Wheelchair user need help with back pain. — Scope | Disability forum
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Wheelchair user need help with back pain.

littleacorn
littleacorn Community member Posts: 367 Pioneering
I am a power wheelchair user and have found that since lockdown began last year the pain in my lower back has increased tremendously. It is a  constant pain on the right side of my body from lower back all the way up to just below my breast bone. I have  taken regular prescibed medication for many years but not opiates as I dont like the side effects. What I want to try and understand is if this pain is a result of an ill fitting powerchair, degeneration of my condition or something which is common when spending so long sitting in my chair? Any suggestions greatfully appreciated.

Comments

  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 46,788 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @littleacorn sorry that you are in so much pain, nothing worse. It's probably better getting assistance from your gp  with why you are in so much more frequent pain.
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,964 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi there 

    As a wheelchair user myself I can understand this if I spend long periods just in my chair I get pain around bottom of back 

    I can transfer and dont sornd all time in wheelchair and find moving on to different sitting positions relieved it 

    As above you need to consult your gp maybe try some form of exercise or not sitting in same position if at all possible 
  • Ami2301
    Ami2301 Community member Posts: 7,942 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @littleacorn and i'm sorry to hear you've been in a lot of pain. As mentioned above, speak to your GP and see advice they have to offer first.

    Do you mind me asking what you did before lockdown? As you stated that this began around the time of lockdown, I was just wondering if this could be because of decreased activity. If so, i can relate to this as i haven't been able to attend physio sessions for a year now, and i've noticed  a big difference with the level of activity. Lockdown has certainly messed things up.

    Do you feel comfortable sitting in your powerchair? it might be a good idea to seek advice about a different cushion or back support from an Occupational Therapist.

    Hope the pain eases soon for you :)
    Disability Gamechanger - 2019
  • littleacorn
    littleacorn Community member Posts: 367 Pioneering
    @Ami2301 I know I need to seek an appointment with my GP and did do this about 3 years ago for the same reason and ended up being referred to a consultant who felt he could not offer anything without even seeing me. What the point of that was I have no idea. I just felt hear we go again being pushed from piller to post! So I gave up again. Its now so painful I need to talk to the GP again. 
    The top and bottom of it is that I feel I need to get all the professonals around the table at the same time eg GP, OT, wheelchair services and sort this out once and for all. Has anyone done this?
  • Ami2301
    Ami2301 Community member Posts: 7,942 Disability Gamechanger
    It's worth a try, even if everyone involved in your healthcare emailed/wrote to one another, this would be a step forward. Does your GP have an up to date list of who your consultants/specialists are (if you have any)?

    All specialists, consultants, GP's, etc involved in my healthcare always make sure each one has the most recent report of my health. I hope this would be standard practice for everyone.
    Disability Gamechanger - 2019
  • littleacorn
    littleacorn Community member Posts: 367 Pioneering
    I dont have anyone involved in my care except GP and wheelchair services when I need a new chair so trying to get people together could be difficult but I am sick of professionals not knowing what to do with me and therefore sending me places where no one can help. I dont have anyone involved medically as they say there is nothing else they can do.
  • Ami2301
    Ami2301 Community member Posts: 7,942 Disability Gamechanger
    I understand your frustration and i wish i knew of way to help and it would work. I apologise if you have mentioned your conditions on the community before, have you been referred to pain management?
    Disability Gamechanger - 2019
  • littleacorn
    littleacorn Community member Posts: 367 Pioneering
    @Ami2301 I have done a pain management course about 5 years ago ran by pain management and a psycologist. It was enjoyable and met people who also lived with pain however Inow just manage my own pain well try to
  • Merl
    Merl Community member Posts: 18 Courageous
    For my condition that includes back problems, I am seen under the R.N.O.H.  Specialists there are helpful.  A referral can be done via your GP.  Rnoh.nhs.uk provides further information.
  • littleacorn
    littleacorn Community member Posts: 367 Pioneering
    Was not sure what was meant by RHOH but looked it up. I asked to be referred to a well thought of orthopedic surgeon who diagnosed my condition after being born with in over 50 years ago and never having a diagnosis. He said there was little he could do and even if he did think of something it would be complex, mutidisciplinary and no guarentee things would improve. This pain is now becoming unbearable dont know where else to turn!
  • Merl
    Merl Community member Posts: 18 Courageous
    Sorry to hear of your pain that is obviously and understandably a cause for much anguish.

    If you have not already done so you could try checking out the www.nhs.uk website.  There is much information on the subject of back pain in the search area.

    Hope that helps.  

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