Chronic Lower Back Pain
Over the last 6 months I have developed lower back pain and I am struggling with my treatment options.
I have had multiple doctors appointments (10+). I have tried 14 different medications (Panadol, Panadol back and Neck Pain Ethical Nutrients Pain Relief, Voltaren, Duromine (to try to lose weight to help with pain management), Trammadol, Indocin, Nexium (due to reaction to Indocin), Lyrica 25mg, 50mg then 150mg tablets (up to 600mg a day), Codalgin, Ketorolac. I am now back on Trammadol (which makes me nauseous) and Atenolol (as the pain is causing stress and elevated blood pressure).
I've also been prescribed Celebrex, but can't afford it at the moment because I work casually and have had to take time off work due to pain and I also have a family history of thrombosis and am nervous about its side effects.
I've had an x-ray which shows early spondylotic changes in the lumbar vertebrae with mild scoliosis to left side. Degenerative disc disease at L5/S1 level with mild facet joint arthropathy at L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels. I've also had blood tests to check for arthritis which came back negative.
I live in a remote area so we have a visiting physio who comes to town once a month. His suggestion is to ask the doctor for a care plan for 5 visits to the private physio in town who has a Clinical Pilates background. However the doctor said they didn't provide care plans in Exmouth because they aren't a GP. The last GP I saw said that there is nothing that can be done and I just have to deal with it.
I've seen a private physio 4 times but am on a low income and can't afford to continue. I work casually and have had to take time off work due to the chronic pain. If there is no GP in town what are my options to get a care plan?
I'm very frustrated and in pain most of the time.
"Chronic Lower Back Pain"
About: Exmouth Health Service Exmouth Health Service Exmouth 6707
Posted by Chronic back pain (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Michele Young