelchair within two weeks. He was clearly annoyed when I said I'd seek another opinion first. I went to achiropractor and took the x-rays with me. He studied them and examined me too. Said surgery was completely unnecessary and in just two sessions he had fixed the problem. Eight years and counting.

The thing is that if I'd accepted his expert advice and had that surgery I would probably be on here at TV singing the praises of ortho and surgery, saying that if I hadn't done that I'd have been in a wheelchair by now...

Always get a second or third opinion. Consider the least invasive solution first.

[LukDod]

Get a scan,BPH operated on my back with complete success. Trying any physio.,chiro and the like could severe your spinal column, depending on your back condition. Only a scan will tell.

What a bold...and totally inaccurate statement!!

So, conservative approaches to treatment are more dangerous? What an uninformed comment by a lay person!

If the poster uses 'scan' to mean and MRI or a CT x-ray imagery, then both are usually unnecessary, and more expensive,

when a simple plain film x-ray will suffice in most cases.

Complete and utter crap. Plain film x ray show up nerves,rubbish. "more expensive!". What price do you put on being able to walk? If I had followed Lukdums advice , I would now be crippled, quadraplegic. Fact.

I seem to also detect a reading problem. I've taken 1000's of x-rays and would _never_ say nerves are visible on plain film x-rays! Based upon a patients intake history

and appropriate orthopedic tests, a plain film x-ray is usually the initial modality. Just because a patient has common sciatica, doesn't mean they need a CT scan or MRI..

unless the history and ortho tests indicate otherwise. Many hospitals advise patients to have MRI's when their signs and symptoms indicate the contrary. Why, because

hospitals need to justify these expensive machines. In the poster's case, evidently his history indicated such was needed to view the affected soft tissue of his spine,

and seeing an orthopedic surgeon and having an MRI were apparently the appropriate approach.in his case.

I'm glad his surgery and the results were successful.

OTOH, with regards to his outrageous claim that 'physios and chiros could sever (posted said 'severe') the spinal column', I suggest he try and substantiate this.

Search the NIH, BMJ, Lancet JAMA and any of a number of _peer reviewed_ orthopedic and spine journals. Then, wipe all that egg off your face!! .

[DogNo1]

Caution! Chiropractic manipulation can be dangerous. I suggest getting whatever scan that will allow you and your doctor to visualize the discs clearly. Years back, I had a whiplash injury and considerable neck pain. After consulting an MRI of my neck, the orthopedist recommended neck traction and exercises that were taught to me by a physical therapist. For the past 6-7 years, the exercises alone have kept me pain-free. The solution should be arrived at by you and your doctor in consultation with a precise understanding of exactly what the condition of your back and discs is. Simple traction and exercise can have an amazing effect on spinal conditions that are amenable to their effects. Good luck in finding a pain-free future!

[garvon]

Can"t stress enough to get to an orthopedist quickly. I suffered badly with back problems at L4/5 and tried everything and no success. Finally the pain became referred pain and was so painful. Went to Bumrungrad and had the tests and was told the fusion operation was urgently required.

Had the op and here I am 20 years later and never had 1 day of pain since the op. I am now 70.

[aveabeeror2]

Get a scan,BPH operated on my back with complete success. Trying any physio.,chiro and the like could severe your spinal column, depending on your back condition. Only a scan will tell.

What a bold...and totally inaccurate statement!!

So, conservative approaches to treatment are more dangerous? What an uninformed comment by a lay person!

If the poster uses 'scan' to mean and MRI or a CT x-ray imagery, then both are usually unnecessary, and more expensive,

when a simple plain film x-ray will suffice in most cases.

Complete and utter crap. Plain film x ray show up nerves,rubbish. "more expensive!". What price do you put on being able to walk? If I had followed Lukdums advice , I would now be crippled, quadraplegic. Fact.

I seem to also detect a reading problem. I've taken 1000's of x-rays and would _never_ say nerves are visible on plain film x-rays! Based upon a patients intake history

and appropriate orthopedic tests, a plain film x-ray is usually the initial modality. Just because a patient has common sciatica, doesn't mean they need a CT scan or MRI..

unless the history and ortho tests indicate otherwise. Many hospitals advise patients to have MRI's when their signs and symptoms indicate the contrary. Why, because

hospitals need to justify these expensive machines. In the poster's case, evidently his history indicated such was needed to view the affected soft tissue of his spine,

and seeing an orthopedic surgeon and having an MRI were apparently the appropriate approach.in his case.

I'm glad his surgery and the results were successful.

OTOH, with regards to his outrageous claim that 'physios and chiros could sever (posted said 'severe') the spinal column', I suggest he try and substantiate this.

Search the NIH, BMJ, Lancet JAMA and any of a number of _peer reviewed_ orthopedic and spine journals. Then, wipe all that egg off your face!! .

No egg on my face. You show me where it is written that chiros have never, could not, sever spinal column. You cant.

[chiang mai]

Good luck trying to distinguish between a prolapsed and ruptured disk with just an x-ray.

Edited November 29, 2013 by chiang mai

[Rimmer]

Troll post removed

[tontraveller]

Consulting a licensed chiropractor is a good option.

