vickster
Legendary Member
My GP is excellent as are the others in the practice
Maybe other patients didn’t need surgery? Similar to yourself. Almost all backpain doesn’t
MRI Report on my spine
- Thread starter kingrollo
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Maybe other patients didn’t need surgery? Similar to yourself. Almost all backpain doesn’t
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
Those stats are for all orthopedic surgiees - hip, knee, not just back - and injections count in that. Thats a large GP practice - typically six or 7 GPS consulting when open.
Had I not pushed - they would have just given me pain killers.
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
No just MRI tbh I think the diagnosis is correct. It's what to do now the injections have failed.
Rocky
Hello decadence
My GP is excellent. I currently have back problems and have recently had an MRI. The GP referred me to a spinal surgeon who ordered the MRI. At the follow up appointment the specialist gave me the diagnosis and talked through treatment options. See your GP (or change to a new one). You should be getting specialist advice about the scan. You should not have to interpret it yourself. Given the risk of paralysis and incontinence from an L4/L5 prolapse, I’d seek help sooner rather than later.
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
No what I meant was if I moved GP I would have to stay under the same CCG - it is they who set the criteria for when a condition gets surgery - or when you are referred. See procedures of low clinical priority policies.
DCBassman
Guru
- Location
- The lumpy far South West
CCGs can be overridden if you push. Push. Very hard, if neccessary!
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
Oh yes - I did that to get MRI - in some ways that s why I stay with current GP - they know I push if needs be..
Rusty Nails
We remember
- Location
- Living in the slow lane
Orthopaedic surgery is a serious option that doesn't always lead to reduction in pain. It may well be right that your doctor does not refer a lot of patients for surgery. Incidentally can a GP refer someone for surgery, or just refer them to a specialist for more expert examination?
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
I wouldn't think all referrals for orthopedic services lead to surgery.
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
The problem I have is that I seem to have both disc and facet problems.
My private Physio has given me some excercise s but told me to avoid backward bends as this closes the facet joints - said cycling would be ok as leaning forward opens facet joints.
My concern now is that as the facet joint injections have failed - is this disc more of a problem than the facet joint ?
Following that theory then leaning forward isn't good for my back - so road biking might not be wise.
I have some more NHS physio coming up - so hopefully they can advise.
My private Physio has given me some excercise s but told me to avoid backward bends as this closes the facet joints - said cycling would be ok as leaning forward opens facet joints.
My concern now is that as the facet joint injections have failed - is this disc more of a problem than the facet joint ?
Following that theory then leaning forward isn't good for my back - so road biking might not be wise.
I have some more NHS physio coming up - so hopefully they can advise.
vickster
Legendary Member
However your stat of 60 referred specifically to referrals for surgery? GPs refer to orthopaedics for specialist opinions not specifically for surgery.
Do you get pain in your back when road cycling? What happens on a more upright bike?
Do you get pain in buttocks and backs of legs suggesting the discs are pressing on the nerves, either when active or at rest?
The injections which were presumably steroid only serve to reduce inflammation, they won’t heal damage to bones (the lack of inflammation should hopefully stop further damage but steroid can also be damaging which is why they restrict the number given)
Last edited:
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
The 60 was for referrals for orthopedic services.
Get a fair amount of buttock pain. On the bike typically I feel a few twinges in the first few miles - then fine really.
The problems start either later that day or the following day.
vickster
Legendary Member
Right, you said surgery, hence confusion.
What's the demographic around you? Younger? I'd expect most Orthopaedic referrals from GPS rather than A&E are older/ elderly. Example, my 74 year old mum has been having severe hip pain for months, she's tried physio but finally went back to GP on Tuesday. Went for x-ray same day. Got called yesterday, orthopaedic appointment on 20th. It can be quick if deemed urgent. She was perhaps lucky as there's a specialist elective Orthopaedic centre at the local trust. However, I think similarly Birmingham has an Orthopaedic hospital?
Hopefully the physio can get you back on track
persevere with the yoga, and make sure you try to have rest days in between active days to let any muscle paid/DOMS subside don't forget the ice and / or heat of course 
Last edited:
OP
OP
kingrollo
Guru
Right, you said surgery, hence confusion.
What's the demographic around you? Younger? I'd expect most Orthopaedic referrals from GPS rather than A&E are older/ elderly. Example, my 74 year old mum has been having severe hip pain for months, she's tried physio but finally went back to GP on Tuesday. Went for x-ray same day. Got called yesterday, orthopaedic appointment on 20th. It can be quick if deemed urgent. She was perhaps lucky as there's a specialist elective Orthopaedic centre at the local trust. However, I think similarly Birmingham has an Orthopaedic hospital?
Hopefully the physio can get you back on track
Reading on here - I don't actually do that many miles ! - I get up to about 100 a week in the summer months. Club training rides are 33 miles on Sat - and club runs 60 sun (I tend to do one or other!) - Right now 25 miles once a week and I would be happy with that.
Its the delayed pain - which makes it difficult - If I got on the bike and it hurt then of course I would stop - but the onset seems to be later - so never sure if it is the biking.
I would reluctantly quit cycling - but would really hate the resulting weight gain ! - couldn't run - and swimming seems to aggravate my back and neck
