What kind of doctor should I find?

Posted by nikatnyte4 @nikatnyte4, Oct 1 8:26pm

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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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | Oct 2 9:08am

Have they done any MRIs in order to try and pinpoint the issue's?

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Oct 2 9:36am

I found a private practice neurologist who came up with a good treatment plan for my pain. It wouldn't hurt to schedule a visit with one. I wish you well.

arcuri24 | @arcuri24 | Oct 2 9:43am

Has your husband tried an acupuncturist or physiatrist? I am dealing with back and glute pain and after having an MRI of my lumbar spine, the acupuncturist started treatment and also made suggestions for diet, including vitamin supplementation and exercise. Like your husband, I wish to avoid surgery. I also have some autoimmune disease so treating me is challenging. My doctor does not want me to take cortisone injections. Your husband is lucky to have you by his side. I wish you success in the healing process.

nikatnyte4 | @nikatnyte4 | Oct 2 5:07pm

In reply to @bajjerfan "Have they done any MRIs in order to try and pinpoint the issue's?" + (show)

@bajjerfan Yes, he's had an MRI. It's typical lower back compression, spinal stenosis, complicated by some arthritis.

nikatnyte4 | @nikatnyte4 | Oct 2 5:10pm

In reply to @arcuri24 "Has your husband tried an acupuncturist or physiatrist? I am dealing with back and glute pain..." + (show)

@arcuri24 He visited an acupuncturist many years ago, but it didn't seem to bring him much relief. I wonder if it might work differently today. I'm coincidentally finding about new options--DNTF chiropractic, therapy/PA combination--more and more, and know the range of options is changing very rapidly. That's why I'd like to see someone who has a grasp of the landscape and can make recommendations.

laura1970 | @laura1970 | Oct 2 6:10pm

I second the psyiatrist (rehab doctor) idea

arcuri24 | @arcuri24 | Oct 3 5:28am

In reply to @nikatnyte4 "@arcuri24 He visited an acupuncturist many years ago, but it didn't seem to bring him much..." + (show)

@nikatnyte4

I am not familiar with the new options you mentioned. Can you explain what they are? I had one treatment of acupuncture--five needles in a knotted glute muscle. It is two days later and I am still sore. The doctor said this would be the case but its really uncomfortable and I may not continue--he said I would need 20 treatments. I now believe that the pains I experience may be due to my autoimmune disease. Not every mode of treatment can work for everyone.

spillihped | @spillihped | Oct 4 10:24am

Has your husband gone to an osteopath or physiatrist (physical medicine doc)?

Osteopaths have the same training as M.D.'s, but have additional training in muscular/soft tissue manipulation and other gentle modalities.
Physical medicine docs (physiatrists) specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, focusing on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect mobility and function, such as pain, injuries, and disabilities. They develop personalized treatment plans that often include nonsurgical options.

I hope your husband can find some help.

Chiara