Any alternative pain relief techniques?

[DeeJaye45]

I have spinal stenosis & previously had lumbar laminectomy w/fusion in 2006. I currently have rods & 6 screws in place. two of the screws are broken. I went to a surgeon, different from the original one (due to insurance reasons),and he won't do anything because there's no way to know if the broken screws are the cause of the pain or not. I refuse to take anymore narcotics. I'm tired of living my life in a fog. And I'm tired of being in pain. Are there any alternative ways to manage the pain right now? I'm trying to lose weight because I do know that will help take some of the pressure off mt back. So exercise is one thing I am doing. Any other ideas?

[DeeJaye45]

I forgot all about tens units. I had one years ago for my hip but it didn't work so I had to give it back to the phys. ther. dept. I should see if my Dr.would refer me back to phys. ther. for my back to see about trying one for it. It's worth a shot. Anything better than more drugs or surgery. Thanks for jogging my memory. I'll call in the AM to make an appt.

[toolmaker]

I have a tens unit as well and use it daily.You can find them online at very reasonable prices.

[DeeJaye45]

Yes & it does help, only it's expensive. My husband has been unemployed for 2 years so we have to cut back on expenses. I do get the massages when I can though. I wish I could get them on a regular basis. I failed to say that I also havae fibromyalgia so the massages does wonders for that when I can get them regularly. I haev 2 friends who are massage therapists who do give me discounts right now, so I am blessed in that respect. Thanks for reminding me of this. I haven't had one in a while, Maybe it's time I schedule an appt.

[toolmaker]

Have you ever tried massage therapy?