My wife has ongoing chronic lower back problems and has seen the doctor several times. She only seems to get any relief from acute pain by seeing an osteopath at her own expense. He doctor seems reticent about referring her to any kind of specialist. How best to ensure she actually gets proper treatment? The doctor seems to take the view that there is "not much you can do really" which isn't bloody good enough.
Bike Forum
How to get back pain dealt with on the NHS
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Posted 8 months ago #
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often there isn't much that can be done, get her into a regular yoga or core stability class.
invest twice as much in her as you have on your bike and you'll see 10 times the reward.Posted 8 months ago # -
the only possible way that I can think of to get satisfactory treatment for anything on the NHS these days is as a trauma patient.. the only other way that might work is to forceably take the entire wing that deals with your complaint hostage using heavy weaponry and explosives in a scene remeniscent of the die hard movies and threaten to kill a patient or member of staff every 12 hours until your complaint is investigated thoroughly by an experienced person with the appropriate training and qualifications..
Posted 8 months ago # -
Where I am we can self-refer to NHS physio, from there you get a diganosis that either involves exercises or referral back to GP for the next stage, i.e. hospital.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I went to my gp, he referred me to a physio, had 6 treatments with ultra sounds etc - definitely helped
Posted 8 months ago # -
Self referral to physio if it's available in your area. It may take the form of - phone up the self-referral number, speak to a physio who will decide how urgent your problem is, if physio is the best route to go down, or whether to refer you on to a suitable medical specialist.
If that's not available, tell the GP that you want referred to a physio. Dont think that they're allowed to refuse.
Posted 8 months ago # -
they may not be able to refuse but they will try every other cheaper option first as each referal costs the practice a fortune.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I had the same treatment as Viv without the ultrasound, saw a physio for 8 months and barely did anything. Paid for two sessions with a private practice and was feeling dandy again. I find the NHS is very cautious when it comes to touching/manipulating you to be honest.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I don't know what your wife's situation is but I had chronic back pain from work and the way I fixed it was a personel trainer and lots of core work. Two years on and I don't have to take time off once a month to lie on the couch and I can ride a hardtail again.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Of course a GP can refuse to refer to a physio - If they think it is of no purpose.
Chronic back pain is difficult to treat and there is often little that can be done. Look up the NICE recommendations
Posted 8 months ago # -
I'm with Taff. The NHS is cautious aboubt doing anything to anyone tbh. My wife went to see a chiropracter when the GP refused to do anything. I'm afraid your wife is on her own as far as treatment is concerned.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Thing is - the NHS deals in evidence based and cost effective practice. There is no good evidence base for osteopathy or chiropractic.
Look up the NICE guidelines - that is what the evidence suggests is a good way to proceed
Posted 8 months ago #
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