Referrals are a death spiral!
 

I have chronic back pain and have seen four specialists ( orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, rheumatologist, and even a urologist). None of which know what's going on.

It feels like a spiral of doom. Every couple months I see a different specialist, carrying the results of tests another specialist pperformed. I actually have a backpack that contains all my medical records and I lug that around from appointment to appointment.

There must be a better way. I feel like my PCP is doing his best but this constant parade of referrals can't possibly be the norm.

Are there any suggestions regarding how to end this spiral? None of the MDs seem to want to take ownership of my condition.

Thanks

Can you describe your pain & the location, symptom etc?
Have you had any x rays or MRI yet? If so, do you have the written report?
Any PT or Chiropractor?

I have a constant grumbling backache but when I lean to the right I have excruciating pain. I also have numbness in my right glute.

I had x-rays done a couple years back. Recently I had an MRI that was "normal" but my PCP suggested the images weren't very good. However my insurance won't pay for a repeat MRI.

I have seen a physiotherapist with little to show for it. I'm worried about seeing chiropractor after reading about Vertebral Artery Dissection after spinal manipulations.

Have others had good experiences with chiropractors?

I have been to 2 different chiros and both are very good & cautious , none of the yanking or scary jerking.. Both used additional complementary modalities as well as adjusting.
I have found out some of my relatives go to chiros also for various issues.
All mentioned positive benefits.

I really think the chance of Vertebral Artery Dissection is extremely rare, but the anti chiro crowds and many MDs seem to use that very slight risk as a major scare tactic..:(

I truly think there is still a lot of bias against chiropractic by many MDs , they would rather give you a RX or maybe some PT instead of refer you to a DC..
But pills cover up the pain, and PT takes longer to see results..

Of course finding a chiro with very good technique and skills is important, just as finding a good dr or PT person..

But if you are nervous and tense, they should not do any adjusting until you have relaxed..
Often you can have an evaluation/ 1st appt, you could request no adjusting, just the evaluation.
Then if, or when you feel ready to move forward with any treatment. Then make that appt.


Usually a really good PT can do evals and they will try to pinpoint where the pain is coming from.
Perhaps a new batch of X rays will show something?

How to find a good chiro?
 

That's really interesting.

I think its a great idea to go in for an evaluation to test the waters.

But how do you find a chiro to begin with? I could do a googel search but I don't think thats very valuable. Any resource you would recommend?

My medical Ins website has a "find a doc" , it includes chiros, and other alternative care.
or
http://www.chirofind.com/mpacms/dc/locator/home.php

after you get a few names , checkout their websites and any extra training they may have had..
Often once you mention chiro care around friends or family , many may have names to share ..

I like to drive by, or do a google street view to see what the office & area looks like..
successful or a not so successful..
And if it isn't a fit during the first visit , make an excuse and leave..

Google Street view... that's so clever.

Thanks so much for the great advice!