Do not go to a Pysio if you have Sciatica

[freddielong]

I have been having twinges of Sciatica for a few years now but haven't needed pain releif etc so not to bad, my GP referred me to a Physio who thought manipulating the bottom of my spine might be a good idea, Long story short - that was three weeks ago I haven't been able to get out of bed for any lengh of time since can only walk very slowly with the use of crutches and the only way I can get any rest from the pain is with a cocktail of Diazapan, Tramadol and Co Codemol.

Easily the worst three weeks of my life, does anyone know if I would be able to sue the Physio and if so how should I go about it, I am seeing a top Spinal orthapedic surgeon on Monday privately so will have more idea then what she has done to me.

 

[Ethan]

You can potentially sue anyone if they have acted illegally or negligently, and seeing a lawyer is the way to start, but the fact that you have been incapacitated and unhappy with the outcome does not mean that you got treatment which was bad at all, or bad enough to win a lawsuit.

See the spinal surgeon and see what he thinks. If you want, ask him if the physic treatment may have made things worse, but if I was you I would focus on getting better rather than getting even and leave the lawyering until after.

 

[freddielong]

Cheers Ethan good advice just getting frustrated sitting here possibly thinking to much

 

[SS2]

Same thing happened to my wife: an osteopath worked the bones at the base of the spine and she was in agony for 2 months+. Doc prescribed a similar toxic cocktail of painkillers. We didn't consider suing but if you are I would echo Ethan's advice and see what the specialist says. Proving negligence against a physio could be very tricky.

Good luck.

P.S. Strangely enough, the best pain relief that Mrs SS2 got was a low (10mg) dose of something called amitriptyline. Apparently it's an anti-depressant but at low dosages is very good for sciatic pain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amitriptyline

 

[RichardC]

I have suffered for years on and off. When mine starts up I go straight to my regular osteopath who sorts me out.

 

[Ethan]

It is probably worth pointing out physio is often a good treatment for minor musculo-skeletal ailments, and that many osteopaths basically do conventional physic.

The osteopaths are a rather litigious bunch, so I will just say that most doctors would say that the claims that osteopathy can treat non musculo-skeletal ailments (e.g. gall bladder disease) through manual manipulation of the spine do not accord with current understanding of the biology or physiology of humans.

Ask me what I think when we meet in the pub and I will give you a pithier answer!

 

[stevek1969]

I have a cyst inside my spinal chord which they wont operate on as it could cause more problems, my physio said to go to my doctor to get some pain relief as the muscles are tight and causing back spasms, i went and got these tablets Baclofean jesus these things are good i think there like diazpams.

Took one this morning i'm buzzin im like the ready break man with a glow,and muscles are what they should be ,now able to swing properly first time in months.

 

[Kellfire]

Baclofen is a very serious drug. It's commonly used to keep spastic muscles under control in patients suffering from paraplegia or tetraplegia.

 

[Yer Maw]

I had sciatica and sympathise. Ironically a private physio sorted me out after about 5 sessions. The NHS equivelent was a joke and their focus is stroke/crash/amputee victims etc.

Gentle moving of the hips, legs side to side and other exercises do the trick whenever I get a few twinges.

General rule in life Number 33: Doctors know nothing about sports injuries and neither do NHS physios. See a good sports physio with a track record in treating footballers or rugby players.

 

[stevek1969]

Baclofen is a very serious drug. It's commonly used to keep spastic muscles under control in patients suffering from paraplegia or tetraplegia.

Thats correct mate it helps people with MS as well i take a small dose which helps, a study of it in America says it helps alchoholics beat there illness

 

[Yerman]

Physios, Chiropracters and osteopaths and any and all other "alternative" or "complementary" practitioners all make duck noises in my book. Physios are legitimised by being in the NHS but are largley used to distract the patient until they get better.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Physios, Chiropracters and osteopaths and any and all other "alternative" or "complementary" practitioners all make duck noises in my book. Physios are legitimised by being in the NHS but are largley used to distract the patient until they get better.

I'm sure all the guys at Headley Court treating our soldiers will be chuffed with that vote of confidence

 

[sweatysock41]

Physios, Chiropracters and osteopaths and any and all other "alternative" or "complementary" practitioners all make duck noises in my book. Physios are legitimised by being in the NHS but are largley used to distract the patient until they get better.

I'm glad that's just in your book - my Osteopath worked wonders with my lower back. Something that the 'real' Doctors could do nothing with except dose me up with Diazepam. I'm now free of pain and more importantly not being dosed up to the eyeballs.

 

[Chrimbo]

The osteopaths are a rather litigious bunch, so I will just say that most doctors would say that the claims that osteopathy can treat non musculo-skeletal ailments (e.g. gall bladder disease) through manual manipulation of the spine do not accord with current understanding of the biology or physiology of humans.

That's a bit of a sweeping statement about Osteopaths.

The fact is that in the UK Osteopaths are regulated by General Osteopathic Council and if the Osteopath who has treated you is registered you can report them if you feel that they have been negligent or their behavior is inappropriate.

Most registered Osteopaths don't make such claims as you are alleging especially as they aren't proven, however they do claim to provide relief to many people who suffer from back pain, repetitive strain injury, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.

 

[Mungoscorner]

Ive suffered with Sciatica for nearly twenty years on and off.when my back spasms,its basically a weeks rest, and a cocktail of Tramadol,Co Dydramol and Dicloflex.A few years ago,when i was slightly better off financially,i visited a Chiropractor,and have nothing but praise for her.I went in there doubled over,and left almost as good as new,and without any kind of drugs.
To describe them all as frauds,is a little unfair.Some people seem to respond very very well to manipulation,while others seem not to.
One thing i will say is this,Sciatica is a term used to cover a huge number of lower back problems.

 

[surefire]

I'm not any of the professions mentioned previously, but just to defend all the different types of practioners who are taking some stick here, I do think it is a bit of a two way thing.
Would it be fair to assume that all the people who didn't get 100% perfect results from treatment all had adonis like physiques? I'll stick my neck out and go with no!

It's not very fair to expect a physio or similar to fix years of neglect to a body in a single 45 minute session, or whatever you get.