Lumbar Strain - PT Cost Blues

[Cypress]

I have a lumbar strain that's been going on for about two weeks now. This same discomfort has happened probably 2 or 3 times this year alone. It's lifting things too heavy and probably not doing it right. Plus I am taller than average so lifting weighted objects seems to be the culprit.

I went to my DR to get a referral. Well, I got it but the Physical Therapy office is telling me my cost for a copay each visit is $40. I have a $1000 deductible but PT is a service covered. I had no idea it would be that high a cost. I am glad the office called so now I may have to cancel. I was hoping for a professional assessment and to learn better how to treat this pain and how to go forward.

It's mostly in the morning I feel a lot of discomfort, spasms making it hard to get up. I cannot lie on my back without having discomfort. I sleep and rest well on my side. The discomfort starts to leave after about an hour. I have been doing my normal work schedule. I do my yoga twice a week, take my walk and do small chores as always.

I started taking horse back riding lessons and find that soothing, not causing more discomfort. So, can I take care of this myself?

For supplements, I take MSM twice a day and that's it. If it's really bad, I take two ibuprofen. My DR wanted to give me a script but I said no thanks.

I can work but am afraid now. I will always have to lift, move and bend, how do I do this safely? How do I get past the current lumbar strain which is in the 2nd week?

It stinks that I have insurance, but the treatment would really drain my pocket book.

[Williamsmith]

Take the treatment twice a week on a week by week basis. Learn the basic types of exercises that you can perform....core strengthening, stretching etc. through their evaluation. Once you learn what to do and how to do it properly without reinjury then go do it on your own at home or in a gym. I'm thinking this could be at most a month or 8 visits which would cost you $320 maximum. Take care of your back. What you are experiencing is a warning sign. Believe me, it can get much worse. Worth every penny to stop it from getting worse now.

[sweetana3]

Williamsmith has it right. Back issues can be devastating and ruin your life and need to be treated early. The PT should be able to tell you what to do, how often, and how to do it. They should be able to give you good instruction in lifting and proper technique. Do you use a back support at work?

I don't recommend this specific brace but use it to illustrate what I was mentioning. http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Adjustable-Regular-1-Count-Package/dp/B00267SFKC

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. Right now it is worth some sacrifice to have as much PT involvement as necessary.

[nswef]

I'd agree with going to PT. Let them know up front that the cost is a problem. Most PT's want you to learn how to fix thngs and keep them fixed. Good luck.

[Cypress]

I had an evaluation yesterday and the therapist is focusing on the L 5 in the spine and my hips. My right hip is higher than the left, my lower vertebrae felt stiff and the muscles and connective tissue have been stretched and strained. I've been putting to much strain on my lumbar for a while and the riding lessons seem to have caused most of the problems now.

She's having me do several yoga poses to begin therapy at home. Mostly, they are back bends called Cobra, Locust, Sphinx and Upward Facing Dog. If you practice yoga, these are familiar poses. I don't do them a lot but have started already. Some of what was said to me, I didn't completely understand, but it sounds like I need to strengthen the core muscles and use my back in a friendlier way going forward. She said if I keep up with therapy and home exercises, there's no reason not to take riding lessons in a month or so.

There I was laying on the floor in my bedroom this morning doing the yoga poses and who joins me? My lazy, likes to sleep in house cat gets really interested seeing me on the floor and jumps down to join in. She loved it and walked on my back, purred all over and made a big fuss about Mom being down at her level. It's good to have her approval :)

[iris lilies]

Cats kill me, they are so funny! When they see something new they run toward it as if the world exists to provide them entertainment.

my dogs, on the other hand, are cautious about new stuff. I thnk vats would have to be the leaders in any army of cats and dogs, they are fearless.

[nswef]

Happy to hear the update on you PT and at home care. The cat story made me laugh. Mine always loved when I did yoga, too- or was just lying on the floor.