Back Pain and finally getting an MRI
Discussion
Well it’s almost three years since I first put my back out and on Tuesday I’m finally getting an MRI. I won’t lie I’m slightly terrified of what it’s going to find.
I have tried all sorts over the last three years and had various diagnoses from different people from tight hip flexors to scar tissue in my glute. I have a PT who has been a god send and regular sports massages to help. Done man flow yoga all of these things have helped to a point but never truly fixed the issue.
Had periods where things have felt on track but this latest flare up has broken the camels back so to speak. Finally managed to get to see a GP that actually acknowledged there is something going on and referred me to an appropriate department. No idea how long that will take though could be waiting weeks, months, years.
I bit the bullet and paid to see a spinal surgeon yesterday. Quick examination and was told you need an MRI get it done soon. Now booked for Tuesday morning.
Awful night last night feeling stressed / anxious which i know isn’t helping. Hopefully I can finally get some answers soon.
More posting this to try and let off a little steam.
Advice to anyone with back issues please seek help and don’t let yourself be fobbed off by doctors / physios when they say you don’t need scans / x-rays etc. The person I saw yesterday simply said to help you properly I need to see what’s going on.
I have tried all sorts over the last three years and had various diagnoses from different people from tight hip flexors to scar tissue in my glute. I have a PT who has been a god send and regular sports massages to help. Done man flow yoga all of these things have helped to a point but never truly fixed the issue.
Had periods where things have felt on track but this latest flare up has broken the camels back so to speak. Finally managed to get to see a GP that actually acknowledged there is something going on and referred me to an appropriate department. No idea how long that will take though could be waiting weeks, months, years.
I bit the bullet and paid to see a spinal surgeon yesterday. Quick examination and was told you need an MRI get it done soon. Now booked for Tuesday morning.
Awful night last night feeling stressed / anxious which i know isn’t helping. Hopefully I can finally get some answers soon.
More posting this to try and let off a little steam.
Advice to anyone with back issues please seek help and don’t let yourself be fobbed off by doctors / physios when they say you don’t need scans / x-rays etc. The person I saw yesterday simply said to help you properly I need to see what’s going on.
Must admit, as someone who can be anxious of medical test and diagnoses, an MRI test was fairly relaxed and straightforward on its own. I was told an MRI scan will more than likely find something, even at my grand age of 30ish there were 'degenerative changes' along with more specific findings! Your specialist will hopefully reassure you and confirm this as they will then be able to dial in their diagnosis as there will be noise and useful data in the MRI.
Make sure you read the information pack prior to your MRI, oddly enough mine didn't request that you declare any metal fragments in your person. I decided to confirm that I recently had metal swarf in my eye which promptly meant I had to have an X-Ray first then rescheduled the MRI.
Make sure you read the information pack prior to your MRI, oddly enough mine didn't request that you declare any metal fragments in your person. I decided to confirm that I recently had metal swarf in my eye which promptly meant I had to have an X-Ray first then rescheduled the MRI.
Can’t help you with the back pain , one thing I’ve not got .
But if it wasn’t for mri scan / scans I have regularly for prostrate cancer we / I would of been none the wiser of a tumour growing on my kidney , so always worth having a mri scan imho as it could possibly pick up a issue other than the one your having the mri scan for .
Best of luck hope all goes well , and they get to the bottom of your back issue
But if it wasn’t for mri scan / scans I have regularly for prostrate cancer we / I would of been none the wiser of a tumour growing on my kidney , so always worth having a mri scan imho as it could possibly pick up a issue other than the one your having the mri scan for .
Best of luck hope all goes well , and they get to the bottom of your back issue
No need to be worried about the MRI as if it shows up a cause for your back problems then targeted treatment can be started.
Many years ago I had an MRI to try and discover the cause of my back pain.
When I arrived I was asked to change clothes and put all valuables and metal into a plastic tray. I was asked to carry the tray to an area where it was locked in a cabinet. Went into the room with the scanner and I was asked to climb onto the bed and lie down.
Had the scan.
The radiologist (?) came back in the room and told me not to climb down off the bed until she put some steps in place. She then refused to let me carry the tray and insisted upon carrying it herself.
She wouldn’t tell me if the scan showed anything of concern but her actions spoke louder than words!
Many years ago I had an MRI to try and discover the cause of my back pain.
When I arrived I was asked to change clothes and put all valuables and metal into a plastic tray. I was asked to carry the tray to an area where it was locked in a cabinet. Went into the room with the scanner and I was asked to climb onto the bed and lie down.
Had the scan.
The radiologist (?) came back in the room and told me not to climb down off the bed until she put some steps in place. She then refused to let me carry the tray and insisted upon carrying it herself.
