Disc protrusions t5-6, t6-7, t7-8

[spreadhead]

I've been in been hurting for the past year.  I have 3 disc protruding impingeing on the Thecal sac can somebody tell me any good treatments that I haven't ready tried, chiropractor injections, pt.

[spreadhead]

I also have mild to moderate disc desiccation t3 through t12, and schmorls nodes in that same area.

[spreadhead]

My pain levels vary the constant pain is about a 5 on a 1-10 scale, when I'm working I hurt on a 8 level where it hurts so bad I have to stop what I'm doing and lay flat in my back.  When I was going to the chiropractor and seeing my pcp they were giving me norco 5/325 mg it helped me get through my 10-12 hour days of work. I've tried numbers of meds NSAIDs, muscle relaxers but they make me way to drowsy.  I went to a pm doctor Monday and he told me I shouldn't be hurting ad bad as I'm telling him, so he gave me a NSAID, a muscle relaxer, and tramadol, which none of those help me out, I take ibuprofen everyday, and I told him that I've tried tramadol before it made my stomach cramp, feel all jittery and could not go to sleep at nite and he still gave it to me!  He said all I'm doing with the norco is hurting my self more!  So instead of just taking one pill he wants me to take three to control my pain.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Spreadhead,

Welcome to MedHelp's Pain Management Forum. Please excuse my tardy response. I am sorry that you have had pain for an entire year. We can relate!

I assume you mean you have tried the services of a chiro, had steroid injections and undergone the prescribed physical therapy regimen. Normally after a year and all the treatments you have had you should see some improvement.....if it's going to improve. You may very well be as good as it gets at this point.

If you haven't sought a second or even a third opinion I would do so. In my opinion physicians associated with a large teaching facility can often offer alternative treatments. I would begin there.

I also highly respect the opinions and treatments that Doctor's of Osteopathy (D.O.) provide. Many D.O.'s perform Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy (OMT) that I believe is safer & superior to Chiropractor Adjustments. It was an astute D.O. that diagnosed my condition and kept me in my career years longer then any other physician proposed that I could work.

I have also tried Acupuncture. Unfortunately I obtained little benefit but others have found some pain relief through this ancient, long used pain remedy.  It may be worth considering. At this point what do you have to lose? It's a non-invasive approach that may bring you some benefit.  

How high are you pain levels? Are you on any pain management medications? Last but not least have you consulted a PMP? Their opinion may also be beneficial.

I hope you will let us know what you decide and how you are doing. We will look forward to your updates and are here to offer our support. I wish you the best.  

Take Care,
~Tuck