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67 Comments
- inactive, on 09/18/2009, -1/+17Pinched sciatic nerve = massive radiating pain down the left side of my leg. Asking for pain meds from my doctor (because I don't want to pay 1,500$ for another cortizone shot into my spine) and I get looks from him as if I asked to date his daughter.
- SmpleJohn, on 09/18/2009, -1/+14Sounds like you need a new doctor.
- bromac, on 09/18/2009, -0/+10As someone who has this exact condition, and throw in pinched nerves around the 8th vertebrae that send the pain down my left arm as well...
Weed. Seriously. It doesn't completely ***** you up like opiates, you can take it for a long period of time without serious addiction and medical issues, and it helps with the nausea that I suspect accompanies your pain. - riptor666, on 09/18/2009, -2/+10Weed?
- PDAIsAOk, on 09/18/2009, -2/+10You might be surprised just how right you are
- RagManX, on 09/18/2009, -0/+6If I am ever able to use weed for my chronic pains, I will. The risks at this point are too great. My current employer prohibits any use and has random periodic (although very infrequent) tests for employees. Legalize it so I can get relief, plz. kthxbai.
- bromac, on 09/18/2009, -0/+6"Whatever works for you, though."
This above all else!
Also, if you chronically use weed, it affects you WAY different than if you smoke occasionally. You don't become a giddy laughing idiot for one...though it does affect everyone differently. If you become incredibly paranoid (and not just about being busted, because they are out to get you!) I don't suggest it for you. Schizophrenics also need not apply. But I do suggest trying it consistently for a period of time to get over the initial intense effects. Also, try different strains and/or hashish. Many will leave you alert and energetic, without the "couchlock" and burnout that is associated with a lot of the recreational strains.
I've had many doses of opiates. Codeine (Tylenol 3's) don't do any good, and have the side effect of destroying my stomach. Moved to Percocet, medium dosage. More effect and less side effect, but even after 80 or so doses, it would still leave me napping and less functional than marijuana, with the added bonus of physical addiction if I continued longer.
I also sympathize about the employer bit...it seems to be ok for employees to drag themselves in doped on whatever prescription drug they want, hungover, dead tired, reeking of tobacco or cheap perfume and taking smoke breaks every 5 minutes. But I can't treat my condition by burning a different plant. Two words - hypocritical *****. - inactive, on 09/18/2009, -3/+9Another scenario where Medical Marijuana could help.
- Wander2000, on 09/18/2009, -0/+5I have had 4 surgeries to remove a spinal cord tumor diagnosed about 5 years ago. Talk about chronic pain; I was taking about 15 pills per day and they didn't help. Pain reliever (Vicodin), (Klonopin) to stop muscle spasms, (Requip) for RLS, etc. And interestingly enough, I turned 50 a few months ago.
Went to see a psychologist, she saved my life. She told me the pain was psychological, based on my symptoms. Went to my doctor (MD) and he agreed. I was angry, shocked and upset. But after I accepted that, I started to ween off the pills.
The pain is totally gone now, first time in I don't know how many years I can say that. I'm a new person, I feel cheated that I lost so much time. Doctors won't tell you, but if you have chronic pain, go see a psychologist, open your mind up, not everything can be fixed with pills.
I'm not saying all pain is psychological, everyone's different. No doctor questioned my pain due to my real health issues. Seeing a psychologist regularly and being honest with them - can only help you. - jasonliman, on 09/18/2009, -0/+5I am 24, and I have upper back pain for 2-3 years. It feels like ***** waking up in the morning, even a slight move, it hurts. I’ve never seen a doctor before because I don't want to spend money and I don't have health care from work because I am still an intern. Also, seeing a doctor does not mean they can solve my back pain.
I believe the reason I have upper back pain is because I injured myself from workout, cheap bed from ikea that does not provide any support on my back, a $20-older-than-me couch that I got from craigslist and I gain 10-20 pounds.
Here is what I do to reduce my back pain. I no longer sleeping on that ***** bed I got from ikea, I would rather use my sleeping bed and sleep on the carpet. People might think I am crazy, but that really help to ease my back pain because it keeps my upper body straighten up.
