I saw my spine dr. last week, and have a bulging disc in my neck (but she said it shouldn't cause issues), and inflammation in L4 and L5 in my spine. Everything else looked ok.
Had my first physical therapy session today, and the PT found that my right SI joint was totally seized up.... causing my back and left SI joint to do all the work.... probably causing inflammation at L4 and L5 and the random pain in my left SI joint. I don't know why the rheumy or back dr. couldn't have detected that! Anyway, she managed to get it moving, and I have exercises to keep the SI joint moving. I feel a huge difference already (yay!).
My neck is a little more problematic. We spent less time on it, but every time she tried to shift the disc and work on my neck, I got weird numbness down my back or up the side of my face. So for now I'm simply stretching my neck and keeping it and working on keeping it in neutral alignment. I go back on Thur, and twice a week for 3 weeks, then see the spine specialist again.
Interesting what the PT was able to find and do! The reason the spine doc and the rheumy didn’t figure that out is because they aren’t PTs! Seriously, I have a lot of respect for PTs and their expertise.
It’ll be interesting to see what the intensive work over the three weeks does for you. I hope you’ll feel like a new woman!
I know, I was pretty stunned that she could figure this out right away, and help shift things already!
I don't think I'll feel like a new woman (the rest of me still feels like I was run over by a garbage truck :) but I think my low back and neck will improve A LOT.
Seenie said:
Interesting what the PT was able to find and do! The reason the spine doc and the rheumy didn't figure that out is because they aren't PTs! Seriously, I have a lot of respect for PTs and their expertise. It'll be interesting to see what the intensive work over the three weeks does for you. I hope you'll feel like a new woman!
When I went to an orthopedist for my hips, he couldn't determine anything. The PT quickly figured out that there was instability in some directions, and WAY too tight in others. I'm a really firm believer in using therapy, and like you Marietta, I ask for a scrip for it. I don't wait for it to be suggested.
Wow, I am SORE this morning from everything readjusting in my SI area. Good sore, not inflamed sore. One of the most painful things for me with my recent back issue has been putting my 2nd leg into my pants. Somehow the bending and angle made it excruciating. This morning it felt REALLY odd when I got dressed, but the pain was down 90%. WOOT! :)