L2-L3 back pain
 

Hi,
About 2 years ago I fell on the stairs, I fell with such a force I broke the stairs, I hurt my elbows and my back and my ankle bone, so I went to hospital , the doctor ask where it hurt I told him my back, elbows and ankle he look ask if I could move it, he did no tests and just told me after this injection I will be fine in 7 days, well 2 years on I am in pain my elbows still hurt my ankle goes on me every now and again but its my back that's causing me the most problem. I kept going to my GP and at last they gave me a x-ray this was 12 months ago they told me it was common wear and tear.

Well the pain has gone worse I went to see the doctor they sent me for another x ray, and what I found out I don't really understand they told me that my L2-L3 bones have been growing together and every time I move is has been like breaking the bone over and over again and that's why I am in pain, please can someone let me know what if anything can be done and if there is a name for this so I could get more information on it.

Thanks

Have you had an MRI of your back? I don't understand how your L2-3 can be growing together. Maybe you have a herniated disc in that area and you can't see that without an MRI. I think you should get a second opinion - not from a GP, you've been in pain too long and nothing besides x rays?? Maybe see an orthopedist or neurologist...I hope you don't have an HMO. :eek:

Hi StellaP56,
I have never had an MRI, but my GP is going to refer me to a doctor that specialises in backs, so they might give me an MRI, but this will take about 6 weeks before I even get an appointment, but after my GP told me I just needed to get some information on it, also this may sounds thick, what does HMO stand for I have never heard it before.

thanks

Hi Starlightbright61,

I'm surprised you never heard of an HMO, it stands for Health Maintainance Organization, its a type of insurance policy where you can only go to certain doctors on your network and need referrels for any specialists from your primary or "gatekeeper" doctor. If your gatekeeper doctor decides you don't need a MRI or a specialist, well then you're SOL, another acronym I won't get into.

I'm in pain just reading your post Star. I too, suffer from severe back/spine problems, so I really think you need to see a Spine Spec. They will no doubt, order an MRI and some updated Xrays. Make sure you take all your previous films w/you, too.

Seriously, get an appt w/a Spec. You'll get the answers you need for tx and pain control. Good luck and keep us posted. Take care.