Will, I had a very similar problem years ago, and cortisone shots helped a little. Then they recommended surgery and I did it. It was awful. When the problem recurred, I learned there are many different types of physical therapy. McKenzie PT was designed for these back injuries. I went to the nearest practitioner (which was in Troy, but maybe there’s someone closer to Glens Falls) and in three months they had me out of pain and able to do normal things. I still do the exercises they taught me. Since you’re stuck in waiting purgatory anyway, I figured I’d recommend it. Good luck. Back pain is awful.
Will, sometime ago when you first mentioned your problem I responded with a suggestion. My chiropractor recommended an inversion table, purchased one on Amazon for around $130.00 including shipping, handling, and sales tax. It was not the easiest to assemble, but I was able to do it alone. His recommendation was to use it twice a day set at 15 or 30 degrees. I chose 30 degrees. He had me get into the device & tilt all the way back & hold for 15-20 seconds. return to vertical for about 1 minute, then repeat the procedure. Just a suggestion, my diagnosis was similar to yours.
That is terrible. I think the barrier to your access to care is your insurance company. Requiring a 6 week wait like that before you could get the test you need is just awful.
I have had similar issues, my experience has been going on for close to 2 years. Our medical system ( in my opinion) is a mess. I don’t know the answers but I sure wish someone would find them🥴
Will, none of your commenters here are focusing on the point of your story - it’s not the pain, it’s the insurance company dictates of what care you are allowed to receive, and when. I’ve heard your story about PT being required before other measures from multiple acquaintances and friends. Think about it - your doctor, if you can get in to see one, cannot prescribe your course of treatment. Only your insurance company can. Health care is an issue that has gotten lost in the current political environment. And I don’t know if it’s regional, meaning a North Country problem, or has a bigger scope. But my health care over the past 18 years living in this area has gone very much downhill, even as my premiums have gone up and up and up. This is what happens when private industry is allowed to provide public services.
David, I apologize for my last sentence in the above post. It is not helpful for me to generalize criticisms or solutions. I honestly don’t know what the answers are.
It's too bad the the Insurance Companies rule the health care system. It all began in the late 1980's with "managed care". I've been in your predicament. Feel better, soon.
Twenty years ago, I suffered similar symptoms to yours. Lots of tests in the hospital, pain killers, muscle relaxers. Could not function, bedridden. One morning I decidedto go to my chiropractor who had treated me often for ruptured discs in the past, even though the pain I was suffering felt different from a rupture. In five minutes, he "cured" me. Several months ago, I experienced the throbbing, mind-bending pain down my leg. Sharp electrical currents like I was zapped by a cattle prod. I couldn't stand, walk or sit without pain. After many medical tests, nothing was diagnosed. My chiropractor of 30 years had retired. A friend recommended her chiropractor. It took three visits, but on the morning after the last I woke up completely pain free. You commented on a post I wrote. I replied via Facebook Messenger. Perhaps she can't help you, but what do you have to lose other than the excruciating pain you are suffering
I feel for you. I’ve had scoliosis, etc.. I’m reminded of that poor man several years ago that held up McCanns Pharmacy in Hudson Falls just to get a painkiller. Something should be done about it. Some insurance companies don’t help. That should change.
You have my sympathy, Mr. Doolittle. My wife and I were in a car accident last year, and I suffered sacral fractures. I do physical therapy exercises, but I still have days when my back is pretty painful. I've pretty much resigned myself that I will be this way for the rest of my life.
messed up my neck bad. insurance said 8 weeks PT before MRI. I said no PT until I get an MRI- SO i went to canada and spent my entire christmas budget on a skull to tailbone MRI. Now I know the horror I have to deal with and it would have been made worse by going to PT
Will, I had a very similar problem years ago, and cortisone shots helped a little. Then they recommended surgery and I did it. It was awful. When the problem recurred, I learned there are many different types of physical therapy. McKenzie PT was designed for these back injuries. I went to the nearest practitioner (which was in Troy, but maybe there’s someone closer to Glens Falls) and in three months they had me out of pain and able to do normal things. I still do the exercises they taught me. Since you’re stuck in waiting purgatory anyway, I figured I’d recommend it. Good luck. Back pain is awful.
