[AngelStar]

Hello everybody. I’m sorry that this is long, But I like to be detailed because I’m desperate for help. My problem started in 2001. I took a nasty fall on a patch of ice at my hairdressers. I wasn’t in a lot of pain, so I went to work that night. I was waitressing at the time. I was working 14-15 hour shifts, and I’m sure that didn’t help. But the pain didn’t kick in real bad until a couple of months after the fall. I went to the walk in clinic, where I was told it was just strain from waitressing and being on my feet. Given some pills and sent on my way. After a while it didn’t get any better, so I went to my family doctor, where I was told the same thing. Within a year, I had been to 3 doctors, 2 orthopedic surgeons, a neurologist, and a physical therapist. I was no better. Almost a year after the fall, I was in such awful pain that my girlfriend took me to the ER. They finally did X-rays, and I was told I had a stress fracture of the L1 vertebrae. They also told me it should have healed.

Now, in between then and now, I have also been to 2 Chiropractors. The most recent one told me I was just out of alignment. I did go through treatment – but it didn’t help. She took X-rays, and told me the fracture had healed, and that wasn’t the problem. I am in so much pain, and I just feel like I’m out of options. I just don’t know what to do. The pain goes right through my back. Earlier, it was my upper back. Now it’s my mid to lower back. I don’t even know how to describe it, really. Sometimes it’s a deep, burning pain. Sometimes it feels like I need to stretch – but that doesn’t help. I mowed the lawn yesterday, and now my back is in knots. I can’t afford a lot as far as going to the hospital, because I have horrible health insurance. I’m at the point where I need a second job, but can’t do much. I can’t go back to waitressing, because I fear my back can’t handle it. But I also can’t handle sitting at a desk for 8 hours like I do now.

Anybody have any suggestions? Do I go to the hospital anyway? Or do I go to my family doctor and tell him I need X-rays and such done? He’s the type to just give you a pill and send you on your merry way. Thanks to anybody who can offer any help!

[Credendovidis]

Dear AngelStar]

Sorry to hear of your problems.
The first visit should be to your (or another) MD. Most people here are very helpful and well-willing, but not trained medical doctors.

[AngelStar]

Thank you. Yes, I know most aren't trained medical doctors. I was just looking for some advice, because I just am at a loss as to what to do.

Dear AngelStar]

Sorry to hear of your problems.
The first visit should be to your (or another) MD. Most people here are very helpfull and well-willing, but not trained medical doctors.

[ISneezeFunny]

I'm not entirely sure how a chiropractor (no offense to chiros out there... but there's no MD in that) can tell you that your stress fracture's healed. Stress fractures range in sizes, but many times, are hairline fractures that are difficult to see if they even exist.

I suggest cutting out the chiros, go see an orthopedic surgeon. Find one that'll listen to your problems and not just load you up with meds. Best wishes.

[AngelStar]

Love the user name! :p Thank you to you too. My Godmother actually suggested that. At this point, I don't care if I only have crap health insurance. I have to do something. I'm only 29, and I feel like I'm going on 70!

I'm not entirely sure how a chiropractor (no offense to chiros out there...but there's no MD in that) can tell you that your stress fracture's healed. Stress fractures range in sizes, but many times, are hairline fractures that are difficult to see if they even exist.

I suggest cutting out the chiros, go see an orthopedic surgeon. Find one that'll listen to your problems and not just load you up with meds. Best wishes.

[ISneezeFunny]

Good. In the meantime, I suggest exercising your back a little bit to strengthen and stretch the muscles around it to help with the pain a little bit. Since your back is damaged, I suggest exercising your back in the water or doing VERY VERY VERY light stretching/core work. Best wishes.

[Choux]

It appears that you will have to get your weight way down... and exercise with a fitness coach so you get all your torso muscles very strong. I don't see any other way.

Then, you have to practice positive thinking; that really helps. :)

Best wishes,

[AngelStar]

No offense - but where did the "get your weight way down" come from? I am a bit overweight, but never said that. I also can't afford a fitness coach. But thanks anyway. :)

It appears that you will have to get your weight way down...and exercise with a fitness coach so you get all your torso muscles very strong. I don't see any other way.

Then, you have to practice positive thinking; that really helps. :)

Best wishes,

[Choux]

The most common causes of back pain are being overweight, or out of shape, or being negative about something(s) in one's life.

That's all. :)