what can I do, except exercise

[geertieman]

I't started when I lifted a patient,herniated disc L5_L4_L3. And it seemed to have completly destabielised my vertebrae. The latest scan and EMG showed my neck is simply fusing, and deforming. And normally an EMG doesn't hurt, but the nerves are so damaged there is no signal. Numb fingers, legs constact headache. I'm 30 yo, the only thing I shouldn't have done was smoke. I have good days and bad. The problem is that since you can't see it, some doctor's dispute the amount of pain I'm in. The last one I went to tried to sell my 25mg of Diclofenac, like a normal person would take for backpain. Nice, coming of 80 mg oxycontin at the weekend. I have a presciption for heat thearpy at a specifi wavelength and intensity, but try to find someone who can still do that. I'm a great believer in evideced based medicine, what would your opinion be? Thank you GD, PHD, RN

[deebelle3]

was wondering if the neck is hurting or your back.The vertebrae you mentioned are in the lumbar spine. Hope you are feeling better
Hugs;
Dee

[Mollyrae]

Hi:

SOrry to hear of the pain. Because of the nature of the injury, I'm wondering why Surgery hasn't been mentioned. I also herniated L45 &S1 and the Doctors carted me off to surgery. I found great relief after the Fusion and was basically back to normal 3 months after.

Also, being an RN, you must know that Pain Management Clinics are an option. My suggestion would be to explore these two options.

Please take care and good luck,
Mollyrae

[sandee1818]

Hi,
I am a little unsure of why your not taking the medicine for your pain. You mentioned oxycontin. Has the doctor cut you off or are you doing this yourself?  
There are many different kinds of alternative options but to be honest they rarley helpp with this kind of pain. The painyour in is great from what your explaing and you need medication to treat it.
If your wanting to try a different approach thats great but as I said it will be difficult to get relief. I will post the treatments availble for you.
I hope I am answering your question corretly, I am a little onfused as to what your asking.

In order to properly treat a chronic pain condition, it's important to address its emotional aspects.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about medications or lifestyle changes that may help you to better cope with
feelings of depression or anxiety associated with your pain.

There are many different types of pain medications available. It may take you awhile to find the right one for you.
Everyone reacts to pain medications differently. What may work for one person may not work for another.
Opioids or narcotic medications are commonly used for pain management.
There are many different types , dosages and brands.
The extended release formulas are used more widely with a short acting medication for break thru pain.
Chronic pain patients need treatment and if the narcotic medicines do not work you do have other options.



If analgesic tablets or prescription painkillers aren't helping you manage your discomfort, it may be time to explore a more natural type of pain relief.

There exists a range of therapies known as either complementary medicine
(used in addition to traditional Western therapies)
or alternative medicine (used in place of traditional Western therapies),
and devotees have used them for conditions as minor as a headache and as
major as cancer.

Studies suggest that a low-fat, high-fiber diet may help to stave off aches and pains. In addition, certain anti-inflammatory spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, and cilantro, may have therapeutic effects
and play an important role in chronic pain management.


The National Pain Foundation endorses a comprehensive list of nontraditional remedies, below. See which ones work for you:

Acupuncture.
This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting long, thin needles into various points on the body. The idea behind this is that optimal health is achieved when energy flows freely through
the body, and the needles remove any blockages of this energy.
Acupuncture has been used successfully to alleviate pain from musculoskeletal issues as well as headaches.

Massage.
Not just a perk for wealthy spa-goers, massage has in recent years come to be recognized as important to overall health.
It reduces muscle tension and stress, can relieve soreness, and may
even boost your immune system.

Biofeedback.
This teaches you to focus on your body's response to pain and stress via a monitoring system that gives off sounds or visual cues whenever your muscles tense.
Eventually you become able to use nothing more t
than conscious thought to change your physiological response to a particular type of stress on your body.

Hypnosis.
Popular as a cure for smoking as well as overeating, hypnosis can also be used to manage pain.
A trained clinician induces an altered state of consciousness, making you more receptive to suggestions of behavioral changes that can reduce your pain.
For instance, if you suffer from chronic lower back pain,
under hypnosis you might be taught to visualize your back muscles opening up. Some people can even learn to hypnotize themselves.

Guided imagery.
This involves imagining yourself in a peaceful setting.
The more detailed the scene, the more your mind can truly transport you out of your discomfort and into the soothing scene.

Are there any questionable pain-relief remedies?
Yes. Think twice before relying on herbs.

Health-food stores are full of herbal supplements purported to reduce pain, but be careful.
The FDA does not regulate these supplements, and some of them have negative side effects, particularly when combined with over-the-counter pain medications.