HELP?

[wandabelle1]

i  am in pain all the time due to injuries in both shoulders but painkillers are at the addiction level i want off the pills but cant bear the pain. HELP???

[hmf099]

Welcome! Many of us have been there. I have fibromyalgia, HS, and herniated/bulging discs in my back. Since getting off the pills, a better diet, regular exercise, stretching, yoga, physical therapy, vitamins, Motrin, Tylenol, massage, bengay, icyhot, Absorbing Jr, non-narcotic NSAID pain patches, hydrotherapy (a jetted tub) and hot/cold packs have all helped at different times over the years. Discuss these options with your dr and ask what else you can do for pain.

[weaver71]

Ariley nailed it. Hyperalgesia is very real. I describe it as having no skin and half a brain. I can't say my pain is gone, but it's better than it was. I suggest you start looking for alternative medicine. Chiropractics, message, stretching, muscle building, acupuncture, yoga, try it all. Start now, and slowly reduce your meds as you seek alternative treatment. I have to make a chiro appt. today, thanks for the reminder. Fact is, I got off drugs, tried everything to replace them, now my whole life is changing in ways that I could not imagine. I have scoliosis and dislocated a shoulder, I've been in a few car crashes, but pills stopped working. Opiates are for temporary relief, they are not a cure in any way. How much of what, and how long have you been on pain killers?

[ariley13]

Hi and welcome! If these meds are prescribed through a doctor (which I assume they are) you should probably discuss this with him/her. Many of us here were on the pain meds because we actually suffer from legitimate pain issues. When you take opiates long term, your body becomes dependent on them and your tolerance increases. It's like being on a merry-go-round, or chasing your own tail. Constantly taking more and more to achieve the same results. There is a condition called opiate induced hyperalgesia. Basically our brains trick our bodies into believing we are in more pain than we really are so that we will take more and more of the opiates. Once you quit the pills and your brain begins to produce it's own 'feel good' chemicals again, your pain is a lot of times less than what it was on the pills. Sounds crazy and backwards, but it happens all the time. Do some research on this and speak with your doctor about a taper plan. We are here for you and can help you with any withdrawl symptoms you may have. This is also a wonderful place to find support and encouragement. I wish you nothing but the best with this. Take care!