Chronic Pain Management - Patients' Advice: Part VII

Patients share chronic pain management advice
For even more pain relief, read about natural chronic pain management techniques.

I have had intense pain and numbness down my right leg as well as pain down the left leg. It is so intense that I must use a mobility scooter or a walker to get around, although I do walk without assistance when I am having some "good time". I have had two spinal surgeries which helped but didn't cure me. Medicine-wise, I have found some relief through Neurontin (Gabapentin) in doses of at least 1800 mg. per day, which helps to calm the pain from the Spinal Neuropathy. I also use an inversion table (lie on it and tip backwards to reverse gravity on my spine). Living in Florida, I also spend at least an hour a day in the deep end of our swimming pool. There I exercise vigorously, which keeps my muscles and joints in good condition. The final piece in my arsenal of coping is a big comfy recliner where I spend time frequently throughout the day. It takes the pressure off and brings my pain level down from 9 or 10 to 4 or 5, and I can cope with that.

From: Swimmer – Florida, USA

I’m 55 and have been damned with intracable chronic pain for over 30 years. I don’t need to go into details about the accident so let’s just say a damaged spinal cord injury and unfortunately I lived. Although I lost everything, wife, baby, job, and health. Because I was so young the doctors did not want to keep me on pain meds and back then (early 70's) there was not much help as far as pain management so you just had to accept the pain and deal with it any way you could. It was about 18 years ago when I finally met a doctor who cared and through his connections I got some help. I have been through all the usual pain meds and stimulators with not much success. Then my doctor heard of a study at Rush St. Lukes in Chicago about pain/morphine pumps for chronic pain patients and at that time the pumps were fairly new and only given to cancer patients who were terminal. Through this study I was accepted as a trial patient and for the first time in years my pain level was to a point where I didn’t want to die. I still have a pump in me and it still works along with breakthrough pain meds (ms-contin, ms-ir and Dilauted in the pain pump, Xanax, and Halcion for sleep). I live and can do just about anything that’s not too physical like running or heavy lifting. Years ago people and doctors could not fathom the amount of medication I am on but if I do not tell people about all the medication I take they would never know I am on any. No side affects at all. The pain center and the pain pump and meds are my salvation. My biggest fear now is outliving my doctors. PEACEOUT

From: Useless – Chicago, IL

I am simply grateful for every moment that I can feel for that means I am living. I had my first back surgery in '81, my third by '88, three more by 2000. I survived cancer, I have torn two rotator cuffs and ruptured T-11 with part of the vertebrae broken off since then. I have been on cane and scooter. I'm walking and live alone now. RSD, Fibro, degenerative disc disease, connective tissue autoimmunne disease are their dx. I am allergic to all pain medication. I take two muscle relaxants daily and one sleep aid. I use a tens unit, magnets, and lots of positive affirmations daily. Less stress is best, so I create each day to the best of my ability. I listen to music, I take photos, I enjoy the world and people in it for that is an opportunity I might not have had if I was still working. My home is simple and serene. I ask for help when needed. I give back however I can. I keep creating my journey no matter what the challenge. I have no time for the pain, when it gets rough and it does, I allow my mind to dream of the possibilities that I can do and I honor my body just the way it is. I am simply grateful.

From: simplygrateful – Colorado, USA

Asprin, and lots of it stops the pain before it starts. (Forget anti-inflammatories.) It is the pain that causes the cramping ... that causes the pain ... that causes the cramping ... etc.

For lower back problems keep your hamstrings loose by spending half an hour per day on your back on the floor with your legs up the wall.

From: Alex

I developed piriformis syndrome 18 years ago, after years of a hard driving commute. It took 3 separate pain clinics to get a diagnosis, while the pain became chronic. Only basic exercises plus injections were prescribed - which haven't yet delivered real relief. Then arthritis complicated things... Discovered when I was prescribed clonazepam after another back injury, that really helped the piriformis . Still, although I do yoga, walking, and physiotherapy to keep mobile, I'm never pain-free. So now the problem is doctors too scared of a 70-yr-old retired teacher becoming an addict to deal with pain.

From: Janebrenda – Massachusetts, USA

In July 2001, I was 36 yrs. old when I got into a lake and landed on a capped pipe. It made me so mad because it was totally preventable and now I'm disabled for life. (The beach association removed a stair way and left the footings without marking them, which is what I landed on.)

I initially was diagnosed with a broken tailbone. Now 6 yrs later, I suffer from coccydynia, sciatica, SI joint dysfunction, bursitis, severe leg pain and depression from all the pain. I'm in pain everyday of my life since that day. I walk with a cane and cannot tolerate sitting, standing or walking for very long. Social security has denied me even after a federal appeal, I'm too young.

I have been in therapy, had MRI's, seen a number of pain doctors, tried alternative medicine therapy and get injections almost monthly. Still seeking permanent relief. I take Oxycodone with Vicodin kickers, Flexeril, Ativan, Celexa, and Lidoderm patches. I used to take Neurontin as well, but it steals your brain.

