I have recently been referred by my doctor to pain management for sciatica, spinal stenosis from herniated disc as I am in constant excruciating pain. I have already had two microdiscectomies, 3 yrs physical therapy, four steroid injections back in 2007 & 2008, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, prescription nerve blocker, muscle relaxer and ibuprofen and am currently scheduled for another steroid injection. The next step I want to avoid is disc fusion because it limits mobility. I questioned the doctor about burning the nerve like my husband is about to have done for varicose veins. He said it would render my leg useless. I asked about whether they replace the missing cartilage or disc, he said they couldn’t. I couldn’t sleep tonight because of pain, so I began researching on internet and found five different sources and articles on gel and cartridge disc replacement for spine as being successful during trials. I don’t know why the doctor would lie to me. I asked about CBD or medicinal marijuana also and he said he couldn’t officially give me a referral but that he heard that it could work and thought it’d be worth trying. After discussing with CBD store people and expressed that I only want to kill pain (not be high or non functional) I have gotten Kratum which gives me a couple hours of pain relief and does more than any prescription without the high. My problem is that I got turned down for reopening an L&I case from 2006 job injury even after appeal (though I was told I could reopen at any time as I was deemed as having a partial permanent injury disability. I am currently in appeal process for social security disability. So in meantime I am on charity program of this medical group while I wait. Also waiting on medicaid application.
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So.. I feel for you. I do. I have back issues due to military injuries. A few suggestions- as I wrote below, try magnesium (dosage per bottle) fish oil, vitamin D and Tumeric. Also, sitting is a big part of the problem when it comes to back pain. Stand or lay down, avoid sitting as much as possible. Increase core strength. I know it’s a vicious cycle when you exercise because it can cause more pain but gentle core strengthening exercises on a big ball might help as well as walking, swimming. Medical marijuana may help. In Florida, it’s legal but I have no idea where you live. Many vet friends use it and have had relief from pain. I’ve known people who’ve had back surgeries and have no less pain and even numbness afterwards and it’s really a last resort.
A few other things- hydration increases the cushioning around the disks. Stay well hydrated. Avoid smoking or quit if you do smoke. Diet can help- avoid sugar, even some weight loss is beneficial. I’m not sure about Keto, never tried it but increase calcium with lots of green, leafy vegs. Fresh spinach, for example, has a ton of calcium and it’s absorbed better than with actual dairy products.
Maybe consider buying a personal massager. Some have long handles and you can use it on yourself or a partner can do it for you. Use it whenever you have pain and stiffness. A heating pad can help as well. All that relieves muscle spasms which cause a lot of the pain. Also they bring blood flow to the area which increases healing.
I get chiropractic care several times a week still and the traction table helps tremendously. I’m not sure if that’s available to you though. I’m at the point where I’m trying to get cortisone injections approved but it’s a waiting game and I’m not even sure they’ll be helpful. The point is- try to do everything you can on your own to help reduce the pain. The human body has incredible healing power and there’s always hope it will improve but try the least invasive treatments possible.
I’m not sure your Dr was lying or simply uninformed or doing what gives him the most financial benefit. I have minimal faith in doctors anymore but a good holistic based chiropractor might help you a lot. Hang in there.
I am doing the majority of what you suggest. Plan to do turmeric again I really want off synthetic meds and have begun trying to talk my husband into taking me to prophetic healing pastor (he has doubt, but they are far away and we are broke).
I found some Tumeric tea on sale at a local store. Big box for a few dollars. I’m always looking for deals. Try Goodwill or a thrift store for a massager and/heating pad if you don’t have them. At the very least, rice in a sock heating pad works well.
https://www.instructables.com/Homemade-Heating-Pad/
The problem I’ve learned with OTC meds like Motrin etc is that they don’t work that well over time and you can get rebound headaches or pain if you take them a lot and then stop. Plus they’re bad for your kidneys. I recently went cold turkey and stopped them altogether except one baby aspirin for good health and I’ve noticed no difference in the pain and I was on a lot. It may possibly be improved somewhat. I refuse to take narcotics. I’ve known too many people who went to the dark side on them. The VA pushes them like candy, too. I always have to forcefully say NO THANKS!!!! and they write an RX anyway. Have trouble sleeping? Here’s some Ambien to take with your pain meds.. I shit you not they do that all the time.
Anyway, you do have pain and I know you’re struggling so I’m never going to judge anyone for how they cope. Just don’t give up hope and maybe experiment a little with stretching, exercise, holistic stuff.
Same and same