Herniations & sadness

I have 5 herniated discs in my back: 3 thoracic & 2 lumbar.  I got into a car accident about 4 1/2 yrs ago and was a gymnast/cheerleader in high school (both of which I think contributed to my issues).  I also have a bum knee that I've had 2 ACL reconstructions & 2 scopes on.  I'm starting to get depressed because I'm not good taking pain killers, even though they do the trick, and everything I do causes pain.  Lifting things is so tough because using my legs hurts my knees and not using my legs kills my back.  It's like a catch 22 or something (is that even how that saying goes).  I'm on my 3rd set of epidural injections in my lumbar spine, I have a TENS unit, I've started acupuncture, and I have an inversion table at home.  Just today I wanted to go outside and garden (one of my fav things to do) but I can't because of the pain I know will come after (I tried to garden 3 days ago and it was not a pretty site afterwards).  I'm switching MDs because mine doesn't seem to hear everything I say.  He is so focused on my lumbar spine that I feel like he ignores my thoracic spine.  My thoracic spine gives me problems most often.  My lumbar spine gives me the most severe problems.  I'm 26 yrs old and I feel like so much of my life is restricted.  I feel like all I can do is sit here, on the computer and type away.  I know I have a lot to be grateful for but....................THE PAIN *****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  and I am having trouble copping.  Any words of wisdom?  

[Punkinhead75]

Sorry to hear about your pain. It can be difficult at times.  I would definetly keep looking for a doctor that is able to help.  For me it was a chiro.  He did IDD therapy on me and I had decent results.  I'm not perfect but I'm far better than I had been.  All without surgery.  Something the orthos and neurosurgeons said I would need.

I had to make some lifestyle changes however I can still do the things I enjoy.  I just have to moderate what and how long I do them for.  I exercise regularly especially the core muscles.  I also stretch.  I too have an inversion table which I use almost every day.  I keep it at about 45 degrees instead of going all the way over.  All the way over was too much stress on my back.  It did more harm than good.

The toughest part to deal with was my attitude.  The self pity just wanted to settle in and keep me miserable.  I found that by trying to do something everyday to improve my situation my head would be in a better space.  I often have to back things up and just try to be grateful to be alive.  Everything else is just a bonus.

[lee73010]

Thanks PunkinHead......I appreciate your words and experience.  I'll work on the attitude.  I've been thinking about getting a chiro doc but I'm scared that I'll get some quack that will mess my back up even more.  As far as exercise, I have a gym membership but I'm so scared that if I go work out it will hurt me even more.  How do I figure out what exercise I should and should not do?

I'm just so new at trying to help my pain with alternative methods that I really am not sure where to go and what to do...

[Punkinhead75]

I would talk to trainers at the gym.  Let them know whats going on.  Maybe they can help get ya pointed in the right direction.  They may even be able to put you in touch with a decent chiro.  When it come to choosing doctors or any service for that matter I like word of mouth.  Get recommendations from ppl you trust.

I understand the fear of causing more pain due to exercise.  I suggest starting small and slowly build yerself up.  Talk to your dr.  He may be able to prescribe physical therapy.  They will show you exercises to help with your specific conditions.  Often times when I have a good workout my core muscles are sore and tight the next day.  Because of my condition I will have some moderate numbness in my legs.  I then do some stretching and lite exercise to get loosened up again.  Learning to manage my pain in healthy positvie ways has been the key for me.  Strong pain relievers screw my head up so I try and stay away from them.  Let me know how ya make out.  Good luck!!!