I'm not giving up on a new medical breakthrough to help back pain sufferers, but sometimes it's very hard to deal with pain everyday. My advice is to not give up and continue seeking treatments. Even a little relief helps get you through.

From: Wee K – Michigan, USA

I had two surgeries in 2006 - just burning down left arm and numbness in last two fingers. Now 3 discs removed, fusion, and a laminectomy on my spine. I lifted too much weight 7 weeks after surgery. Now constant pain at a 6-8. Taking methadone, valium, neurotin. These don’t kill the pain much, so I’m thinking of getting an implant stimulator. My lady who I loved for 6 years up and left. Somehow I don’t blame her. I just am not quite the same anymore. Chronic pain takes its toll. Just not giving up - every day is a new day. I’m only 48 yrs old and I’m glad I found this site where we all have something in common. Staying busy helps, when you can. Do the drugs, make yourself lose weight – I have lost 26 lbs. Good luck everyone.

From: Don – Tennessee, USA

I have had chronic pain for the last 2.5 years. My back had been gradually getting stiffer and regular chiropractic sessions were no longer helping when one morning I woke up with stabbing pain down my right leg. CT scans revealed 4 herniated discs in the lumbar region. My life changed radically: I went from being a fit,active, independent young woman (32 years) to a bent over invalid. I took cortisone, had a series of epidurals, every test imaginable until I could no longer walk. Last Jan 2006 I had laminectomy and microdiscetomy L3-L4. Pain was definitely better but soon returned. I was a victim of failed back surgery syndrome. Same pain therapy, tests, epidurals etc. I have just undergone peridoscopy to remove scar tissue-didnt work. I will now go to another centre-the 4th.....My advice is do not lose hope: I am lucky to have incredible support and I live one day at a time enjoying the days that are good. Physio helps as does ketaprofen 100mg. Good luck - you will get through it and the best thing is you really find out who loves you.

From: Anni - Italy

My pain is the result of being hit by a fork lift. My neck was broken along with other lower spinal injuries. I cope reasonably well using standard techniques learned from various Pain Management courses. Morphine as the only effective pain relief medicine. I am unable to take non steroid medications so most anti-inflammatories are off the medication list. An understanding family is on the top of my list as a must. Family members need to be educated on chronic pain. Having a dog, to me, is essential, if only for the daily walk that they insist on. Walking is the best exercise for me. A weekly outing of any sort is always on my agenda. Diversion is provided by the computer, reading and thank God for DVD's. Having a hobby gives me a feeling a achievement and self worth. Small woodworking tasks and cooking are my main two hobbies. I avoid negative and angry people. Have enough of my own. I hope I am seen by others as a positive person who is getting as much out of life as possible. God Bless.

From: Kevin – Washington, USA

I only wish that I had some very special advice, but the only real subjective advice is to keep on exercising, practicing relaxation, and acknowledging the fact that every day is back day. I always take some pain medication with a nsaid at the beginning of the day. It is a Tylenol #3, then a mild exercise tape. This seems to help lessen some of the stiffness. The nsaid seems to help also.

Every 6 months, I need a facet injection, because this regimen becomes ineffective.

From: Katey2020

This April will mark 1 year since my Cervical Spine Surgery. My fusion was a success but the bonus of trying to eliminate my pain did not happen. I had a wonderful surgeon from The Spine Group at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, MA. Not only did I have the best surgeon I could ask for but the hospital care was as if I were the only patient there. I felt very safe. The operation eased some of my pain but also reduced my mobility looking side to side 46% and I can no longer look straight down. I cannot remember what it is like to be without pain. I finally just made my pain a part of what makes me the person I am. I cannot take pain medication as I have other health issues. Some days are very difficult. I can no longer work. I am 61 years old. My surgery was 7-1/2 hours long. I have a plate from C2 to C7. I do take Anxiety medication and will the rest of my life. I come from strong parents. My pain can rise to a 7-8 depending on what I am doing. So I had to adjust my way of life, let go of some activities I loved. My Degenerative Disk Disease was from an auto accident over forty years ago. The reason for surgery was numbness on right side, being paralyzed from the shoulders down was a reality. My doctor has told me that I am doing better than he thought I would. I exercise every other day with bands and hand weights to keep my shoulders and arms strong. The problem there is where the cut was made in the back. The nerves that were cut send out needle-like charges. They are trying to meet but cannot. Exercise is vital.

From: Betty

Communicate with others who may be in chronic pain

* Note: This page expresses the experiences and opinions of patients, not doctors. The Back-to-Back forum is provided because we think people often have very practical advice and insights to share that can benefit other patients who have similar back problems. This section has not been peer reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board, and is provided for your informational purposes only.

If you have questions about your specific condition or treatment approach, please go through this site to read peer-reviewed health information about spinal conditions, diagnosis and treatment options. The quickest way to locate information on the site is to use the “keyword search” located in the upper left hand corner of each page. Also, if you want to talk online with others who may be in a similar situation, please go to the Message Board.