Advice please
Good Evening everyone,
I would just like some advise.
I went and saw an osteopath today due to having some minor mid back pain. It lasted around a week after lifting heavy items at work and also working on low surfaces. The osteopath carried out an assessment and told me he suspects I have ankylosing Spondylitis. He then carried out some deep tissue massaging and spine manipulation. As I had never heard of AS I had a chat with him after and he told me it’s only minor, isn’t progressing (has only occurred during my teenage years) and it’s nothing to worry about.
After I left I checked the NHS and other health websites and they all tell a different story of a progressive disease.
Im 26 year old male with a highly physical job. I put my back pain down to expected wear and tear of my job.
I feel as if my osteopath is just trying to get me to sign up for additional sessions?
I have no symptoms apart from back pain.
Would an osteopath typically refer you to a GP if they suspect AS?
I really appreciate your time in reading and answering.
Hi
, sorry to hear about what you are going through. I too went through the NHS to get my diagnosis. My GP referred me to see a Rheumatologist who arranged for me to get some MRIs done to diagnose my AS. It might be worth trying to arrange to see a rheumatologist just in case!
Hope you get the answers you need soon!
All the best, James (Community Member)Good Evening All!
I had my physiotherapy appointment today. My physio listened to my concerns and carried out a full assessment. At this moment in time she has no reason to suspect AS at all. She will follow up with my GP and recommend if anything changes then I should see her again along with blood tests.
Although I will no longer require your advice I cannot thank you all so much for your kindness. Communities like this are so important and your welcoming nature will make any new members feel comfortable.
I wish you all the best.
Dan
Thanks so much for the update!
We truly appreciate your kind words and send you all our best.
Always know we're here for you,
Doreen (Team Member)
AS can be notoriously difficult to diagnose correctly. I agree with Steve, go see your GP and if needed ask for a referral to a rheumatologist. Usually, rheumatologists diagnose AS. Hi Steve, I am sorry to hear about that. Thank you for being honest in your response. Until today I had never heard of this condition so it was abit of a surprise to me. I have never and still have no issues with the flexibility in my back and I suffer rarely with back pain so it took me back when he mentioned it. I suppose my only confusion is that the osteopath specially told me not to see a doctor as they can’t help me and it’s nothing to worry about. I’m extremely lucky to have private health insurance with my work and I have already booked in with my GP for a quick consultation and then I have also booked in with a rheumatologist with an interest in AS. I’m hoping I will get answers pretty fast. Again, thank you for your answer and I wish you all the best!
My pleasure. It's good to share. I hope you are getting sorted now. Hopefully, your particular symptoms are such that there is no need for you to worry unnecessarily.
Take care - and keep us posted.
Steve - Community Advocate
Hello Danwah.
I am sorry to hear you have had recent pain. Unfortunately, I don't feel qualified enough to answer your question directly. But it sounds like you are having a similar experience to me in that I worked a very physical job to in my 20s - as a carpenter - and I put my aches and pains down to that.
I found out later, through a physiotherapist initially - and then through my doctor - that I had AS.
What I would say is that you should make an appointment to see your GP. They can do blood tests which will help them identify if you do have AS.
I hope you manage to get some advice/help soon.
Go steady.
Steve - Community Advocate.
