Sharp increase in pain

AnneC

Hello, this is my first post and I'm looking for some advice about pain relief and whether it's appropriate to ask for a scan.

I've always suffered from back pain. I was born with a dislocated hip and had an operation at 18 months old. I had a hip replacement 24 years ago aged 33. I've always walked with a limp. In May 2023 I was diagnosed with moderate lumbar arthritis and some disc degeneration.

My back pain has suddenly increased dramatically. I struggle to mobilise and need help to get dressed. The doctor prescribed Naproxen, which hasn't helped, so I was told to take co-codamol, but only for 3 days!

I use heat and cold therapy and am currently having physiotherapy, but am off work today due to the extreme pain. Is this sudden increase in pain typical of spinal arthritis and is it reasonable to ask for a scan to rule anything else out?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Ellen

Hello @AnneC welcome to the online community.

It sounds as though you are used to coping with pain so this sudden increase in pain must be significant for you to be unable to go into work today. I wonder when you are next seeing a physiotherapist because it would be useful to see what they have to say/offer to you.

There is absolutely no problem with you asking to be referred for a scan it doesn't sound inappropriate at all. Hopefully your GP is supportive and will refer you unless the physiotherapists in your area are able to do so?

In the meantime I am going to attach a link which might just contain something you haven't already tried:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

I'll leave you now to meet our members.

Best wishes

Ellen.