I don’t spend as much time on the couch as before. I would rather sit on a wooden chair. In the future I consider spending more money to buy a good quality couch. Or I should get up my fat ass and do something productive.
I exercise differently and it still keeps me healthy and keeps my weight stable. I run one to three miles a day, which really make my back muscle stronger and support my fat and heavy upper body.
Here is my suggestion; I believe chronic pain is strongly related to life style, such as overweight, posture, sitting too long or lack of exercise. Indeed I am no professional, but this is just my personal opinion.
Weed might help, but it can only provide short term relief. - inactive, on 09/18/2009, -1/+6@ elister
My sympathies, I've heard sciatica is a bitch and a half. I have hemophilia, which cause painful internal bleeding in the joints. Luckily there's a hemophilia clinic where I live, and I never have any trouble getting pain meds, but I can't tell you how many chronic pain sufferers I've met who can get so much a single vicodin. I've doled out more than a few from my own stash to people who couldn't get their own.
Unfortunately a lot of them, for whatever reason, don't seek out another doctor. Not to be a busybody, but SmpleJohn is right, you should try to find another one, if possible. If they can't treat your condition, the very least they can do is help you manage your pain. Maybe if they start to lose patients, they'll learn free up the 'scripts.
It's like a lotta things regarding health care-no matter how contrary it may be to your disposition and sense of civility, sometimes the only way to get the proper treatment is to be an absolute, relentless prick when advocating for yourself.
Anyway, there's a term for doctor's who deny patients painkillers-"opiophobia", and it really needs to stop.
http://www.reason.com/news/show/30113.html - cp101, on 09/18/2009, -0/+4"While pain is poorly understood, many experts now recommend physical exercise to combat many types of chronic pain, in addition to medication in some cases. "
Everyone whose been lazy and not walked their dog enough knows what happens.
Sport Science is at a place where it could prevent 50-75% of the physical diseases that plague this Earth. Not to mention Psychosomatic Diseases.
And Experts? What expert would FINALLY deduce that someones physical ailments could be circumvented with physical exercise? I mean; it lowers blood pressure, reduces appetite, increase necessity for water(!!!), balances dopamine and serotonin levels while increasing mental and physical coordination thus reducing psychosomatic diseases like stress and anxiety. - sabach, on 09/18/2009, -0/+4I can attest to the truth of this. At 53 I have had both hips replaced and lower back surgery due to arthritis, there are many days that getting out of bed seems like a bad idea.
- evgeniy13, on 09/18/2009, -0/+4Aging is a desease, help to find the cure.
- swagv, on 09/18/2009, -0/+4What a coincidence... T-Pain makes me feel 7.
- Hetman, on 09/18/2009, -1/+5You do not have to smoke it. Brownies are easy to make. Just get a double boiler. Add butter and marijuana. Make sure the double boiler stays full of water. Cook 3 hours then add to brownies mix. cupcakes etc. It is that easy.
- emkaysmith, on 09/18/2009, -0/+3I'm about to be 65 and I began developing arthritis about a decade ago. Feels like I went straight from 55 years old to 80. Fortunately, I'm retired now, so it really doesn't matter so much that I almost never get through an entire night without having to get up and hobble around for an hour to ease the pain. Drives my wife crazy, though. We also used to tent-camp a lot but I can't really manage that anymore. So far, I can still mow the lawn, but it's taking a lot longer. And a cane is quickly becoming my constant companion. Sometimes life sucks.
- inactive, on 09/18/2009, -0/+3come to Canada or get down to California (from what I've heard) and get blazing.
- Hetman, on 09/18/2009, -1/+4Have you tried marijuana to ease the pain?
- ChronicColonic, on 09/18/2009, -0/+3Wow - I did not know I was such a pain.
- Netmindstorm, on 09/18/2009, -0/+3Actually your appetite is only suppressed for a while following the exercise and usually increases due to physical activity. Many people notice a decrease in appetite AFTER they stop working out. Overall exercise intensity and a person's own body traits play a big role here.
- lanzemurdok, on 09/18/2009, -0/+3i know what that's like. I've had headaches all year long. Cat scans, blood test, mris.. nothing shows up. It's not like i'm stressed either.. My life is pretty good besides the headaches.
