I have suffered for some years with a worsening back & right hip problem, but being a man done nothing about it. Till 12 months ago when I went to my GP. He showed no interest and told me I wasn't that bad as I could still walk into the surgery, he couldn't do anything for me and wouldn't refer me to a back specialist as the wait was too long + not bad enough.
I told him I kept fit and it was effecting my ability to run, I was in pain much of the time etc. etc. ..... but to no avail. Things improved when I changed the bed (to a firm one) and I stretch a lot (I worked this out), but still I suffered with one leg not functioning properly, and little feeling in the leg.
So a few weeks ago I went to the local osteopath (private), one session, some serious 'clonking' in my back and £35.00 later ..... a miracle . Just had a follow up session and feel great. Back and hip like new.
It seriously bugs me that the NHS and GP's seem completely uninterested in those of us who make an effort with our health and fitness. Yet if I went in as a fat, smoking, unfit lardarse, I could probably have consultations, pills and disabled benefits till I die.
Is this not slightly short sighted of them?
Saw a W. Mercia runner briefly today, injured (not from running), but he was told by his GP that he shouldn't be running up and down mountains at his age, he was just plain stupid. He's the same age as me, mid 50s .