She wouldn’t tell me if the scan showed anything of concern but her actions spoke louder than words!
If this is your first time for an MRI 3 suggestions, look at the machine and where you are going to be lying before going in.
Close your eyes before you go in and keep them shut until you come out, I am not claustrophobic but the roof is just above your nose.
It can be hard to hear what they are telling you so ask what instructions they will be giving you in advance.
Close your eyes before you go in and keep them shut until you come out, I am not claustrophobic but the roof is just above your nose.
It can be hard to hear what they are telling you so ask what instructions they will be giving you in advance.
What are your symptoms?
I've had lower back issues for 15 years. My doctor only took me seriously after I started getting numbness in my crotch and ar$e, in addition to the sciatica and foot numbness I used to experience.
The MRI gave me some reassurance of a course of action, prior to that I was worried out of my mind.
I wish you all the best and I hope you get back to health as soon as possible!
I've had lower back issues for 15 years. My doctor only took me seriously after I started getting numbness in my crotch and ar$e, in addition to the sciatica and foot numbness I used to experience.
The MRI gave me some reassurance of a course of action, prior to that I was worried out of my mind.
I wish you all the best and I hope you get back to health as soon as possible!
Following.
I'm waiting to get the date of an MRI scan to try and diagnose what I've done, it may be a combination of legacy injury and a more recent one. I've never known pain like I had a couple of months ago. While that has, thankfully, gone the numbness in my right leg is certainly worse than it's ever been. This incident as I've taken to calling it has made me realise something is not right and I need to stop being a bloke; queue my second GP visit in probably 15+ years.
Oddly my GP practice rang the other day and I'm in this week for blood tests. Who knows.
Be interesting to hear how your MRI scan experience goes. It's all new to me and has raised my stress level slightly but purely because it's totally unknown territory for me, the last time I had something as simple as an x-ray was probably 25 years ago.
I'm waiting to get the date of an MRI scan to try and diagnose what I've done, it may be a combination of legacy injury and a more recent one. I've never known pain like I had a couple of months ago. While that has, thankfully, gone the numbness in my right leg is certainly worse than it's ever been. This incident as I've taken to calling it has made me realise something is not right and I need to stop being a bloke; queue my second GP visit in probably 15+ years.
Oddly my GP practice rang the other day and I'm in this week for blood tests. Who knows.
Be interesting to hear how your MRI scan experience goes. It's all new to me and has raised my stress level slightly but purely because it's totally unknown territory for me, the last time I had something as simple as an x-ray was probably 25 years ago.
Mr_J said:
Following.
I'm waiting to get the date of an MRI scan to try and diagnose what I've done, it may be a combination of legacy injury and a more recent one. I've never known pain like I had a couple of months ago. While that has, thankfully, gone the numbness in my right leg is certainly worse than it's ever been. This incident as I've taken to calling it has made me realise something is not right and I need to stop being a bloke; queue my second GP visit in probably 15+ years.
Oddly my GP practice rang the other day and I'm in this week for blood tests. Who knows.
Be interesting to hear how your MRI scan experience goes. It's all new to me and has raised my stress level slightly but purely because it's totally unknown territory for me, the last time I had something as simple as an x-ray was probably 25 years ago.
"Stop being a bloke" is the advice I'd go back in time to give myself. Competitve sports, rolling around the driveway, working in heavy industry... stop being that tI'm waiting to get the date of an MRI scan to try and diagnose what I've done, it may be a combination of legacy injury and a more recent one. I've never known pain like I had a couple of months ago. While that has, thankfully, gone the numbness in my right leg is certainly worse than it's ever been. This incident as I've taken to calling it has made me realise something is not right and I need to stop being a bloke; queue my second GP visit in probably 15+ years.
Oddly my GP practice rang the other day and I'm in this week for blood tests. Who knows.
Be interesting to hear how your MRI scan experience goes. It's all new to me and has raised my stress level slightly but purely because it's totally unknown territory for me, the last time I had something as simple as an x-ray was probably 25 years ago.
t that offers to help everyone move house, etc.My right foot is currently tingling and I haven't done anything
Thank you to everyone for their replies. I’m not too worried about the MRI more what it finds. Getting a proper diagnosis will be a relief though.
Fully expecting some signs of wear on my back similar to others years of running and playing football plus some pretty intense gym routines. Throw in a desk job it’s not the best combination really but you live and learn.
Certainly a bit calmer than last night. I have definitely struggled to deal with it over the past few years I was very fit and active before it happened.
Fully expecting some signs of wear on my back similar to others years of running and playing football plus some pretty intense gym routines. Throw in a desk job it’s not the best combination really but you live and learn.
