My D19 has been having problems with her neck and back for a while now. We talked to her pediatrician about it and she said it sounded like stress and to just do yoga type stretching for it. It is hard to explain, she says everything feels tight and she feels like she always needs to crack her back and neck but she hates doing that. She doesn’t want to go to a chiropracter but I am not sure what type of doctor I should call - DH says an orthopedist?
I think one problem is the she does her homework and plays on the computer in her bed (which is on the floor) and she is always sitting hunched over. I also just noticed that she has a bad mattress that has gotten very saggy so we are going to go mattress shopping soon and I am making her at least get a platform bed.
Aren’t you probably going to need a referral from her peds to go to a specialist? I would ask for a referral from your peds to the right medical discipline and then take it from there. The MD may prescribe some therapy, massage or otherwise once they see her. First look for medical issues, then look at therapy options - not the other way around.
Will her pediatrician write a prescription for Physical Therapy? That would probably be the easiest, least invasive approach. PT’s are pretty good at working with patients to understand what’s causing the pain and how to make adjustments to prevent it in the future. If the PT is puzzled, don’t mess around but go to a specialist - and the PT can probably suggest what kind. My gut feel would be orthopedist but possibly neurologist depending on whether it’s muscular or nerve related.
Do you have a physiatrist where you live? Those docs specialize in pain, weakness, and spine issues. They are MDs. I think of them as less likely to jump to surgery and drugs and more likely to use PT. An orthopedist could also be good, but it seems like overkill if the issue is what you think it is. Having said that, I have seen a couple of really good orthopods whose first thought was PT, bigger interventions later.
You guys are so fast - thank you! I will cal her pediatrician’s office and talk to them again. I don’t really know how referrals work for my insurance. The only time we have seen specialist was a hand doctor when S23 had a slight fracture and I think I went straight to that office without a referral.
I have never even heard of a physiatrist but will ask our doctor about them! We are in a pretty big town and are about an hour from Miami so I am sure if it comes to that we could probably find one.
My H has had good success with a physiatrist her was referred to by his internist. The physiatrist listens to Him, examines him, and then refers him to appropriate PT. They’ve been working on various different problem sections progressively and H learns exercises to strengthen them and decrease pain. It’s covered by insurance as well.
Before H started seeing a physiatrist, I had never heard of that field or anyone seeing one. He’s been seeing him for about 5+ years now with great results.
I use a Myofascial Release Therapist along with PT - my PT recommended this approach for my particular situation. However I’d start with PT as they will have a good idea of whether it’s muscular or nerve related. MFR isn’t as well versed on the whole picture in my experience.
I agree about the PT. The PT I go to specializes in spine and back issues. It has helped me tremendously. My D was having similar issues and I took her to see him as well. He was able to make an assessment and give her some exercises to do when she went back to school.
The PT I see is a one man operation and I like that he spends the entire 50 minutes working on my issue versus my old PT who worked in a larger clinic where the PT saw you for 15 minutes and the rest of the appointment you did exercise with the assistant. If he thinks your problem warrants a physician he is not hesitant to tell you so.
I’ve also worked with a great massage therapist but PT will be covered by insurance where massage is out of pocket.
I think she should try behavior and posture modification first. Really, she hunches on her bed over a computer. Stop doing that, tell her to use the internet for good and learn about self-help because this is hers to fix. Weak back, core, and behaviors that exacerbate that are totally in her range of ability to address. Is she active and fit? This is self inflicted, she can fix it herself.
Hunching lengthens the back mucles and contracts the chest ones. Not optimum.
Have an MD check, to eliminate something else. Then PT or even a savvy trainer. Some swear by massage, but then describe ongoing return visits. The goal is to resolve, over time, not just feel better today and tomorrow.
Anyway, my thoughts are based on my own experience. After a long time of stiffness and pain, most days of the year, a trainer took me to almost none, through stretching and strength building.
Thank you all! @Sybylla I agree - I am guessing that is it self inflicted but of course can’t be sure. It would be great if she could feel better by just sitting at her desk and doing some stretching. She is not athletic but she loves yoga, I need to get her to start going back to it.
@abasket She has a desk but it is usually covered in junk, she just likes to sit on the bed. I told her yesterday that she has to clean up the desk and start sitting there at least for homework. I am guessing I need a referral but luckily we have never needed one before so I will have to call to check.
Yes, I believe most insurers require that PR be a referral from a Physician (MD or DO) to get reimbursed. There are variations on how much is reimbursed and once that runs out, you can try to make arrangements for a reduced rate or wait until next calendar year for new cycle of benefits.
If the PT does the massage, it can be reimbursed. One of the PTs H had included some therapeutic massage as part of the 50 minute session. The PTs vary greatly by quality. If the one you’re sent to doesn’t seem to be working out, you can ask for a re-referral for remaining sessions.
The patient has to DO the exercises and make the changes recommended for the PT or anything else to have lasting benefit.
I started wth my orthopedist. Then MRIs, then PT, etc. personally, I’d like to rule in or out some physical,problem like a ruptured disc. The PT used the report to,plan the exercises for me. Your DD is young, so it could be a bad habit that led to strain. I’ve known many young people that work from their bed. Heck, I’m sitting on my bed using an iPad!!