I injured my lower back last summer lifting something that was too heavy in an inappropriate way (using back and not legs). Since February I have had a reoccuring injury about every three weeks. I try to be very aware of my body mechanics and do stretches every day, and I also work out. (Of course, when this happens my workouts are reduced/limited/ and sometimes don’t happen). I consulted with my cousin, who is a physical therapist, and she recommended I contact my doctor to get an x-ray,and then go on getting a prescription for physical therapy. (She thinks I am doing something in my daily life I am unaware of and that the PT would help me prevent the problem from happening again…otherwise, it could get worse, and I am only 24.) Since today is Saturday and my doctor’s office is closed, I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not it was beneficial to do some light swimming when experiencing back injury. I am talking very very light, no bigtime strokes. I am at the point where I feel more stiff from referred pain than anything, but am continuing to ice and take the ibprofuen. Any advice would be helpful—thanks!

What should we pack with us in our hospital suitcase? Also, he is a fairly heavy smoker. He wants to quit, and we have ordered an herbal remedy to help him quit that is supposed to arrive the same day as the surgery. He is going to wake up from surgery feinding for a ciggarette, but I don’t think it will be wise for him to get up, go outside and smoke, especially since he is trying to quit b/c his back won’t heal well if he is still smoking (as the physical therapist has told us). He hates the patch (has used it before and we have some left), but should I bring it with us to the hospital and (with Dr.’s approval, of course), slap it on him before he wakes up? Or maybe when he wakes up?

does anyone know whether i should go to a chiropractor or a physical therapist as i am in a lot of pain after doing 2 months of treatment?

He said he’d do an MRI if the 6 weeks of PT didnt help. How can they diagnose a bulging disc without an MRI? Also, what will the physical therapist do?

I was in an auto accident three months ago. I still have back and neck pain. I was originally sent to physical therapy which didn’t help. My doc. then sent me to a chiropractor who has helped a little, but just can’t seem to fix it. He took X-rays and found I have spondylosis (I guess I already had it but didn’t know. It was just aggravated by the accident) and scoliosis (which I knew I had). Both of these things are complicating my healing from the accident. The chiro doc is really trying hard, but says I’m a challenge. If he can’t fix it, and the physical therapist couldn’t, what can be done? I’m only 40, and was healthy and active before. Will the other insurance company (the person who hit me) cover future medical expenses if I can’t fix it and will need chiro or ortho care in the future? I’m afraid to sign anything until I’m all the way better, but don’t want this to drag on forever either. Any advice is really helpful, because I really don’t know what to do. Thanks!

I was hit in the three months ago by a sixteen year-old who ran a red arrow turn light. She was cited and I was not. I did not think I was hurt at the accident, but realized that I had shoulder and neck pain later that night. I went to the urgent care through my doctor who gave me vicodin and a muscle relaxer, and then I went back in two weeks due to continuing pain. I was sent to a physical therapist, which I went to twice a week for the past few months, and once a week the last two weeks. My PT has given me stretching exercises to do at home but has said I am done with the treatment.

Her insurance has accepted liability and already paid for my car to be fixed (just under ,000) and for a rental car. They knew I was seeking treatment for the accident, and I am getting ready to send a letter asking them to request all my medical bills and records so they can offer a settlement. How much do you think my claim is worth?

The doc says shoulder bursitis, the physical therapist says rotator cuff impingement. (pinched nerve). I just wonder if I need an MRI for a diagnosis, or if all these are treated the same. Anyone have experience with this? I see the MD again in 2 days, thanks for your input.