Bad back advice needed

whataview


Joined: 10/02/2009
Posts: 376

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 11:25

Can anyone help suggest a course of action for my partner who has been suffering from a bad back for three months now. He under went treatment by a Osteopath in UK but now want some kind of treatment over here, where should we go??? Doctors? are there any specialist or Chiropractors?



We will both be grateful of any suggestions. Cheers

JohhnyLee


Joined: 25/04/2009
Posts: 2495

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 11:54

Yes there is mr herhart at Calalkoy, I dont think I have spealt his name right, no doubt some one will correct me. this is his phone num.0392 824 4394 I have had severe back problems since age 18, This year I suffered 4 slipped discs and problems with another 2, and he was a great help, But most of my relief has come from self help, ie. sleep on the floor every so often, ice packs, correct exercise for back, but I have to be very careful, , mine is mainly lumbar region. Hope this is some help to you , and that it gets sorted. Oh also pay attention to driving position, and sitting at desks, computors etc, Knees should always be lower than base of spine. BAR STOOLS ARE BEST, plus the fact the wine will take the edge off it.

come_on_aylin


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 908

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 12:11

I would recommend Erhart too but he is semi retired and can be a bit reluctant to take on new clients. There is also a very good Orthopedic Surgeon in Lefkosa, Can Cobanoglu (pronounced Jan Chobanoloo), he holds morning "walk in" clinics, telephone 0392 223 4800. If you are interested, I can give directions - the clinic is very close to the Lefkosa Lemar near to Metahan crossing.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 12:35

Amy,

From your profile I see you live in Girne it may be a good idea to start at Girne Hospital and then they can recommend an orthopaedic surgeon for your partner. In the meantime what medication is he taking for the pain?

whataview


Joined: 10/02/2009
Posts: 376

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 13:52

Thanks everyone, we will start calling around soon.



Nurseawful, he was taking strong co-codemol ...(however you spell it) but it has run out and we were told by a pharmacist that the strongest we can get over here is Paramol which I have been told by my partner in question that it does nt even touch the sides.



Partner originally had ruptured disk problem between the 4 and 5 vertebrae which aggrovated the sciatic nerve sporadically however, after the summer the problems seems to based around the sacrum and his back is becoming increasingly crooked and painful. I guess as he's walking with weight alligned funny to ease pain in back, just worried he'll end up making things worse.... but we all know men take forever to seek help. Bless.



Thank you again for your helpful advice.

whataview


Joined: 10/02/2009
Posts: 376

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 13:56

Thanks Come on aylin, if we could have directions that would be mist helpful?

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 14:45

If you get stuck finding someone on this side of the border, I go to an excellent guy in the south not far from the metehan border. He is a registered osteopath, physiotherapist and accupuncturist, he speaks excellenct english and trained in Belguim and France.



I have fused vertebrae's and sciatic problems as a result and go to see him every couple of months to be put back straight, I personally wouldn't use anyone else, he is the best that I have found on both sides of the border.



Post again, if you want his details and directions.

Ailletoo


Joined: 24/01/2009
Posts: 1003

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 14:46

I have suffered from a bad back for ages too. My doctor prescribed Zydol 50 mg tablets for me and they work very well for pain relief. You cannot get them here without a prescription and the ones you get here are just called Tramadol as Zydol is a trade mark . They relieve pain by acting on specific nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain. I asked the doctor here to prescribe them and had no problem getting a prescription.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 14:55

Amy I have sent you an e-mail. Can you let me know if you get it okay. Thanks

Chris

come_on_aylin


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 908

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 15:42

I also ruptured a disc last year and had a course of 12 treatments(ultrasound, tens, 2 kinds of laser) from Dr Cobanoglu, on his recommendation I now take vitamin B1/B6 every day. I still get the occasional twinge but haven't had anything like the pain I had before the treatment.

