Is the pain still there or is this withdrawal pain?

I have been under pain management for over a year and am now reducing the amount of medication I take as I slowly introduce more homeopathic remedies.  My pain is in the back of my head, neck and shoulders.  As I stop taking opana and nucynta the pain comes back.  Is there a way to distinguish between actual pain that was the reason you started taking the drugs for in the first place, or is the pain I am feeling a part of the withdrawal symptoms.  

The reason I ask is that I don't want to suffer needlessly for two to three weeks if it isn't necessary.  My pain is a result of a variety of connective tissue disorders involving muscle and nerve damage.  The pain that comes back as I start to detox is always in the exact same spots, not all over.

Thanks in advance for any advice on the subject...

Enjoy Your Day

[atthebeach]

Hello and welcome to MH.  Well your question is twofold. Yes your pain could be from withdrawal.but there is also rebound pain.your pain is present until you take another pill. It is really a brain and mind trick. Many times the pain actually becomes worse when on opiates. It will take a good month or more off the pills to re-evaluate the pain. Is your doctor on board with you coming off them? Have you tried a taper or cold turkey? Can you take motrin for the pain during your detox?  Try hot showers and soaking in a tub with epsom salts.
I hope and pray you find an alternative to pm
Debbie