Normally they need to see the X-Ray to see if there is anything they can do..

However, a friend of mine in ChiangRai city, diagnosed with the same problem, and recommended operation,

decided to consult a acupuncture specialist at MaeFahLuang university hospital.

He is American born..

His treatment did the job...

No more back pains since a few months...

[raro]

There's a new chiropractor in Thepprasit which I can highly recommend. He will look at it and do what he can do. If he feels that it is beyond what he can fix, then he won't touch you.

PM me for contact details.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[aveabeeror2]

Bluemoon.,tell everybody that your back is ok now,otherwise thjis couild turn out to be another beachroad sage.

[Chivas]

Damaged Disc in 1978 and its never been same since. Scans in the 90's showed an operation was possible but 50/50 chance outcome would make it worse.

I declined. Swimming and warm/hot weather makes huge difference to the point I dont notice it really.

Take Tramadol and Diclofenic indefinately

[curtklay]

Damaged Disc in 1978 and its never been same since. Scans in the 90's showed an operation was possible but 50/50 chance outcome would make it worse.

I declined. Swimming and warm/hot weather makes huge difference to the point I dont notice it really.

Take Tramadol and Diclofenic indefinately

This is the best route to take if the pain is manageable. Chiropractic manipulation is very risky; so is surgery. What works for some may not work for you. Like Chivas, my Orthopedist did MRIs and said fusion surgery was a 50/50 gamble that could have me doing backflips or maybe confined to a wheelchair. If you can control the pain with meds, continue unless it becomes unbearable. I have 4 compressed discs, arthritis, and a curved spine. In Thailand, I take Tramadol, Norgesic, and Arcoxia. All of these are damaging to the kidneys and liver, but they keep me walking on 2 legs with less pain. See an Orthopedist that you trust. If he gives you bad vibes, see another one. Weigh the options, and make an informed decision.

[aveabeeror2]

Damaged Disc in 1978 and its never been same since. Scans in the 90's showed an operation was possible but 50/50 chance outcome would make it worse.

I declined. Swimming and warm/hot weather makes huge difference to the point I dont notice it really.

Take Tramadol and Diclofenic indefinately

This is the best route to take if the pain is manageable. Chiropractic manipulation is very risky; so is surgery. What works for some may not work for you. Like Chivas, my Orthopedist did MRIs and said fusion surgery was a 50/50 gamble that could have me doing backflips or maybe confined to a wheelchair. If you can control the pain with meds, continue unless it becomes unbearable. I have 4 compressed discs, arthritis, and a curved spine. In Thailand, I take Tramadol, Norgesic, and Arcoxia. All of these are damaging to the kidneys and liver, but they keep me walking on 2 legs with less pain. See an Orthopedist that you trust. If he gives you bad vibes, see another one. Weigh the options, and make an informed decision.

If I didnt have my first back op then I did, the weight of my trunk pressing on my sciatic nerve would have severed it. Specialists report is available if anybody want to see it and the Scan. Only one more thing to add to my expert advice , as someone else has said, get 3 opinions after you get the mri as to what needs doing. Not from chiros as some here have said, they got no idea, go to 3 neurosurgeons and or orthopedic surgeons. All the best.

[gk10002000]

I had a L-5 laminectomy when I was 14. 56 now. At the time they almost fused my spine between the two disks, but there was just enough disk left they decided to just sew things up. I have a 12 inch scar. No laproscopic procedure was done at the time. This was way back in 1971 before CAT scans or MRIs.

Anything that minimizes spinal compression is highly advised. Lose weight if you have too much. Work on your posture. Do hanging stretching exercises that unload the spine. I also do things like standing pushup on the sink or a solid table to lift my spine up. Avoid those long plane rides or sitting too long. Swimming is 100% recommended as it unloads the spine. Take a lesson from my ballroom dance experience. When you sit or walk, work on stretching your neck and back upward, standing tall as it were. You might be surprised at how that feel.

[gk10002000]

I would add that when I had my severe leg pain, I was 14. Parents took me to an orthapedic guy. Seemed logical with leg pain right? Well it turns out I had my bulging/ruptured disk in the Lumbar area that was pressing on my sciatic nerve. Ortho guy was clueless. Nothing was wrong with my leg. After 6 months of pain so bad I could not even touch my knee, never mind cough or sneeze or laugh. Finally parents took me to our general physician. He thought i had a tumor, but at least was on the right rack and knew something was wrong with my back. Had a mylogram ancient technology now. I could see the damn disk sticking way out. Amazingly as I mentioned in my other post, the cut and sutured things up and I am now 56 and OK.

Lesson learned is make sure you get the right diagnosis. Chiro, and alignmnent are very important, but make sure you get the whole picture.

[aveabeeror2]

There's a new chiropractor in Thepprasit which I can highly recommend. He will look at it and do what he can do. If he feels that it is beyond what he can fix, then he won't touch you.

PM me for contact details.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

. Pray tell ,what is the chiro going to look at? If OP has same prob. that killed my cousin,a tumor on the spine, a chiro won't see it.