Imagine having a hang over headache for a whole year. That's me. Sometimes i don't feel like i'm 23. On the plus side, i can drink and not worry about the next day.. because, i Already know i'm going to have a headache anyways. - ozzyozb, on 09/19/2009, -0/+3I have Cervical Degenerative Disk Disease and I have to take Vicodin hp 3 times daily just to bear the pain. I'm still in pain 24/7 but learned to live with it. I'm 51 years old and yes I feel as though I'm 90
- JigoroKano, on 09/18/2009, -0/+3You don't get chiropractic adjustments with a pinched nerve. You could seriously ***** yourself up for good. A good chiropractor would refuse to touch you and refer you to a doctor.
- Marerob, on 09/19/2009, -0/+2I will share mine I try different. I try pain meds. Cold ice packs. Pillows everywhere. LOL Soothing music. Meditative music. Pleading with God. Making God laugh at me for I will praise God for the pain and my MS with one eye open. Doing lots of research to find ways to help my body do better and that means eating healthy green vegetables and antioxident fruits like stawberries and blueberries which are good for pain and green tea which helps your body repair cell damage and when all else fails I walk. Even though I am in pain I will take short walk I find that blood carries oxygen and oxygen is also a natural healer and it also if you take it slow and don't push it can help to ease the pain. Then you can try to lay down again set that thermostat to 66 degrees put the pillows where you need them and gelaton ice packs and try for sleep. Not easy but you have to take it one day at a time and it is also the way you think. I may have MS but MS sure in the heck don't have me! I have done alot of research and I believe DDT and pesticides that have been used over the years in many countries caused chromosomes to mutate including my families and it continues in some countries to this day. It broke my heart reading about all of your pain stories please know I am hugging all of you today my digg friends!
Mary - redwolfwalker, on 09/18/2009, -1/+3This article is mostly referring to pain that is ongoing, not daily aches and pains that we all have to one degree or another. What do those people do to keep them going? .... alternative therapies, using the mind to go elsewhere other than on the pain ... RX drugs, illegal substances (not to encourage use of harmful ones)
- Marerob, on 09/19/2009, -0/+2Did they do that MRI with or without dye? I used to be just like you. Nothing showed up on just a plain MRI. With dye it lights it up. Was diagnosed with MS 4 years ago. Believe it or not blood pressure meds help keep the headaches away even though I don't have high blood pressure thats what the neuros use and spinal taps never fail to pick up anything that don't show up on film that is auto immune. I feel sorry for you headaches are not fun!!!!! Just a little advice from someones whos been there. Go back to the doctor and ask for MRI with dye or an MRA be a pain in their back side a persistant pest. How do you get a cow to move if you are a bee you bug the hell out of it. LOL
- Hetman, on 09/18/2009, -0/+2They do not have to be brownies. You can add the butter to anything.
- inactive, on 09/18/2009, -0/+2You may want to look into a TEMS unit. They aren't very expensive and can go a long way towards getting your muscles to relax enough to allow for chiropractic adjustments. Then you can use it to keep the muscles from tightening up again and pushing your spine back into the nerve. And yes, weed does help with neurological pain. It doesn't make it go away, but can bring it down to a dull ache, rather than a shooting pain. Another holistic option is "cupping", a process used by many/most acupuncturists that uses heat and suction to force muscles to release tension, and the results typically last 3-4 days longer than a spinal adjustment, so you are saving money also. I've been dealing with nerve damage for over 7 years now and have only discovered these options recently. The TEMS unit is actually the only reason I was able to walk again after almost a year of being mostly bedridden, so you might want to try for that first. Good luck! Oh and another quick point. After my back quit hurting so damn much, I started doing the balance programs on the Wii Fit. They really keep me aware of my posture, which is the best way to keep your back pain from coming back.
- secrity, on 09/19/2009, -0/+2Did you mean a TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)?
