No diagnosis after almost 6 years. IB50 claim form

Hi, I am currently in receipt of IB, but have an IB50 to fill in, (jeez I hate these forms!)

I have extreme pain in my lower back, cut a long story short, It will be 6 yrs in February 2011. Bent over to smooth a cat, CRACK went my back. I have had surgery, a Discectomy, Injections, physio and acupuncture. No real help from the Orthopedic surgeon, he lied to me, so then went to see a Neurosurgeon. After MRI scans and consultations with him he has said it's down to managing the pain. I have had no diagnosis and therefore have no idea what to put down in the form.

I'm terrified of this form, having to fill it in I find really daunting.

There are other points in the form I'll be asking for help with too I would think, aarrgggghhhhhh!

I have filled it in. Just explained about my current condition and previous treatments. I'll see my GP and ask what I should state in future about a diagnosis if asked.

This was the box on page 3 of the form asking about illness or disability.

My guess from your description is that you had a herniated disc. Contents of disc(s) between vertebrae in the spine are forced out, sometimes from minimal exertion, like bending awkwardly. This puts pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal causing severe pain. If this does not resolve on its own, an operation (discectomy) can be performed.

This is not always successful and may involve other problems such as scar tissue, which will still impinge on the nerves, causing ongoing pain, and possibly pain and numbness in the legs as well. There can also be spinal stenosis - this means the spinal canal has narrowed,putting pressure on the nerves. If surgery does not cure any of this, it is usually diagnosed as "failed back syndrome" or "failed back surgery syndrome". Orthopaedic surgeons don't like to admit this, ie they "failed". I would check with your GP if this is the "diagnosis"/label they are not telling you.

You didn't mention whether the surgery involved having any rods put in, which would indicate a problem with the vertebrae themselves. If not, the injections suggest a problem with the facet joints which link the vertebrae together and help stabilise the spine.

Pain management techniques, not a cure, are the only remaining option and you could ask to be referred to a pain management programme.

You have the right to see your own GP records, which will give details and have copies of the letters/opinions of the surgeon to your GP and the details of the scan results.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failed_back_syndrome

It is also possible to have severe back pain and a definitive cause is never found..This sounds unlikely in your case as they would not have operated unless they had a realistic cause.

For the purposes of benefits, it is not the diagnosis that counts though, but how the condition affects you.

Good Luck,

Hi Andrew,
suffered deteriorating back problems over sixteen years,countless X-Rays and four MRI'S later finally diagnosed with lumbar canal stenosis in 2009 also informed I was born with a narrow spinal column.
Two spinal operations since July 2009 and now improving rapidly.
Unfortunately the medical profession do not seem to investigate back/spinal problems fully until mobility is effected.
As far as claiming benefits ,emphasise effect spinal problems have on Your bad days (cannot bend to empty oven etc ,difficulty with stair , restricted walking etc,etc,etc as much information as possible to make them understand how your condition effects daily life and get as much information from Your consultant and GP as possible with regard to additional evidence.
Mention any specialised equipment (raised chairs etc) walking aids if required and medications(dosages and reasons they are prescribed).
KEEP COPIES OF ALL THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED.
Good luck.

You don't have to have a specific diagnosis. What matters is which of the descriptors apply to you.

I would endorse the idea of supplying copies of letters that show what treatment you've had, especially if you've got anything from the neurosurgeon saying that there's nothing more they can do except manage the pain, which would go towards showing that it's a permanent condition.