Directions: From Girne take main dual carriageway to Lefkosa, at 'rocks' roundabout turn right toward Guzelyurt, at 1st set of traffic lights (just after HSBC on LHS) turn left. Continue straight on this road until you reach the next roundabout (just after KPet garage on LHS), turn left. Take 1st left (Lemar car park on RHS), turn right at end of this road. Take 2nd left and then 1st right (there should be a sign for his clinic about here) and 1st right again. The clinic is on right. The building you are looking for is a detached house, when I was last there it was not surrounded by other buildings.

I think they may be closed on Wednesday or Thursday mornings, best to ring and check. Good luck.

come_on_aylin


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 908

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 15:47

Can I also warn you to beware of any doctors who suggest you need an operation in Turkey immediately? This happened to my brother but fortunately he got a 2nd opinion from Erhart who then referred him to Dr Cobanoglu, no op required after all! Obviously, back problems run in the family - Erhard also sorted out my niece this summer who had been suffering from back pain for years.

whataview


Joined: 10/02/2009
Posts: 376

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 16:49

Nuresawful, email received thank you

Straybearx



Joined: 08/03/2007
Posts: 121

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 21:19

Hi Whataview,



We have a strip of co-dydramol with us and at least 2 large boxes arriving with our furniture in 3 weeks time. You are welcome to this strip and 2 large boxes (we think there may be more) No cost of course .



My wife belives Co-Dydramol is slightly stronger than the ones you had. Co-Dydramol is used for the same purpose severe back pain (my brother has a severe back condition and sends us a few boxes from time to time just for emergency use.



We are at Lapta for the next 3 weeks then Karmi permanently. Our Turkcell tel no 05338833730. If required will deliver if it helps.



Best regards StraybearX

GBJohn


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 105

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 22:36

Hi whataview i have been through a back operation, back pain is the worst thing you can have but hydro

therapy is what put me back on my feet after the opp. Water is cold now but if you can spend some time in a pool and put the body through some twists and turns, side, and lay flat on the water and put your feet down

to the bottom so you arch your back, it will help to stretch the muscle in the back and help to take some of the pain out of the back. Hope you get some ease from this but when in doubt go see a doc

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
08/10/2009 23:05

Whataview,has he had an operation(discectomy?)If so he might have epidural fibrosis (scar tissue)which can affect the sciatic nerve.An anti inflammatry might help (diclofenac)

If he has not had an operation then the disc will not heal itself if it is leaking and pressing against the sciatic nerve his problems will only get worse.I would reccommend an MRI scan and go from there.

whataview


Joined: 10/02/2009
Posts: 376

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 09:20

A fine array of advice thank you everyone, we will be trying anti-inflammatory medication and gentle exercise. No operation thus far but it was running through my mind so maybe we will look into MRI scan in the near future.



Fingers crossed for everyone with a bad back for a speedy recovery

ruggy


Joined: 02/05/2009
Posts: 757

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 09:37

scoobydoo, can you post or e-mail me a phone number for the guy in the south please, and directions, cheers

whataview


Joined: 10/02/2009
Posts: 376

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 13:17

Hi straybearx, if we could try the tablets that would be great. Will be in touch.

Thanks again

Straybearx



Joined: 08/03/2007
Posts: 121

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 15:47

Scoobydoo,



Please include us on your reply to "Ruggy"



My wife has sacro-iliac joint problems and has to see an osteopath every 2-3 months



straybearx@aol.com



Many thanks

Ozbey


Joined: 04/03/2009
Posts: 304

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 16:03

scoobydoo,

Please post the number for your osteopath in the South.

I use Erhard in Catalkoy, who is really good but is not always here, or available.

I really need a good osteopath, regularly, to keep me up and running.

Erhard is great, but I desparately need emergency cover for when he is not around.

Also, what will happen to me if he should ever leave here?

