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Q: I have been suffering from back pain for a number of years but for the last couple of years it has been terrible. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1997 for which I take Metformin. I am also on statins and blood pressure medication.
The back pain occurs two to three times a day and is severe. My doctor originally diagnosed it as bad posture. But since the pain has been getting worse he has referred me to chiropractors, physiotherapists, and I have tried acupuncture, hypnotherapy and osteopathy, all to no avail.
No one has been able to come up with a firm diagnosis. Recently, I have been to a neurologist who has suggested for the first that it may be nerve damage due to my diabetes. I was given 'nerve block' injections and the strongest painkillers of late but nothing has helped. In this situation what would be my next move?, I am getting desperate for help and don’t know which way to turn!
A: Pain can be particularly difficult to manage. It appears as though you have already sought help from a variety of channels, so far without success. I hope you are attending a specialist diabetes team who will be able to liaise with your neurologist and others on your future management and investigations to help identify the cause.
If you have not seen a pain management specialist you could ask for a referral. Many centres have access to pain management clinics designed to help you cope so do not give up.
Make sure your medical team know this matter is still unresolved and request second opinions if necessary. It is important to achieve good blood glucose control to limit any deterioration if your nerves have been affected by your diabetes. For further information you could try:
BackCare Information: Advice and support for people suffering with back pain.
Helpline: 0845 130 2704
General enquiries: 020 8977 5474
Email: website@backcare.org.uk
Website: http://www.backcare.org.uk
By Gwen Hall, DSN/Clinical Practice Educator
Information correct as of February 2008
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