- mbtria, on 09/18/2009, -0/+2Chronic pain can really ruin a life. I have had lower back surgery 15 years ago, but the surgeon told me there were still a large number of adhesions along the nerves and muscles that he could not remove. Lower back pain and sciatica with additional cramping and pain in the calf, ankle and foot. I find daily meditation and back exercises to be extremely helpful, but insufficient. I take both ibuprofen and acetaminophen at the same time -- they have different mechanisms of action, so both together are much more effective than just one. I also use muscle relaxers and an prescription but not scheduled opiod of low addiction potential and non-psychoactive -- at least for me. I do not like to use opiates, as they not only muddle my mind but are dysphoric. Salonpas patches which contain methyl salicylates, menthol and camphor are also very useful, as is a TENS unit.
Most important is keeping active. All the above is not adequate for me. Heavy physical labor, within limits, is terrifically important. Digging holes, stacking firewood, building rock gardens and such can be extremely helpful in limiting total pain experienced. The worst thing I can do is stay in bed. Even if my back wasn't hurting, that will then cause a lot of pain. This is not something that you can just start, it must be built up carefully over time. For me, the nonstructured movements of such labor fill a need that can not be met by the standard exercises for back problems. My last MD did not accept this, so I found one that understands my long term experience. - lanzemurdok, on 09/18/2009, -0/+2Yea i have. I don't particularly like smoking though. Yup, i'm "one of those"
- palmer, on 09/18/2009, -0/+250s
- SwampAss, on 09/18/2009, -0/+2Been in chronic pain for many years... Weed Doesnt Cut it..
When you are in pain 24/7 you will understand that weed is the weakest ***** out there. - asaone, on 09/18/2009, -0/+2It is different for everyone, there is no one cure, and I agree keeping active helps. I have had several back operations caused from military service. I was active until I came down with Myasthenia Gravis you can find more info at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_grav ... . Not fun I take so many drugs now it seems like that's all I do, lol. I also had a Thymectomy the surgical removal of the thymus gland (which often is abnormal in myasthenia gravis patients). Not a fun operation since your thymus gland is just below your chest bone and sits on top of your heart. It's like having a heart operation they split the chest bone and well you get the point. So now I have to tell everyone no the scar on my chest is not from a heart operation and then try and explain what a thymus is. lol I still have a lot of pain and my doctors do tell me I am doing fine for a 90 year old, I am 53 and I do feel 90.
- dreamtiger, on 09/18/2009, -0/+2Chronic pain can have both physical and psychological causes, including early abuse. Pain makes you not want to do anything, and inactivity makes the pain worse. Activity targeted at stretching, aligning & strengthening painful areas is helpful, but requires discipline and commitment to one's self. People who have not experienced this have no idea what it's about, and can often be unsympathetic. Ignore them.
- Lunarbunny, on 09/18/2009, -0/+1I can't say it compares to any chronic pain of my seniors, but it's interesting how the pain (I haven't had it checked yet, but it feels like inflammation) in the ligament below my knee goes away after riding my bicycle 10+ miles.
- LenBaird, on 09/18/2009, -1/+2I had chronic pain in my thirties. I stopped all aspartame intake (diet coke) and within two weeks I was pain free and have been for years.
- Hetman, on 09/18/2009, -2/+3The chronic is teh best for chronic pain. It is far less harmfull on your body than other pain killers also.
- NoodlePDX, on 09/18/2009, -1/+2As a sufferer of chronic pain at 26 I certainly feel like I'm years older. For anyone else experiencing the same, I'd strongly encourage you to look into trigger point self therapy:
http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbo ...
http://www.amazon.com/Thera-Cane-Theracane-TheraCa ...
It has worked wonders for me, so long as you have the discipline to work at it every day. - inactive, on 09/19/2009, -1/+2 A good chiropractor isn't just going to start wailing on your back, but when your nerves are being pinched due to bulging disks, those disks have to be adjusted to their original position. Interestingly enough, when I first injured my back, the chiropractor would not do anything but massage and ultrasound stimulation.
After still not being able to walk, I went to a different chiropractor who started with a TEMS unit, then deep tissue massage, followed by a good old fashioned back cracking. One visit to him and I could actually stand up on my own again and a week later I was able to walk around a grocery store without my leg going dead.