Regards,

Ozbey.

throstle


Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 85

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 17:20

whataview

Dr Jan absolutely wonderful

But he is a skelatal surgeon rather than muscular, his advice, diagnosis and subsequent operation and treatment of my back problem subsequently confirmed as first class and spot on by people back in UK

He even correctly forecast my ongoing problems and treatment

Cannot recommend him to highly

He always recommends using the phamacy opposite the hospital on the main road, just round the corner from his clinic

Its approx 80tl for consultation

You and your partner will never regret consulting him, also his talks are down to earth and easy to understand

Ozbey


Joined: 04/03/2009
Posts: 304

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 17:57

throstle,

Agreed, Dr Can is great too (partner of Erhard). I've been there and done that too - very good.

Unfortunately (for me) he is not a "manipulator" so cannot put my dislocated bits and pieces back into place like Erhard can, but nonetheless he is good at diagnosing the problem and recommending the treatment required - sending you on to the right place for further treatment.



Regards,

Ozbey.

colly


Joined: 31/07/2008
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 19:30

Apart from the scan and surgery ere are a few things that may help.



When fit, pilates exercises

A tens shock machine

anti inflamatries (eg ibropufen) or better still diclafenac but see doctor first.

Sleep with a pillow in between your legs.



Regards

Colin

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 19:48

Hi all,



I have suffered with a bad back for 25 years. I have tried all the obvious remedies, massage, chiropractor, physio, tens machine. I have taken all the usuall pain killers including ones that are now banned. 2 years ago I was referred to the pain clinic at Charring Cross Hospital in London. I met a specialist there, who recommended I have some injections either side of my spine. I had six down each side and I have been pain free ever since. These injections wear off after a time and back comes the pain but I am just so thankful that I have had this time free from the agonising pain and muscle spasms I experienced on a daily basis. I recently bought a memory foam mattress and can highly recommend this, as it means I get a really good nights sleep and your spine is supported.



The butlers wife



The butlers wife

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 23:43

keeping flexible by exercising is a good remedy. I had 3 car crashes in 11 months (not my fault I hasten to add, 3 times someone drove into the back of my car) I received:

- whiplash and severe neck problems with the first crash,

- mid back problems with the second crash and

- lower back problems with the third crash.

The 2nd and 3rd crashes agrivated the problems of the earlier crashes. I had hydrotherapy - in water. If you have a pool start by simply walking from one side of the pool to the other keeping your posture correct. Thisa uses every muscle in the back to maintain posture and strengthens the muscles which help the back and spine. Use a woggle to excercise in the pool. I had excercises to do each day, which I did in bed before I got up and then added others standing. These are common excercises for back problems but must be done every day. Once reasonably ok I then went to the gym in the hospital and started doing gym work - very slowly and only what I could do

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 23:47

I also had physio therapy to support these, but in the main I was on a self treatment regime. I have just spent several months having physio on a broke leg which I broke last December. Broke 3 bones and dislocated the ankle - got plates, nuts and bolts in (I think - it feels like it anyway). I have had a lot of problems, but I am working on it in the same way as I did with the back problems which now give me no bother at all. Sitting around makes it worse - keep flexible (I know it B****y hurts!!!!)

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
09/10/2009 23:55

With regards to medication. I have been taking Ibuprufen and diclofenic sodium. This worked well but I had a relaps and had to move onto Paracetamol and Codeine Ph??? as recommended by the physio. Recently the pain came back and got really bad even with these so I switched back to Ibuprufen (3 a day maximum dose) and Diclofenic Sodium again. The result was very quick and has been a big improvement. So it depends on whether you are treating the 'pain' (which is why I was put onto the paracetamol and codeine) or treating 'inflamation' which is why I took the Ibuprufen and Diclofenic Sodium. One worked for me at one time and the others are working for me now.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
10/10/2009 13:37

katymackem,

Am I reading this correctly that you take Ibuprofen and Diclofenic at the same time? It seems a bit weird if the Doc prescribed this as "it is recommended not to use more than 1 oral NSAID at a time" (British National Formulary)

Have you tried Diclofenic Sodium (Voltarol) along with paracetamol as this usually works pretty well.

