General Anxiety = Tension = Back Pain = More Anxiety =.....

[amethist]

My husband had an operation on his back almost 8 years ago, and he has really had not that many issues since. He did have a lot of pain about 18 months ago, but we worked out then it was possibly because he was carrying shopping putting strain on it, so he stopped carrying too much.

For the last few months the pain has been effecting him more often, and usually always when we went out anywhere. We actually thought it was the way he was walking, or he had done something and it needed checking out. He had got to the point of not wanting to go out again, because of the pain he always suffered after.

So back to the doctors and he now has an appointment with the triage physio on Tuesday.

Now we have worked out what could actually be happening. As I know any weak point in your body, can be effected by anxiety and tension.

He is anxious about going out, as he did suffer from agoraphobia at one point, due to his PTSD, but has been pushing it down and going out a lot more over the last few weeks.

Last week we went out on 3 different days, Friday being the furthest from home, though not that far really.

Friday was the worst day of pain, and he is still suffering quite badly.

I worked out the circle that seems to be happening now, so this will be discussed with the physio on Tuesday.

It seems to be, he is anxious about going out, but goes anyway. This causes tension, either consciously or sub consciously, which cause the the muscle around the nerve in his back to tighten up, causing the pain. This then causes his head to go in a spin, so more anxiety, more tension, more pain, and so it continues.

If this is the case, I am thinking of taking him back to talking2minds, so they can help him deal with the Anxiety, Tension, Pain issue, rather than have him got through all kinds of tests and what ever when this is all that could be needed.

But first stop Physio.

 

[amethist]

Hubby had his physio this morning and it was very interesting, in many ways. We learnt thing we did not know, and in a way I as right about the Anxiety=tension=pain issue, but she knows why this is happening and can probably help him fix it.

She also understood how this would effect him and the pain increase the more anxious he got. So we were right with that bit, but it would not have made any difference until the next part is completed. So going to see her first was the right step.

She told him that when he had his original operation, the hole where the nerve comes through in his back probably is now smaller than it was. So this is why it is nipping and causing him pain when he is anxious. But with physio she can move the pain from his bum, into the center of his back and gradually with exercise, widen the area where the nerve comes through. So stopping the cycle of pain.

With a few gentle exercises this morning, the pain in his bum did stop and he was left with it in his back, but not as bad as when he first got there.

So he know has to do this 6 to 8 times a day for the next few days, then she will call him on Friday to see how it is going. Followed by another appointment in a few weeks time. She is on holiday so that was the earliest she could fit him in.

She also assured him that he did not need an operation, as the nerves are sending the right signals, they just need more room so he can move easier. Once this is done he will not feel the pain so much or as often, when he gets tense and anxious.

 

[KP the nut]

(((Amethist))) fingers are crossed that he is able to move the pain with the exercises provided.

I'm also back for physio as the pain in my neck and shoulders is really bad. I am certain that tension plays a large part in this.

 

[amethist]

Mention it to the physio KP, that's how we got the answers above. A full explanation of how and why.

 

[Ladyhope Somerset]

Good news Amethist :tup::D

 

[amethist]

24 hours on and the pain is still in the right place. He has been doing the physio, but has to be reminded.

The good part though is he now feels more solid on his feet and is less worried that his legs will give out on him. So at least that is one anxiety issue on the decrease.

Still taking pain meds, but at a lower strength than for the last few days, so another good sign.

 

[Mrs. T]

Wow. H just started physio for his back. Hope he can find relief with that. But he doesn't seem to want to connect his mental health with his physical and chose not to mention ptsd in the forms he filled out...I'm hoping the physio therapist can still help him with his lack of knowledge of H...

 

[amethist]

We were glad we told the physio Mrs T, so she could hopefully understand the reason I was there and why he looked blank at her at one point. Luckily for us she did.

She also phoned him yesterday as she said she would, and he even admitted he was not yet doing the full 8 times a day. But did tell her that it is because he is still trying to get his head round what is going on.

Still aching badly sometimes, but it is still in the middle of his back.

 

[KP the nut]

(((Amethist))), he is in my thoughts. My next physio is on Monday - yuck, ouch.