What to do next?

[Linda46567]

I had  a   L5-S1 spinal fusion 6 years ago, it failed. I went thru countless epidual injections without any relief. I then gave up the fight  and  consented to a spinal cord stimulator. This was a mistake. I have had to have it redone three times and finally ended with a paddle lead . I am now still suffering with low back pain and extreme bilateral leg pain that goes into the arches of my feet. I have had a recent myelogram that showed progression of my back problems. Nothing that can be fixed surgically. Does anyone have any suggestions on alternative pain managment? I currently use the stimulator besides taking percocet three times a day with oxycodone twice a day. My job is on the line and disability has been suggested to me. I am at my wits end........Can anyone give me suggestions on what to do next?  I am open to any suggestions.

[Linda46567]

Update since my last post (which has been a while). I still have the stimulator and still having pain. It seems like the stimulator does not work any longer. I have an apt. with the Dr. to see about removal. Still having bad flare ups. Just want something that will be a constant relief not an work today but not tomorrow type thing!

[sandee1818]

There are many alternative treatments you can try. Have you decided not to take l your narcotics to control your pain?
To be totally honest the alternative treatments may or may not work, I have not really found any that have worked for me. I will list some and you can try them. I hope they do work for you:)




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.