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November 4, 2009 - 6:55pm
Going the natural route for chronic pain treatment...
I recently had to drop one of my classes because I got so behind with my pain problems. The teacher kept suggesting getting off all my meds and going natural or herbal ... It got me thinking...But honestly I think if going that way was restorative to pain problems no one would be in pain you know? I am not opposed to it...It just got me thinking.
Obviously as a supplement sure, but to go purely like that for me I don't see how..Since I remember how I was before meds and help and that obviously wasn't working.
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According to an MRI in 2008 I had 2mm and 3mm herniations at C5/C6 and C6/ C7. Both having mild to slight central stenosis. Disc desiccation without protrusion at T1-2.
On my Xray from 2008 it said: Very minimal hypertrophic uncovertebral joints at C5-C6. Minimal osteophyte formations and foraminal impingement at C5/C6.
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I am unsure of what meds you are on, and although I love the idea of you getting off all of your meds, it is not a teachers place to suggest it to you.
As you probably know, many medications and narcotics are difficult to get off of, especially with chronic pain. You should definitely seek the care of your M.D. if you are considering this, and they must have the same goals in mind as you.
There is nothing wrong with seeking a natural therapy during this process, whether it be chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, naturopathy etc...but do not take action on this without the help of you physician first.
The other professions are more then capable of giving guidance, support, and treatment to help you become healthier and pain free, but that initial step of reducing your meds can be a difficult one.
Best of luck.
Others may post the same thing, but I honestly do not know a pain patient who "wants" to take the narcs. I've tried everything supplements, horse linament, herbals, etc. I'm on oxycodone, which if you think about it is a natural derivative of the poppy plant,lol. Good luck
1992 L5-S1 Fusion no hardware
2002 Fusion Failed, ALIF L4-S1
2007 Cervical Fusion C5-C7
I have been prescribed the natural course numerous times. I pursued it with my lower back, never worked, then my neck, never worked. The natural, holistic way is an adjunct purely and only after corrective measure are taken. For example, I stretch my lower back everyday, done yoga, pilates, etc. and achieved great sucess with getting my lower back healthy. But that was only after I had surgery, not before.
I am not against the natural way, but it is something I think people pursue who do not have significant issues, just day to day aches and pains. If someone's pain goes away by taking herbs, supplements, stretching, acupuncture and chiropractic. Great, but then I can't imagine their pain was significant to begin with. I am personally all for yoga, pilates, eating well, sleeping well, taking good care of yourself, taking vitamins, etc. But that course should only be complmentary as it never seems to correct bulging, herniated discs with stenosis and arthritic changes in the body (bone spurs).
Please seek a NS or OS opinion that believes in comprehensive care and also shows themself to be contemporary when it comes to ways of fixing pain. Someone who thinks outside the box.
Best,
Jon