I wasted a year on useless massage, wasted money on Vicodin rx's that didn't help, and wasted even more money on neurosurgeons who said back surgery would not help.
Any good chiropractor knows that the muscles surrounding the spine have to be prepared for the adjustment. If you are going to a chiropractor who cracks your back without any type of muscle relaxation or anti inflammatories, then you're ***** anyways. - danthepiercer, on 09/18/2009, -1/+2i was waiting for someone to mention OC's so that i could make a joke about stupid rednecks...too bad NuBiXx beat me too it.
- cp101, on 09/18/2009, -0/+1True, but that's caloric requirement from exercise itself. A body-tax.. Appetite is different from Hunger, Hunger is a need, Appetite is a desire. Most people feel appetite, versus hunger. People have been conditioned to overeat, so instead of filling up with water(!!!), people fill up with food.
- bboyjkang, on 09/19/2009, -0/+1"I am 24, and I have upper back pain for 2-3 years"
hey jasonliman, have you tried sleeping on the floor with one of these types of foams?
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9673/foam.jpg
it's just a simple, cheap, orange foam
I have really bad back/neck tightness, and sleeping on the floor with this really helped
do you one of these pillows?
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2255/contourpil ...
I have one for my head and one to put in between my legs
"I would rather sit on a wooden chair"
I also need stiff seating, but that's too stiff
get a chair with basic cushioning
I hate computer chairs, because they're not stable and too cushion-y
does moving your back hurt?
if back movement hurts you, then we're in different situations
for me, I need movement to prevent spasms and tightness
I still think the pillows and form would help though
you're right about seeing a doctor
if it's chronic, there's no instant cure
the doctor will probably refer you to see a physical therapist, and they can be really expensive
I made a comment a while back about how necessary it is to exercise
you need to get the blood flowing to the injured areas
you can tackle a whole bunch of problems at once if you can find a way to work your back and do cardio at the same time
you'll also lose weight, and your injured muscles won't need to support as much
good luck - Wander2000, on 09/19/2009, -0/+1Why do you "have to take Vicodin" three times daily "just to bear the pain", yet you say "I'm still in pain 24/7". There is something wrong. If you are taking Vicodin and it's not helping the pain, then it's time to get off the Vicodin!
Either see a new doctor, one who doesn't get perks for pushing the Vicodin, or see a psychologist and talk honestly with them about your pain.
See my post about the pain I was in for over 5 years, and how I stopped the pain. And I also have degenerative disk disease, as well as nerve damage in my spinal cord due to removal of a tumor, spinal stenosis and a few herniated disks, yet I no longer have pain. - Marerob, on 09/19/2009, -0/+1Did they do that MRI with or without dye? I used to be just like you. Nothing showed up on just a plain MRI. With dye it lights it up. Was diagnosed with MS 4 years ago. Believe it or not blood pressure meds help keep the headaches away even though I don't have high blood pressure thats what the neuros use and spinal taps never fail to pick up anything that don't show up on film that is auto immune. I feel sorry for you headaches are not fun!!!!! Just a little advice from someones whos been there. Go back to the doctor and ask for MRI with dye or an MRA be a pain in their back side a persistant pest. How do you get a cow to move if you are a bee you bug the hell out of it. LOL
- evgeniy13, on 09/18/2009, -0/+1Aren't we all?
- wascheer, on 09/18/2009, -0/+1Me: Severe Psoriatic Arthritis.
Yep, the "heartbreak" of looking like a leper, plus the BONUS of constant pain in almost every joint, (lol). I have become habituated to the pain, and Enbrel injections keep the worst of it at bay, but it's always there, 24 hours a day. It does rob one of a LOT of energy, and that's the real bitch of it.
A sense of humor is required if you hope to remain sane. I plan on living to 120 - with or without this affiction - and I expect to be happy for most of those years. - Marerob, on 09/19/2009, -0/+1I meant to put that comment up higher sorry
- JigoroKano, on 09/19/2009, -0/+1You don't manipulate a bulging disc man. If your chiropractor thinks that's a good idea then he's either an idiot or a quack. You could easily end up paralyzed from that. A good chiropractor would not even touch you in that condition.
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