Certainly a bit calmer than last night. I have definitely struggled to deal with it over the past few years I was very fit and active before it happened.
3GGy said:
What are your symptoms?
I've had lower back issues for 15 years. My doctor only took me seriously after I started getting numbness in my crotch and ar$e, in addition to the sciatica and foot numbness I used to experience.
The MRI gave me some reassurance of a course of action, prior to that I was worried out of my mind.
I wish you all the best and I hope you get back to health as soon as possible!
Symptoms have been lots of muscle tightness in my lower back, hips, glutes, sore knees, tingling in my legs that’s been getting worse. Muscle spasms in my lower back / quads. When it first went three years ago I definitely felt something pop the pain was unbelievable. I've had lower back issues for 15 years. My doctor only took me seriously after I started getting numbness in my crotch and ar$e, in addition to the sciatica and foot numbness I used to experience.
The MRI gave me some reassurance of a course of action, prior to that I was worried out of my mind.
I wish you all the best and I hope you get back to health as soon as possible!
Really struggled to walk at times and can almost seize up at times. Worst has been being in bed for three days and couldn’t walk to the end of the drive pain was awful.
Confident I am at least now seeing someone who knows what they are talking about.
paw270 said:
Thank you to everyone for their replies. I’m not too worried about the MRI more what it finds. Getting a proper diagnosis will be a relief though.
Fully expecting some signs of wear on my back similar to others years of running and playing football plus some pretty intense gym routines. Throw in a desk job it’s not the best combination really but you live and learn.
Certainly a bit calmer than last night. I have definitely struggled to deal with it over the past few years I was very fit and active before it happened.
Similar to me. I actually chucked ny desk job due to my back and found something that got me on my feet all day moving around. Much better for it. Although i'm far from where I was in my mid 20's, (approaching 40 now) I've kind of made peace with it.Fully expecting some signs of wear on my back similar to others years of running and playing football plus some pretty intense gym routines. Throw in a desk job it’s not the best combination really but you live and learn.
Certainly a bit calmer than last night. I have definitely struggled to deal with it over the past few years I was very fit and active before it happened.
Worst thing is, driving a manual upsets my sciatica!
Dixy said:
If this is your first time for an MRI 3 suggestions, look at the machine and where you are going to be lying before going in.
Close your eyes before you go in and keep them shut until you come out, I am not claustrophobic but the roof is just above your nose.
It can be hard to hear what they are telling you so ask what instructions they will be giving you in advance.
I'd agree with the bit in bold, I think you could 'talk' yourself into a major panic attack very easily Close your eyes before you go in and keep them shut until you come out, I am not claustrophobic but the roof is just above your nose.
It can be hard to hear what they are telling you so ask what instructions they will be giving you in advance.
I had an x-ray in April as an initial investigation into lower back pain. The results from this were:
Intervertebral disc space narrowing at L5-S1 level.
Facet joint osteoarthritis is seen at L5-S1.
Possible Pars defect (stress/overuse fracture) at L5.
Most people by 40 will apparently show some degeneration but, my pain and discomfort has got worse, in particularly the last 7/8 months.
My GP arranged for me to see the in house Physio and she arranged for me to have an MRI scan . I had this last week and i am waiting to see if that shows a Pars defect and anything else. She mentioned that i might be be offered a x-ray guided steroid injection in the area.
I am 52 and have had a physically demanding job for nearly 30 years plus i've been working out for 33 years as well. I used to train quite heavy when younger ( and probably not best form at squats etc at times!) but, the last few years i train (or did!) more with lighter weights/bodyweight exercises like higher intensity resistance training, so i am not surprised things are wearing out!
I really have to watch what i can do now and stuff i did a year ago, i cant now. Its a bit of a bugger with work as i start off ok but by later after bending/lifting/stretching for a while, i really struggle at times and get sharp pains from little movement. I get out of the van sometimes at the end of the day and really struggle to walk properly.
It was my first MRI, and i must admit, i did start getting a bit nervous with the narrowness of the machine (didn't think i would), particularly when the radiographer decided i needed to be a little bit further inside. The thing makes some bloody weird, loud noises as well. I was in it about 30 minutes . Glad to get out of the thing but, not that bad really and me just being soft.
Hope all goes well for you.
Intervertebral disc space narrowing at L5-S1 level.
Facet joint osteoarthritis is seen at L5-S1.
Possible Pars defect (stress/overuse fracture) at L5.
Most people by 40 will apparently show some degeneration but, my pain and discomfort has got worse, in particularly the last 7/8 months.