Will, sometime ago when you first mentioned your problem I responded with a suggestion. My chiropractor recommended an inversion table, purchased one on Amazon for around $130.00 including shipping, handling, and sales tax. It was not the easiest to assemble, but I was able to do it alone. His recommendation was to use it twice a day set at 15 or 30 degrees. I chose 30 degrees. He had me get into the device & tilt all the way back & hold for 15-20 seconds. return to vertical for about 1 minute, then repeat the procedure. Just a suggestion, my diagnosis was similar to yours.
That is terrible. I think the barrier to your access to care is your insurance company. Requiring a 6 week wait like that before you could get the test you need is just awful.
It is so sad that we are now held captive by the insurance companies. Even the best ones can be a problem at times.
I have had similar issues, my experience has been going on for close to 2 years. Our medical system ( in my opinion) is a mess. I don’t know the answers but I sure wish someone would find them🥴
A most excellent resource "Pain Free" by Pete Egoscue. I would trust ANY physical therapist before MDs - yes, even for disc issues!
So sorry for the pain you’ve had to endure.
Will, none of your commenters here are focusing on the point of your story - it’s not the pain, it’s the insurance company dictates of what care you are allowed to receive, and when. I’ve heard your story about PT being required before other measures from multiple acquaintances and friends. Think about it - your doctor, if you can get in to see one, cannot prescribe your course of treatment. Only your insurance company can. Health care is an issue that has gotten lost in the current political environment. And I don’t know if it’s regional, meaning a North Country problem, or has a bigger scope. But my health care over the past 18 years living in this area has gone very much downhill, even as my premiums have gone up and up and up. This is what happens when private industry is allowed to provide public services.
Medicare for All ??????
David, I apologize for my last sentence in the above post. It is not helpful for me to generalize criticisms or solutions. I honestly don’t know what the answers are.
It's too bad the the Insurance Companies rule the health care system. It all began in the late 1980's with "managed care". I've been in your predicament. Feel better, soon.
Twenty years ago, I suffered similar symptoms to yours. Lots of tests in the hospital, pain killers, muscle relaxers. Could not function, bedridden. One morning I decidedto go to my chiropractor who had treated me often for ruptured discs in the past, even though the pain I was suffering felt different from a rupture. In five minutes, he "cured" me. Several months ago, I experienced the throbbing, mind-bending pain down my leg. Sharp electrical currents like I was zapped by a cattle prod. I couldn't stand, walk or sit without pain. After many medical tests, nothing was diagnosed. My chiropractor of 30 years had retired. A friend recommended her chiropractor. It took three visits, but on the morning after the last I woke up completely pain free. You commented on a post I wrote. I replied via Facebook Messenger. Perhaps she can't help you, but what do you have to lose other than the excruciating pain you are suffering
I feel for you. I’ve had scoliosis, etc.. I’m reminded of that poor man several years ago that held up McCanns Pharmacy in Hudson Falls just to get a painkiller. Something should be done about it. Some insurance companies don’t help. That should change.
I am so very sorry for the pain you have endured. I-retried at 70 and 4 days layer had a stroke. I am with you.
You have my sympathy, Mr. Doolittle. My wife and I were in a car accident last year, and I suffered sacral fractures. I do physical therapy exercises, but I still have days when my back is pretty painful. I've pretty much resigned myself that I will be this way for the rest of my life.
messed up my neck bad. insurance said 8 weeks PT before MRI. I said no PT until I get an MRI- SO i went to canada and spent my entire christmas budget on a skull to tailbone MRI. Now I know the horror I have to deal with and it would have been made worse by going to PT