Well, seeing as how this thread seems to have become the "bad back" thread . . . .
For years now I've suffered with a bad back.
Three years ago, after a lot of badgering the GP, I got into what passes for the NHS back pain maze.
It starts with a referral to a physiotherapist. They check you over, discover that you can't move much and come to the conclusion that you have a bad back. (No shit Sherlock!)
You get referred for hydrotherapy - basically pratting about in a warm pool for an hour a couple of times a week for about five weeks.
The physiotherapists are stunned to discover that you still have a bad back!
You get a referral for an MRI scan - this shows (effectively) no disc between L4 and L5!
They suggest that an injection to the "facet joints" may help.
You have the injection - it helps - for about three weeks.
They say "Aha, we can mend you - have radio frequncy Denervation of said facet joints (basically they microwave the nerves in question.
).
One very uncomfortable procedure later and things are looking up.
They look up for about 5 months, then the pain is back.
Been to the GP again, he says "I can refer you to the physiotherapist".
I say "Why - we know what's wrong, you lot did the MRI"
He says "It's how you access back pain services"
Digs in pocket - will be booking a consultation with THE back specialist in the South very soon.
GRRRRRRRRR!
Fooking NHS - like taking your car to the garage, they know what's wrong, try a fix which doesn't work and want to re-diagnose when they know what the problem is . . .
