Seeking Guidance on Chronic Back Pain
Age: 29 years Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 11 inches Weight: Roughly 300 pounds Health Concerns: The only clearly identified medical condition is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Current Medications: Presently, no prescribed medications; I manage discomfort with CBD/THC and ibuprofen. Key Background: - At approximately 13 years old, I sustained a back injury. Since then, I have experienced intermittent mild to moderate back pain. - In March 2020, I was diagnosed with H. Pylori, which went unchecked for around six months, resulting in my weight dropping from 312 pounds to about 260 pounds. It was during this period that my back pain intensified to a constant and severe level. - The pain predominantly affects my lumbar region, extending to my shoulders and down my legs; however, sciatica has been ruled out. - While I have been advised of several potential diagnoses, including Lumbar spondylosis, sacroiliitis, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and conditions potentially associated with my Rheumatoid Arthritis, these are not formally documented. - I underwent seven sessions of physical therapy, but the regimen primarily consisted of being positioned in front of a water jet in the pool. - My medical journey includes consultations with three primary care physicians, four rheumatologists, and over three specialists in spine and pain management. - I possess x-rays that can be shared if deemed necessary. I struggle to stand for more than five minutes due to the intensity of the pain, which often brings me to tears. The same applies to walking—any form of movement exacerbates the pain to varying extents. On rare occasions, I might rate my pain as a low 6 out of 10, but more typically, it's around an 8, escalating to 9 during physical activity. Currently, I find myself in a new location, searching for new healthcare providers. While I await appointments with them, I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations. What key factors should I be aware of, and what tests should I consider advocating for? I'm feeling overwhelmed after years of struggling to address this issue, and my inability to work persists until there is a significant reduction in pain. The inconsistency in diagnosis and documentation has become an obstacle to receiving the help I need. Any advice would be invaluable.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 5:30:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the persistent back pain you're experiencing, especially given the impact it has on your daily life. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when facing such a complex situation with many consulting doctors and ongoing pain. Let's break this down and focus on actionable next steps you can take as you seek new healthcare providers.
Main Points:
- Chronic pain relief strategies can be explored while awaiting new healthcare appointments.
- Essential diagnostic tests should be considered to help clarify your condition.
- Self-management techniques may provide temporary relief during this transition.
Explanation:
Your history of back pain, especially with the diagnoses of Rheumatoid Arthritis, can contribute to the complexities of your symptoms. Chronic pain conditions often require a multi-faceted approach to manage. Given the persistence and severity of your pain, along with your existing medical background, focusing on both immediate relief methods and advocating for appropriate assessments is crucial. The goal is to alleviate your symptoms and gather more information that will guide effective treatment.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management Strategies:
- Heat/Cold Therapy: Experiment with heat packs or cold compresses on your lower back, as both can provide temporary relief.
- Gentle Movement: Try gentle stretching or yoga geared toward back pain relief, only if it doesn’t exacerbate your pain. Start with very basic stretches that focus on flexibility, such as cat-cow stretches or seated stretches.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Consider mindfulness meditation or breathing exercises to help manage pain perception. This can be particularly useful since chronic pain can be exacerbated by stress.
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Advocate for Diagnostic Tests:
- Keep a record of your pain levels and patterns to share with your new healthcare providers.
- Discuss the possibility of obtaining MRI imaging of your lumbar spine to evaluate soft tissue structures (discs, ligaments) and assess for conditions like degenerative disc disease or spondylosis that weren't confirmed by X-rays.
- Ask about further blood tests that check inflammation markers (like ESR and CRP) that can indicate disease activity related to your Rheumatoid Arthritis.
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Documentation:
- Create a detailed summary of your medical history, including past treatments, medications, physical therapy sessions, and any documented findings. This can help new healthcare providers quickly understand your case.
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Research New Providers:
- While waiting for your appointments, it might be helpful to identify providers that specialize in complex pain management or have experience working with patients who have Rheumatoid Arthritis and chronic pain conditions. Look for reviews or patient feedback to find someone you feel could understand your needs better.
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Support Networks:
- Consider joining support groups for people with chronic pain or Rheumatoid Arthritis. This can provide emotional support as well as practical advice from others who’ve experienced similar challenges.
Final Note:
I understand how tough this can be, especially with the interplay of chronic pain and the ongoing quest for a solution. Your next steps involve both self-care methods to cope with the pain and being proactive in your medical evaluations. Please remember that you are not alone in this, and it’s okay to seek help and voice your concerns with healthcare providers. If anything changes or if your symptoms escalate, adjust your approach promptly.
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