Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms OOoh , Mi backs knackered !

Hi Bonesie
Totally empathise with you - combination of hyper mobility, early facet joint degeneration and osteoarthritis means chronic pain (ie permanently). Certain times worse than others especially over last 17 years or so. Used a chiropractor in Stamford for about 13 years (practising “McTiminee” chiropracty I think it was called) until moved jobs in 2015. Had previously seen several when lived in/near Ipswich, none were that good and most seemed to feel (bar the last one in Stamford who was good) that the louder the crack of joints, the better. Didn’t really seem to make a permanent difference in all honesty.
Used a chartered physio for last 10 years (and only the physio in last 3 years) and she has been the best so far (has had to deal with persistent back/neck issues) and I see her prob every 2-3 months (unless full flare up/spasm, as has been the case since 1st sept - ankle operation really could have been better timed!!!). She really keeps/gets me mobile and also helps with exercises, that I do at home/at desk, to reduce flare ups from every 3 or 4 months previously to only once a year or so now where I’m properly knackered for more than a day or three. Still have to take the strong painkillers fairly regularly (cocodemol 30 mg) except when I know I’m going to be driving but this is carefully rationed to prevent addiction!
Worth trying two or three recommendations from friends in my opinion until you find the one you connect with the most. I would also say that I tend to be a bit worse initially after treatment then have a rapid improvement in the following hours post treatment.
Good luck old chap-backs are ruddy tedious!!!! Apologies for the long and boring reply!!!
HB

Cheers guys, sounds encouraging.

The one I am seeing does the McTimoney method so the low impact version ! They also do acupuncture to stimulate the muscles or something !?!
The place has good reviews and is local so its worth a punt to see if it helps.

+1 for McTimoney and Acupuncture.

Bonesie I know how you feel,

I have had a back problem for more years than I can remember, my last problem was a few years back now but it was sooo bad that I needed to take my weight off my legs by supporting my self with my arms on two adjacent cupboards. The pain was so acute it felt as if I was wearing a weightlifting belt around my lower back and Geoff Capes was pulling it tighter and tighter, to the point of falling over. I staggered into a Chiro and after 30 minutes I was literally skipping back to the car. She was amazing and very gentle, she also gave me 3 options:

1) Keep laying bricks and live in pain.

2) Keep laying bricks come to see me often and make me a rich woman.

3) Stop laying bricks.

It would appear that from early 20's the spinal column starts to fuse together at the top, we all want to bend over to the same degree so the remaining vertebrae have to flex further than they should and this results in back problems as we go through life.

While we are on the subject can I say that about a year ago I had a shoulder problem (rotator cuff) after seeing my doctor he put me in touch with NHS physiotherapist, after a few visits and getting nowhere (1 visit every 2 weeks) I decided to see a Chiropractor who also practices acupuncture (private £40 a session) well what a difference, 3 visits in the first week followed by 2 a week then 1 a week till it was 1 visit per month leading to full recovery. This was the best money I have ever spent and acupuncture is amazing (and it doesn't hurt you really don't feel a thing). A long soak twice a week with Epsom Salts was another God send as it puts back Magnesium which is missing from modern day diets.

Hope this helps as untill you have experienced a back problem you have no idea what that person is going through......

I recommend that you don't see an alternative practitioner until your back has been assessed by a physiotherapist, who will determine if you need an X-ray or MRI scan to exclude serious degenerative problems such as spinal stenosis. Much harm can otherwise be done.

It all really depends on what the issue is that is causing the discomfort. If you are out of alignment i.e. when standing straight up your body is not vertical through the spine and hips then a good physio will sort you. A chiropractor will do the same but they don't have the same stringent qualifications so as said before be careful. If the issue is nerves or muscle related then laser treatment (It is used on race horses and athletes) can be very good along with acupuncture. The best advice is find a practice that deals with the local sports teams athletes, they will be good, they have too much to lose if they screw up.

I hurt my back 20 years ago.
Someone recommended trying Tai Chi.
As long as I do a little every day my back pain stays away.
If I miss a few days the twinges start to reappear.

You will only start with an chiropractor if it realy hurts an notting else helps.... and than , .....why didn t I start 5 years earlier.
2 , 3 times a year for me.

Stefan

I’ve had great success with a McTimoney method chiro so recommended. What I haven’t done is go back to him every six months or so which would be beneficial.

I have only recently started having back pain.I guess it happens after 70 years of abuse!! Years ago I bought an inversion table so now I get on it and after 3 or 4 minutes of hanging upside down I'm good for another week or so. See if you can try one out, it may be all you need.