Thread: Advice needed please on disc damage

Hi everyone, i am looking for some much needed advise on my recent MRI scan results.

For the last 10 years i have suffered from chronic back pain centralized in my middle and upper back. The pain is also present in my shoulders and neck and feels as though it is in my muscles as well as bones. From time to time other joints in my body are affected too such as wrists and ankles.

I have recently had an MRI scan and the results have come back as disc damage!! The doctor has advised me that this will be put down as 'wear and tear' and advised to consult a dietitian to lose weight.

Can this diagnosis be correct? I feel as though i have just been dismissed due to my age and feel dis heartened at the thought that this can merely be put down to 'wear and tear' at the young age of 29!!
I have always tried to keep a fit and healthy lifestyle until recently, as my back complaint has become increasingly worse i am unable to undertake the most simple of daily tasks inc walking washing up etc. I am currently signed off as unfit for work but can i press this matter any further, Could there be any other explanations for my complaint?

I aplogise for the long essay type explanation but i'm new to all this and not too sure how this all works
Thank You

Hi, and welcome to the board. Gosh, at the age of 29, I wouldn't think that you should have that much "wear and tear" of the discs. If I were you, I would get another opinion or two. I don't know what kind of dr. you saw, but you need either an orthopedic spine specialist or a neurosurgeon who specializes in the spine.

Lay off any physical activity, especially lifting, until you are re-evaluated. If you are overweight, losing a few pounRAB will be helpful as there will be less weight for the discs to carry and support.

Do keep looking for a doctor who will pay attention and try to help. However, don't let anyone rush you into surgery; that should be the last resort. A good specialist will try a variety of treatments that might be helpful.

I hope you will stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Carol