Back is NQR - what to do?

[SkipHiLad4me]

For the past month or so, I’ve had a “kink” in my back - it’s on the right hand side below my shoulder blade. I’m not really in pain - my back only feels tender when I twist my upper body to the right. Also when I ride, I just don’t feel like I have the flexibility that I should. I wouldn’t really be bothered by this too much except for the fact that I’ve had several days where my feet or hands feel tingly - almost like a nerve is being irritated :no:

I have no experience with back problems - what is the best method of attack here? Should I go to my general practitioner first? try massage therapy? go straight to an orthopedist? Like I said, I’m not in pain - but I just know something isn’t quite right and I don’t want to cause any long term damage by not getting checked out.

[Wayside]

Generally I start with my general practitioner. The one I have now is pretty good about getting me appropriate referrals.

I agree, we should treat ourselves as well as we treat our horses, and taking care of things when they’re NQR is way better than waiting for a full-blown problem.

[Desert_Topaz]

GP is a good place to start. She/he will be able to figure out the basics of the problem and send you on to the appropriate specialist.

[SkipHiLad4me]

Thank you for the advice. I will go get it checked out :yes:

[DressageGeek_Ribbon]

Let us know!

[amastrike]

If you can, go to a DO. They can do manipulations (similar to a chiropractor) which can be hugely helpful. Just ask when you call, because not all DOs do manipulations. I’ve had a DO take care of my back a few times, and it REALLY helps.

[SkipHiLad4me]

amastrike - who is this DO you speak of? Not sure I’m familiar with that term…

[tollertwins]

Doctor of Osteopathy.

My PT has a cert. in osteopathic manips and is putting me back together all the time!

[Prieta]

I feel more comfortable going to an appropriate specialist after I get a photo of what is going on - like MRI…

[DressageGeek_Ribbon]

You bet MRI.