In Regards to my question dealing with horrible back pain and other issues?

Question

Those who have replyed so far to Chronic Back pain,etc...being a home owner is a constant work out for me.I am physically disabled,I am just now getting the
attention that I should of had in 2003 when I pushed a hand pallet jack with a load weighing 1,228 lbs and a group of idiots who were to back me up as we had no access to a forklift nor a electric jack to place on weigh scale.I settled out of court as I wanted to continue to work once I was able to move half ok.That took me 2 months.I have had orthoscopic surgery 3 times on my shoulder,once on the knee(that is on the verge of giving out again)I am 45,I do have osteoarthrits and now that I have medicare I am getting to the right doctors.I do have my main doctor but there was not much that could be done.In 2004 I went 5 days of horrible pain in my right leg,didn't do anything to it.Finally went to E.R I
was 18 hrs. away from dying to 4 Deep Vein Trambosis and they were in my hip
finally.My right foot swells for no reason now.etc.

Answer 1

I am very sorry to hear about your pain. I have seen a variety of doctors: orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, physiatrists and lots of physical therapists. All have helped. I also have massage therapy - that is expensive and the insurance doesn't pay but it gives me temporary relief. I use ointments like BenGay and Sportscreme (smells better than BenGay), hot and cold packs and I try not to stress myself out because that tenses up the muscles and cause problems.

Physical therapists have given me back exercises which have been tremendously helpful.

I do my exercises - toning and stretching faithfully every morning before I get out of bed (make sure you have a firm mattress if you do this). I have a medicine ball that I use and an elliptical machine, which is easy on the joints. I have been walking. At first I couldn't walk more than 15 minutes but now I can walk for more than an hour. Walking has been the best exercise in reducing my pain and when I do I take less pain medication.

I realize that there are some things I cannot and probably will never be able to do and that's okay with me.

I don't know your financial situation but if you are able get some help with the homeownership/housework business.

I lost some weight and that also helped. I try not to take too much prescribed pain meds because I don't want to become addicted. Advil helps a lot and warm baths too.

Hope you feel better and be able to manage your pain so your quality of life can improve.

Answer 2

I would tend to start with a chiropractor and see a massage therapist.

Much pain is from muscles below is an example of what may help (based on headaches).
Begin with a couple swigs of molasses or a couple of bananas daily - magnesium (which regulates many things in the body) and potassium (a needed building block for muscles).
Drink at least 1/2 gallons of water per day. Running a body low on water is like running a car low on oil is the analogy the head of neurology at UCDavis told my husband about 10 years ago.

Now to the cause - muscles - your back, neck shoulders and head have tender spots. They are knots in the fibers of the muscles called trigger points. It makes the muscles tight which makes them press on nerves and other things causing the pain.

The cure - start with a professional massage, you will also want to go back over any place you can get to 6-12 times per session up to 6 times per day rubbing (or lightly scratching on your head) every where that is tender until the knots go away. The place where the skull connects to the spine press up under the edge of the skull (to get to those muscles).

For more information read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies. It teaches what to do and where the pain comes from.

Answer 3

I am so sorry to hear the pain that u are in. I suggest taking advil, having a mix of drinks, either really hot, or really cold, depending on ur mood; and taking hot baths with bubbles and soothing lotion, etc., and eating things that make u feel happy. for example chocolate cheers me up. Don't do much pushing things around, yet do things that u can enjoy yourself with such as spending time with ur family. One of the other things that u should do is put heating/ cold packs on ur leg and get a massage or sit in one of those new massaging chairs like my Grandma!! Hope u feel better!!