Fibromyalgia and back Pain?

Question

I have Fibromyalgia and I also have a herniated disc in my lower back, with that I take medication to control my fibro but yet to find something that will help control the pain in my back and keep the fibro undercontrol as well, any suggestions?

Answer 1

I think you might be able to benefit from chiropractic care. Chiropractic is based on the principle that the Central Nervous System (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) controls EVERY function of our body, and if there is interference anywhere along the nerve impulse, it has a negative effect on the body. When the spinal column is misaligned (what chiropractic calls a subluxation), the bones can pinch/damage the nerves that run out between them, thus interfering with the CNS signals and causing pain, numbness/tingling, or any type of general malfunction to that nerve's corresponding body.

I'm not saying that this is the cause of your FM, but I used to work in a chiro office, and saw how a woman with terrible FM (who had to walk with a cane) underwent care and was relieved of her pain and symptoms. I also think a chiropractor could at least help with your herniated disk.

But no doctor can guarantee a cure. It would be in your best interest to ask around for recommendations, visit a few offices to explain your situation, and pick the doctor you are most comfortable with. No matter what you decide to do, I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I am sorry to hear that you have both afflictions. I have only herniated discs, 5 of them. For relief, I smoke pot as this helps to untighten my back muscles, I also take a prescription strength anti-inflamitory. You may want to consider chiropractic adjustments since a herniated disc is an alignment problem. If you are able to, do some stretches for your back. There is a lot of info online about that and a chiropractor, orthopedist or a physical therapist can give some exercises to do as well.,..Have you considered physical therapy? I also use ice packs on my back for 20 minutes at a time 3 times a day.

Answer 4

I'm sorry your mother is having such trouble - it can take a very long time to figure out which drugs help individual fibro patients. I'm using Gabtril right now and a low dose of Celebrex. I've taken Utram in the past and used Vicodin when I broke a wrist. The Vicodin was great but difficult to get anyone to prescribe. I'm also taking migraine meds, and many of them also help my fibro. But for me, sleeping well is the key. I've taken Ambien with success and am now using Rozerum and Lunesta. Many people are afraid the take sleep meds, but a restful sleep is so important for someone with fibro. Does your mom sleep well? If not you could have her start with good sleep hygiene - regular bedtime and getting up at the same time each day. Use the bedroom for sleep &sex only - no working. I have something over my windows so the sun doesn't wake me and I use white noise as well. I also found that the hot water in our spa helps really well too. I can aim the jets at the fibro points in my neck and shoulders. The doctor that I found to be the most helpful is my neurologist. He started working with my migraines and I'm lucky that he has other fibro patients and is willing to manage that for me as well. I hope you can find something that helps your mom. Fibro can really make you feel miserable. (It's not a wastebasket diagnosis - there are criteria to meet to be diagnosed with fibro. Childhood abuse has nothing to do with fibro. And doctors use low doses of depression medications because they help with sleep and pain.)

Answer 5

Maybe the thing's the Fibromyalgia Association recommends will help you good luck...

Understanding how to relieve symptoms is crucial, experts say.

The Fibromyalgia Association recommends using relaxation techniques.

It also says that heat, from hot water bottles, baths or showers or even soaking hands and feet for a few minutes can relieve overnight symptoms.

Stretching and aerobic exercise can also help.

The association says the most important thing is for people to listen to their bodies, and to slow down when they need to.

" I also would like to give you a site all you have to do is ask a guestion...

***********Look Below ************

[ ASK an ACUPUNCTURIST ].
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/conditions

Answer 6

Fibromyalgia, long-lasting or chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness in muscles, joints, and tendons. Unlike similar muscle and joint pain disorders, popularly called rheumatic disorders, fibromyalgia pain occurs without swelling. Fibromyalgia is characterized by the presence of sensitive areas, called tender points, commonly found in the elbows, knees, hips, and back of the head. Touching these tender points may trigger severe discomfort and widespread pain and muscle spasm. Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, fatigue, poor concentration, and headaches. People with fibromyalgia are also more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome, a chronic disorder that causes abdominal cramping and discomfort. According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia occurs in 5 percent of the American population. Found in all age groups and in both sexes, the condition primarily affects women ages 20 to 40.

Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, many different factors, such as stress or inadequate sleep, may trigger or worsen the symptoms. Researchers are investigating possible connections between fibromyalgia and abnormal levels of hormones and neurotransmitters (chemicals that regulate the body’s physical processes). Certain infectious agents, such as the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, may also be linked to fibromyalgia.

Physicians diagnose fibromyalgia by determining if a patient has soreness in at least 11 of 18 possible tender points and widespread body pain without swelling. If both of these symptoms are present, a positive diagnosis is confirmed after the physician administers a series of blood tests to eliminate the possibility of other disorders that create similar symptoms, such as arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and thyroid disorders.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but a number of treatments can ease its symptoms. Careful stretching and low-impact exercise, stress reduction, and improved sleep patterns may offer relief. Physicians may inject pain-relieving medications, such as analgesics or cortisone, directly into a patient’s tender points to reduce pain and muscle spasm. Small doses of certain antidepressants, taken at bedtime, may help relax muscles and improve sleep.

Answer 7

Sweetie I so feel for you!!!!!!!!! I have fibro too! It really sucks huh? I really have no answer for you but I do know of a website that might help you. They have a chat site to. These people are really nice and caring! The could help you. I was dx just 2 and a half months ago and they have helped me greatly! It is www.fibrotalk.com!! Good luck!!!!

Answer 8

I have both of your problems plus phantom limb pain from an amputation. Oxycontin is the best pain reliever when you are really hurting. Currently, I'm using a 25 microgram patch of Fentanyl that I stick on my skin and leave for three days. It works pretty well. You need to find a pain management specialist who understands your pain and will give you what you need to cope with it.

Answer 9

Find what works for your back and then treat your FMS. That might be the easier way to find relief. For my pain-control maintenance, I take 800 mg. naproxen (Aleve) and a 1000-mg. flaxseed oil capsule every night at bedtime. Whenever I have flareups, I take Arnica, a homeopathic herb that has worked very well for me. You can find info about it at the links below. Good luck.

Answer 10

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