My GP arranged for me to see the in house Physio and she arranged for me to have an MRI scan . I had this last week and i am waiting to see if that shows a Pars defect and anything else. She mentioned that i might be be offered a x-ray guided steroid injection in the area.
I am 52 and have had a physically demanding job for nearly 30 years plus i've been working out for 33 years as well. I used to train quite heavy when younger ( and probably not best form at squats etc at times!) but, the last few years i train (or did!) more with lighter weights/bodyweight exercises like higher intensity resistance training, so i am not surprised things are wearing out!
I really have to watch what i can do now and stuff i did a year ago, i cant now. Its a bit of a bugger with work as i start off ok but by later after bending/lifting/stretching for a while, i really struggle at times and get sharp pains from little movement. I get out of the van sometimes at the end of the day and really struggle to walk properly.
It was my first MRI, and i must admit, i did start getting a bit nervous with the narrowness of the machine (didn't think i would), particularly when the radiographer decided i needed to be a little bit further inside. The thing makes some bloody weird, loud noises as well. I was in it about 30 minutes . Glad to get out of the thing but, not that bad really and me just being soft.
Hope all goes well for you.
3GGy said:
"Stop being a bloke" is the advice I'd go back in time to give myself. Competitve sports, rolling around the driveway, working in heavy industry... stop being that tt that offers to help everyone move house, etc.
This. Although equally well sitting in a chair and doing nothing is just as bad.t that offers to help everyone move house, etc.Keep moving. Low impact stuff. Walking (in cushioned shoes) and swimming. Perhaps some sensible cycling.
MRI is unlikely to answer much at all. My surgeon was extremely blunt, saying "I know which prospective patients need surgery; they're the ones who have difficulty walking into the room". She also said, "the thing about NHS and back pain is that if you make the waiting list long enough most people will get better".
If you have any doubts check out this excellent "self help" book,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Treat-Your-Back-Robin-McK...
No, it's not easy. Mind and body in partnership. Good luck!
3GGy said:
What are your symptoms?
I've had lower back issues for 15 years. My doctor only took me seriously after I started getting numbness in my crotch and ar$e, in addition to the sciatica and foot numbness I used to experience.
The MRI gave me some reassurance of a course of action, prior to that I was worried out of my mind.
I wish you all the best and I hope you get back to health as soon as possible!
So they should take you seriously - saddle anaesthesia as you’ve described is a cauda equina syndrome red flag. Anyone with a history of low back pain and/or sciatia experiencing altered neurology in the pelvic area including bladder or bowel disturbances should get to a doctor or A&E as an emergency, as irreversible nerve damage can set in very rapidly indeed.I've had lower back issues for 15 years. My doctor only took me seriously after I started getting numbness in my crotch and ar$e, in addition to the sciatica and foot numbness I used to experience.
The MRI gave me some reassurance of a course of action, prior to that I was worried out of my mind.
I wish you all the best and I hope you get back to health as soon as possible!
Tango13 said:
Dixy said:
If this is your first time for an MRI 3 suggestions, look at the machine and where you are going to be lying before going in.
Close your eyes before you go in and keep them shut until you come out, I am not claustrophobic but the roof is just above your nose.
It can be hard to hear what they are telling you so ask what instructions they will be giving you in advance.
I'd agree with the bit in bold, I think you could 'talk' yourself into a major panic attack very easily Close your eyes before you go in and keep them shut until you come out, I am not claustrophobic but the roof is just above your nose.
It can be hard to hear what they are telling you so ask what instructions they will be giving you in advance.
OP, you have done the right thing in getting a private consultation. Like it or not the NHS seems to put non-critical stuff in a holding pattern so paying is the only way forward.
I had did my back in 30 years ago, could not even stand up. Took weeks to calm down and for years I went to see Physio's and GP etc, none of them did any good.
Eventually I started Alexander Technique for another reason and I am now completely sorted, I have zero back pain and if I ever do strain it I know how to resolve it myself . I have learnt how to use my body and make good use.
Even if there is an underlying issue good posture will help reduce the impact.
One of the things I used to find was that when I had back pain I would tend to protect it by stiffening up and tensing my muscles to protect against the pain.
I now do the opposite, learn to let go of the tension and relax the muscles.
Eventually I started Alexander Technique for another reason and I am now completely sorted, I have zero back pain and if I ever do strain it I know how to resolve it myself . I have learnt how to use my body and make good use.
Even if there is an underlying issue good posture will help reduce the impact.
One of the things I used to find was that when I had back pain I would tend to protect it by stiffening up and tensing my muscles to protect against the pain.
I now do the opposite, learn to let go of the tension and relax the muscles.
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