back pain need help

[blackforest]

I had a mirror fall on my back 2 years ago. i have had x rays cat scans seen spine surgeons nothing has been really found and my back is still really painful i have almost constant spasms in upper right shoulder and feel as if someone has just punched me in the back i hardly sleep but recently got a electric blanket which now gives me round 4 hours sleep if im lucky doctor doesnt believe im really in pain so will not medicate me but there is reason i cant see another doctor. im now got depression bad and dont even want to leave the house unless i really have to, have lost friends lots. starting to hate people even there voices. what do i do to somehow feel better in some way im not suicudal i just need help and understanding and for the pain to stop even just for an hour

[RunningMom]

Hello and welcome to the pain management forum.  I'm so sorry you are here suffering in this pain without any help.  The MRI and x-rays are not 100% and could very well be missing something.  It is best you keep finding a doctor who will listen and treat you.  For my neck alone, I had 5 MRI's and a cat scan all with in a course of 2 years.  At first the family doctor told me that the findings were a mistake and there was nothing wrong with me.  

When he said that, I had dangerous spinal cord compression that needed emergency surgery.  I never gave up.  I've now found out that doctors will even dismiss small disc herniations and bulges that are showing up on film too, this has also happened to me.  I have two mild disc herniations, but they are not bad enough for surgery.  Even though the doctors are saying nothing is there,  there could possibly be something that they are passing off as not a big deal.  

It's always best that you keep a copy of your films and reports on hand too.  I have a copy of every MRI that I've had and their reports.

[blackforest]

thankyou everyone for your help and support. last week i got myself out of the house and went to see a friend for a few days. im feeling a little more positive as my doctor has finally said i can go to another doctor now as workers comp is not covering anything including payment until laywers or court comes through but as least i can see someone else and get another opinion- some medication. thankyou so much for listening

[kitty51]

I agree with Tuck,a rheumatologist can tell if you have fibromyalgia or myofacial syndromes
Trauma to your body such as a fall, or illness and surgeries,plus long term stress and pain can bring it on.At least if you get it checked out by rheumatologist or a osteopath.Its just that your symptoms sound are similar.I go a chiropractor that is very good with fibro patients.Ultra muscleze powder from the health food shop is very good for muscle spasms,even if you dont have fibro.Hope this has been of some help to you.
Kitty.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Blackforest,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am so very glad that you found us. I know it must have been difficult to find the energy to post and frightful to reach out to unknown people. You have taken a brave step.

I met a person on this forum from Australia a few years ago who has become a dear friend. From her I know that your medical delivery system is different than that of the USA. She too has had some struggles obtaining pain management. I will contact her and see if she can offer any suggestions for you also.

Depression often goes hand in hand with chronic pain. Just because you cannot "see" something on a diagnostic test does not mean you do not have pain. WHEN will the medical community learn this is a fact?? It makes my blood boil.

I too was undiagnosed for many years. The pain was extreme and debilitating but not one physician could find a reason for my pain...so no treatment, no medication, nothing! Frustration and desperation are not words that cannot even begin to describe how I felt during those years. So my dear heart I do understand where you are coming from!

Please get yourself to a therapist. In my opinion that should be your first step. He/she will most likely confirm that you are not imagining your pain, that it is real and more investigative studies should be done to find the source of your chronic pain.  

If that doesn't prove to be successful than you encourage you to keep searching for a physician that will beleive your chronic pain. There are conditions called Fibromyalgia and a similar one called Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Myofascial Pain can occur after an injury such as what you sustained. Sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers form in your muscles after injuries or overuse. When these muscle fibers continue to be sensitive and painful long after the injury should have healed this condition is known as chronic and  are referred to as a Syndrome, hence Myofascial Pain Syndrome..

Some physicians have trouble differentiating the two just as some still deny the existence of either. When you have fibromyalgia, there is usually a total body aching or pain. When you have Myofascial Pain Syndrome there are specific pains in specific areas. Myofascial pain syndrome put simply is a chronic form of muscle pain. In Myofascial Pain Syndrome, the areas not affected by trigger points don't hurt, but with fibromyalgia, the areas outside the tender points still are painful.  Fibromyalgia is a neuroendocrine disorder while Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a neuromuscular condition. A symptom that is shared between the two is sleep disturbances.

Please do not think that I am telling you that you have Myofascial Pain Syndrome or Fibromyalgia. I am not a physician. I am merely making some suggestions.I am very sorry that I do not know what your diagnosis may be.  What I do know is that you must not give up. Don't give up and don't be dissuaded by the non-believing physicians. There are answers out there. It will just take a great and understanding physician to find the solutions.

It was a D.O. that finally diagnosed me. A Doctor of Osteopathy. I don't know if your country has such physicians but if so I suggest that you try to make an appt for a consult. A rheumatologist may also hold some answers for you.

Please let us know how you are doing. We are always here. I look forward to hearing from you again soon. Please stay with us and let us help support you. Our members are wonderfully supportive, informational and may offer other suggestions.

My heart goes out to you. Please keep in touch.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Sarajmt]

Oh my dear Blackforest!  This is not a good situation at all!  You've come to the right place for support and advice. Although none of us are doctors, we do have a lot of knowledgeable forum members.  We're all glad you have come and hope you will join us.

I'm not which is more serious at this time.  Your pain or your depression,  They both need to be addressed and addressed quickly!  My suggestion to you is this. Get a referral to a Pain Management Physician.  They have received special training in various ways to lessen your pain and get you back on your feet.  My second suggestion is to get a Pain Psychologist.  Ask your Pain Management Physician (PMP) for a referral or recommendation.  She should know of several therapists who will be able to help your depression.

Chronic pain and depression go hand in hand.  It seems we can't get away from it.  But we can get both conditions treated.  So PLEASE get out of the house and go to a PMP.  Your family doctor can refer you.  So please make the call and keep the appointment.  It is the absolute best thing you can do for yourself.

I have no idea where your pain is coming from.  But if you hurt, you need pain relief and the PMP can do this for you.

I urge you to keep posting on your new forum so we can give you any help we can.  And check back a little later.  Weekends tend to be a little slow.  Feel free to send me a personal message if you'd like to vent or have questions.  I am a good listener and may not be able to answer your question, but I'll try.

So again, welcome to Pain Management forum and I hope to see more of your posts.
((HUGS))
Sara