Chris

p.s. Never exceed the dosage on the packs!

melbrandy


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 44

Message Posted:
10/10/2009 16:03

and on a lighter note, i originally read this as bad advice needed for back.

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
10/10/2009 20:23

Firstly apologies as I have only just come on line and realised that a few of you are interested in the chap I use in the south.



Antonis Antoniou

BMI

Sina str. 1st Floor, 2406 Nicosia

Tel: 00357 226 77374 – 226 80098



Directions to Antonis Antoniou from Metehan border;



Once the race track is in front of you, turn right and follow the road until you come to the 2nd set of traffic lights, which is a T-Junction (you will see the coco cola factory over to your right).

At these lights, turn left and follow to the first set of TRAFFIC lights, turn right at these lights.

Follow the road up to the next set of traffic lights, at which point you will see across the lights MacDonalds to your right and Alphamega to your left. Turn left at these lights (Alphamega will now be on your right side)

Follow the road until you get to the 2nd set of traffic lights, turn left here (Harley Davidson dealer on the corner), after you turn at the lights take the 1st left turning.



To be continu

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
10/10/2009 20:25

Continued ....



Follow road and turn 3rd left, the building is on the left with large glass frontage.

On looking at the building go down the path to the right, then up to the first floor.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
10/10/2009 20:27

Message 29

Now I am totally confused "bad advice needed for back" Please explain? Thanks

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
11/10/2009 15:34

Hi

My prescription is for 1 Ibuprufen 3 x day and Diclofenic Sodium 3 x a day. Doctors orders.

my sister has been nursing for 50 years (still at it) and she too broke 3 bones in her leg the year before me but they took her nuts/bolt/plates out. I also discuss my prescriptions with her.

whataview


Joined: 10/02/2009
Posts: 376

Message Posted:
12/10/2009 11:54

Melbrandy,



Unfortunately, I grew up in the UK during the experimental phase were grammer was completely missing from the curriculmn. Sorry!!!



Whataview

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
15/10/2009 19:31

Hi nurseawful

apologies, you were right, I went to bed and took my tablets and realised that it was the wrong way round. The point I was making was that I was being treated for 'pain' with painkillers. After a few weeks they were ineffective, so I switched back to the anti-inflamatory tables - they have been great - walking today like a good'un.

Pool exercise is fantastic. I was there in August and did exercises every day in the pool, by the time I came back the leg/walking was great. However, I do not have a pool across the road and the baths is bl***y freezing and does not have the same affect. Hydrotherapy use warm water.

dalartokat


Joined: 14/04/2008
Posts: 734

Message Posted:
15/10/2009 22:31

I can vouch also what "the butlers wife" message 24 has said. I had injections in my back on 21st September and its been the best thing that could have happened. I had an MRI scan last October and it was finally agreed to have these injections and I also have physio once a week and they give me exercises to do as well I was warned beforehand that it does not always for everyone but if it gives you freedom from pain then try and go for it. They were made up with Cortisone and anti-inflamatory and something else. I also bought a memory foam mattress which also helps.

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
15/10/2009 22:50

I must admit, that after many years of back pain I finally decided that it was about time I had to do something for myself to help myself rather than thinking 'I am doing as much as I can under the circumstances'. I was fed up with the constant daily discomforts and restrictions my back was giving me.

After visiting my osteopath and getting put back straight (or as straight as I will ever be) for the umpteenth, I started walking daily and after all these years I am for the first time pain free for most of the day, okay I still have a few niggles here and there, but on the whole I am pleased with the results of 3 months of walking most mornings not only that I have lost so much weight as well.



Pool exercise is great and certainly helps but it is not a weight bearing exercise (which is so important especially to women) and once you are mobile enough to take on board weight bearing exercises it is certainly worth thinking about getting on your trainers and getting out there and walki