do i need an MRI?

[asa1973]

I have been having back problems for about 27 years now and i am only 35, i had my first ever x-ray about a month ago which shows the L5-S1 disc gap very tight whereas all the other discs look healthy.
My G.P. mentioned OsteoArthritis from his letter regarding the x-ray.
I have been referred to Physio and had an initial assesment where the consultant said that it looks like Degenerative Disc Disease, he said the only way to determine this better is by having an MRI scan, on going back to my G.P. and telling him this, he said he cannot authorise an MRI scan or refer me to a back specialist, all i have is a bit of backache and i am on the mend,
I visited the dentist yesterday for a filling and once the dentist had finished, i couldn't get out of the chair, i have 3 children, an 11 year old, a 2 year old and a 6 month old, i cannot pick up the two youngest as it is too painful.
That to me tells me that it is more than just backache and it is not on the mend and something needs doing.

What is your advice?

[txsilver]

I am so glad to hear from you and to learn you had the MRI!  Please let us know what you find out.  

[asa1973]

been for MRI a couple of weeks ago.
got my appointment with the consultant in a couple of weeks to duiscuss the results

[txsilver]

WONDERFUL!!!!  I am so glad that you got this worked out so quickly!  Will be anxious to hear more.

[asa1973]

SUCCESS!!!!

saw a different doctor yesterday and got referred to a specialist, gonna see him in march, will keep u posted

[txsilver]

Get back to the doctor and, if you have to, change doctors.  Do this as often as you have to until you get approved to have an MRI.  You have something going on here that needs to be investigated so a treatment plan can be developed.  Get your doctors talking to eachother so they are on the same page.  Please keep us posted!