"Referrals For An MRI"

I am a 38 year old female and I have had chronic neck and back pain for several years. I have recently had a bout of very severe lower back pain, I took myself to a chiropractor as I thought a couple of sessions would help. On investigation from the chiropractor it seems I could possibly have a bulging disc in my lower back I cannot sit for any period of time I spend a lot of my time standing and walking around. I am in constant pain.

My new doctors Stenhouse Medical Practice, Arnold, Nottingham have been fantastic. I have had a referral and have an MRI booked in for January. This bout of lower back pain has been going on since November and has cost me more than £700 and I am still spending money on chiropractor, acupuncture, prescriptions for medication and a cushion so that I can drive I am also in the process of purchasing a suitable chair so that I can sit in the lounge at home. About 2-3 weeks ago I started waking several times a night with pins and needles and numbness in my right arm and I have lost some of the strength in this arm.

My Chiropractor is concerned that I could have a bulging disc in my neck. I contacted the Musculoskeletal Assessment Centre in December who explained they would contact the physiotherapist who assessed me and see if they could do an MRI on my neck at the same time as my lumber scan. I spoke to them today to see if this was possible to be told NO this is two separate referrals, two separate MRIs etc. This is one spine on one body I feel this is a waste of NHS funds and I work for the NHS so this means more time off work for me which is also costing money. Why can this not be dealt with as one referral on one spine/body. I cannot afford much more private treatment so could end up being off work. Cost effectiveness could be improved with a joined up approach