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What kind of doctor should I find?
My husband has had chronic back pain for many years, and it's getting worse. (He's 80.) For years he's treated it with meds, but that only goes so far. I finally convinced him to see an orthopedist, but surgery is risky at his age, so he was referred to a back pain specialist. That doctor has tried a few procedures, none of which has worked. Here's my question: I'd love to find a professional who can assess my husband's condition, and make recommendations that cover the spectrum of care: medications, physical therapy, lifestyle issues, surgical procedures, muscular manipulation, diet, etc. Is there such a person? How do I find him/her?
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I attended the PRC program at Mayo Clinic in phoenix! Bet decision I ever made for my health!!
@arcuri24
If the acupuncture treatment does not work for you immediately and I do mean immediately you are wasting your time and money. Try a different acupuncturist
I'm still trying to find relief from pain in left hip and thigh. My PCP has told me that we have tried everything and I just need to live with it. I have been rejected by Mayo three times and have been to eight other doctors. The injections do nothing as though they are injecting saline. All anyone can say is "physical therapy" which I have done numerous times with minimal benefit. I guess my PCP is right. My only hope has been a regenerative medicine specialist. These treatments are NOT covered by insurance or Medicare. The injections are $3000 each. My husband thinks we should cut corners elsewhere and I should have the injections. I'm not convinced. Regenerative is talked about on Mayo's website as being "promising" but they stop short of recommending it.
@spillihped I'm not familiar with the terms osteopath (is that like a orthopedist?) or physiatrist. I'll check them out! Thanks!
@bunstuffer There are so many solutions available these days that I wouldn't be put off by anyone who tells you there's no hope, or it costs too much.
@nikatnyte4
Hi! An osteopath, a D.O., Doctor of Osteopathy, undergoes the same training as an M.D., ppus they have additional training in manual therapy/manipulation. They are GREAT!
Chiara
I hear many of you out there who are in pain, and have been told that "there is nothing else that can be done". While that may be true at the moment, it doesn't mean that some new therapy may come along at any moment. Keep looking! Don't lose hope. Hope keeps us going, day by day.
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2 Reactions@mtmred12
My health care covers the cost of treatment. I had one treatment and I will probably discontinue as the treatment left me sore. I am now looking into Active Release Therapy and more physical therapy. This is truly a challenge and I miss my long walks and other activities.
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2 ReactionsI was under the care of a knowledgeable and well regarded acupuncturist for an ankle injury that took many months to heal. Later I had TMJ, which took 3 treatments for an acupuncturist to wipe out.
I also was told by this same acupuncturist that some people are more sensitive to the needle than others.