Back pain

I know everyone gets it from time to time, I've had it for years, but up until recently I've always managed to work it off.
In my case its at the base of my spine, it aches. but the worst part is that after standing for a couple of hours it all locks up solid, and any movement is then really difficult and very painful..

I had about 6 sessions of physio privately back in the summer, whilst wait for the NHS to get themselves in gear, I've now had 6, 10 minute sessions on the NHS.They suggested I joined their back class, held at 2pm once a week, yeah my employer would love that, or I should join a gym.
The last thing I want to do in the evenings is go to a gym, after working all day I just need to sit down.

I'm getting worse, and I told them so, so I got a message, "see your GP again", from the physio people.
I've been going round in circles for 6 months now, painful circles, I only get relief when sitting or laying down.
My left foot is now getting pins and needles.

Any ideas as to what to do next would be helpful

 

Have you been tested for osteoarthritis? I see you work in joinery. My dad's a retired cabinet maker. He was having the same trouble when he was in his 50's so the doc tested him for arthritis...it involved a blood test. The result was positive for osteoarthritis and the doc said it was caused by the wear and tear of his job. Might be worth getting tested.

 

I've had an X ray on my knees in the last three years.
They said it was Arthritis, but that seems to mean you are just worn out, so get on with it.

My Knees, got an injection, difficult to say if it was beneficial, as my back is now so bad, my knees dont hurt anymore. If that makes sense.

 

I have had back pain for years too. When I changed doctors I told him about it, and I got sent for an MRI scan. After 5 years I got referred to a specialist, who told me that I have excess wear on my spine and 2 elongated discs. The cause of which is because I am 6ft 2 and had been bent over the wing of a car for 12 years. I had some physio, changed career and now don't suffer as much. The symptom you describe sound very similar to mine.

Rusty

 

I had chronic back pain so I went to see a Chiropractor that was recommended to me. After watching me walk and a poke around he told me that my neck was the problem. I broke the fourth vertebrae 25 years ago and have suffered neck problems ever since. He worked my upper spine a bit, worked with me on my posture, and advised me on sleep conditions etc and my back is so much better!
Maybe your knee condition is causing your back issues as we subconciously compensate for ailments and can compromise our spinal well being. Just a thought.

 

You probably won't think this is much help but have you tried heat pads on your back when you lie down? I have found heat to be so therapeutic. Also are you wearing good supportive shoes?
My Son has just starting wearing Asics shoes as he has got sciatica.

Val

 

I have suffered with back pain for a number of years now,due to when I was working on the farms (1952 -1962) On threshing days I used to carry corn from the age of 16,any these where from 16st to 22st per bag and if it was a good day your share could be from 80 to 90 bags; Also we used to have to pull turnips in the winter month's which was very back aching.Then spent 40 years in the building trade.I went to the G.P. who sent me to see a chap who dealt in back pain.I now have acupuncture every 6 weeks and also injections in my lower spine about every 3 years and this has helped me a lot.

 

I give these to my labrador who could hardly walk and I am STUNNED at the difference it has made, he is like a young dog again!!!

Val

 

I take them as well for my knees , which have improved quite a bit . I think it is a 1000mg combined dose tablet. The medics claim they have little effect , seem to work for me though

 

I did try Glucosomine, actually my doctor said try it, it works for some people.
I tried it for three months but it had no effect on my knees at the time, not tried it now my back is bad though.
I think I'm having trouble conveying the message to my doctor that its not just a backache, its stopping me working and its stopping me doing what I need to do.

 

Yes, like I have said it works VERY well on my labrador, which definitely proves it cannot just be psychological!!

Val

 

Except you could be imagining you've noticed an improvement!