Hi there,,Im a 50 year old man, who suffers from chronic low back pain.?

Question

I have had 2 back surgerys, discsectomy and spinal fushion, I still have severe low back pain, and the pain goes down my leg often. i have suffered with this for over 8 long years now. I see my doctor, and he gives me vicodin ES, and soma. but these medications no longer work for me. I have never abused my medications, however, I am reluctant to tell my doctor, because doctors often think you just want stronger medication. ive been to pain clinics, and have had epiderals, and have been to physical therapy, all have had no effect on my pain whatsoever. in fact, they made it worse for me. I am totally at my wits end, on what to do next. My doctor tells me I will be in pain for the rest of my life. So is there anybody out there that could advise me on what my next course sould be? I dont mind being on medication, and I dont want any further surgery on my back. (not yet, becides, theres no guarentee of that doing anything) I cant seem to find any relief, and I need help.thanks

Answer 1

I feel your pain. I am in the same situation as you. I am on disability from work and filing for SSI cuz I just couldn't take the pain anymore. My pain Dr hasn't done any tests and the medication that he has been giving me for over 5 years is not working any more. Maybe you could try and see if your regular doctor can refer you to another pain doctor for a "second opinion". Mine just did that and after a new MRI discovered I also have arthritis in my spine.
Give it a try. I know they put you in an impossible catch-22 cuz if you ask for more meds you're automatically a junkie but if you don't then you hurt and hurt and hurt. Maybe I don't have the best advice, sorry, but good luck to you. I feel for ya.

Answer 2

I use a chiropractor and massage therapist with the principles in the book at the bottom and rarely need to take something extra for pain.

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 (natural muscle relaxers) 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, (if this does not do it you probably need a chiropractor as well) 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

Have you tried any of the various forms of yoga? I know it sounds crazy but if the muscles in your back are messed up, yoga will help a lot. A friend of mine treats people in your situation through yoga classes and notices huge improvements, even the people say how much better they feel versus regular physical therapy. Could be worth a try and maybe your hospital offers classes as some do and that would be the best option. Usually, the trainers there are different than the ones you find at a gym and have more understanding of the body in a manner similar to a physical therapist.

Good luck. Hope you feel better.

Answer 4

Get your Doctor to refer you to a pain clinic. Take Vtamin C, D and Omega 3-6-9 supplements.

Answer 5

hi..i have had fusion too (1996) but mine was in the C 5, 6 & 7 area..i too was told i would be in pain for the rest of my life so my dr keeps me on valuim twice a day 10 mg..seems to work for me..she also told me that if my neck and back start hurting too hard and i don't want to take vicodin..to go to bed in the fetal position and believe it or not..that helps sooooo much!!!..i have no idea why other than the fact that's how we are carried in the womb but it really works on me..at least give it a try..just pull your knees up to your chest and go to sleep..it might work for you too..good luck

Answer 6

has the dr ever tried lidoderm/lidocaine patches. they seemed to help me for awhile