Prolapsed (slipped) disc in back

[bond]

My friend (in is 30's) is suffering this unfortunate condition. He has been signed off work initially for 2 weeks, and it looks to continue for longer. He is in agony if he doesn't take the strong painkillers he is prescribed and can barely stand up straight let alone walk very far. He was referred to a spinal specialist via his NHS GP but they have refused, saying the pain needs to last longer (upto 6 weeks) for a referral. Is this all that the NHS offers with this condition, just extra strong painkillers "until" the pain goes away?, it seems a pretty poor attitude/treatment to something which is very debilitating. Is it worth him paying privately to see an osteopath or some other private medic?

[jackthehat]

How has the problem been diagnosed?

Acupuncture afforded me some relief and was available on NHS through my GP.

[erin-x]

My mum ruptured a disc and ended up living in the living room for weeks and weeks before she got sorted out. It ended up that she was crawling about, unable to stand and seriously considering taking more than the recommended dose if you know what I mean.

My brother on the other hand got seen to very quickly. I think it's definitely pot luck tbh. He should make his doctor understand the situation with the possibility of going private and they may then get the finger out.

[gingejbee]

The strange thing is that this condition *can* improve dramatically given time. If not, he may have an MRI to ascertain the severity of it. I wouldn't visit an osteopath at the moment. (This from someone who has had two ops on a prolapsed disc - and narrowly escaped a spinal fusion).

[curley]

I have had 2 prolapsed discs the first one took a full 6 weeks to recover,but the second one i was better within a month.
All they can do is take the tablets & try to move as best they can, as they will know it is very hard to move from a lying or sitting position.
Hope your freind get's well soon

[bushbaby_de]

My husband had similar problems and went private, and within weeks had specialist appointments for MRI scans and physiotherapy, so if he is in a lot of pain and the NHS won't bend their procedures it might be worth paying for a private referral.