Posted on Jun 15, 2019
How do you actually get military doctors to help out?
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I’ve been going through military doctors for back pain for about two years. It’s progressively getting worse. I’m at the point where I can’t bend anymore without pain. Running causes pain. Sitting causes pain. Laying down causes pain. It is constant in the lower back. I’ve been given meds and several iterations of physical therapy, to include needle therapy and realignment sessions. Recently, I was told that they won’t recommend a MRI because of the cost and they will probably find something wrong and will have to fix it which can cause more problems. I also got a slideshow presentation of how it could be similar to phantom limb syndrome for the pain traveling down my leg. My last doctor visit he asked me what I wanted for a profile and I stated I can push through everything except sit ups. Gave me a 2p on my profile for no sit-ups on pt test and additional exercises. Mainly to avoid med board and because of the current board for SFC. Is there a way or someone I can contact IOT get a different look at my back and different opinions? What would be said advice from those with experience on how to handle this. Next reenlistment is for indef, and if it’s not fixed by then, I’ll gladly take my 214 and get civilian healthcare to hopefully take care of it.
Posted in these groups: 
Medical
Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO)
ProfilesPremier Pain Solution
Military Career
Medical Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) ProfilesPremier Pain Solution Military Career
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 25
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I was mobilized to Ft Benning back in 05-07. Hurt my shoulder playing volleyball of all things. Apparently since I'm 6'3" the commander wanted me to play on his team for the commander's cup tourney. So I go to TMC and for 18 months they keep telling me it's just tendonitis and throw motrin at me. Finally get off orders and go to my family DR. Ortho referral, torn rotator cuff. and since it hadn't been treated, developed bone spurs that wore a groove in the bottom of my collar bone. they had to cut nearly 2" off the end of my collar bone. 2 surgeries to try to fix it and I still wound up with P2 profile and limited range of motion.
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If I were you, I would seek a second opinion from a Pain Specialist. What you describe is remarkable for Spinal Stenosis where the nerve bundle coming out from the spine is narrowed or pinched causing the problems you are experiencing. Without the benefit of MRI, a diagnosis cannot be made through simple palpitation and the cost of the MRI should not be an issue as far as your health is concerned. The doctor you are seeing cannot diagnose back problems and make make statements such as these without medical support.
Get a referral to see a Neurologist or Pain Specialist to evaluate the pain you are experiencing I wish you the best.
Get a referral to see a Neurologist or Pain Specialist to evaluate the pain you are experiencing I wish you the best.
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This sounds like my case after an SIJ injury 14 years ago. I had to get out and get acupuncture outside. The military just wants you fit for duty IE if not in field fit for PFA/PRT. If that means pain yeah.....so I'd say try other means such as massage. Not sure rules for active duty but if got approved I'm sure outside care could be better. Without pain meds I wouldn't have lasted to get out. I was in 3 mile club. 2 times a year I suffered pain so I could get real care. No surgery and now I can do many things(though I avoid situps, running, and ellipticals; they aggravate it). The situps are evil for back problems.
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