mri for lwoer back.

So I had my very first mri yesterday for my lower back. I guess I'm a tad claustrophobic,but I kept my eyes shut the whole time. But when I was referred to the spine doc my surgeon was just interested in finding out what is behind my pains I still have going down my leg and foot. While talking with the spine doc I told him all my back pain and struggles. He acted like he did not want to hear it and said" I am just going to mri the lower back" says nothing about other issues and sends me on my way. Do I have to get another referral for them to take a look at my neck and upper back where most of the pain is? I really don't want to do another mri...brought on some anxiety. I had this crazy pain in my neck all the way up to a headache and all the way down to my chest, and now I'm getting headaches, which I never ever had a problem with. Arrgghh....like I have time to schedule more appointments. I just want to be able to carry my baby without the consequences. She is 6months and wants to be held 24/7, which I love, but yeah I suffer after.

I am not a doctor either but I am a mom, twice over. Just a guess but pregnancy causes issues with the spine for many of us. Then, carrying an infant and all of the additional stuff, diaper bag, car seat, etc. can add to our spine problems. In my experience, diagnosing these issues is like peeling the layers of an onion. They tend to start with the most prominent issues first. Then work their way through the rest of the complaints. If your lower issues were your chief complaint, that gets done first, then down the list. Be persistent and see if there are any 'open m.r.i.' near you since you weren't comfortable with going in the tube.

Don't get the open MRI. They aren't as accurate. I asked about that a few times. I keep my eyes shut too. I'm fine as long as they keep air blowing through and music on for distraction. You got through it before. It's easier the second time.

Yes, you have to have a separate prescription for each part of the spine that needs an MRI.

If there's not enough going on with the bones or seriously pinched nerves for surgery:

Ask your PCP or pain doc for a prescription for a back brace. You probably don't need anything with metal bracing and big pads. I like the soft velcro fastening kind that is very adjustable. They're not very expensive, but you should get fitted. Your docs won't want you to wear it all the time because you'll lose muscle strength, but it's great for picking up baby.

Get a script for some PT or at least look up some strengthening exercises online.

If all that doesn't help enough try to get a TENS unit. It's great for muscle spasms, but not useful for nerve pain. If you can't get one paid by your insurance you can get them at Amazon and other places. I don't know if the new little ones being advertised on TV are any good. Research before buying!

I got relief from nerve ablations after facet joint injections indicated they would help. Mine have lasted a year the first time, on the second now. They're done by an anesthesiologist pain doc.

I'm doing what I can to avoid more surgery!