I have lower back pain my Vicodin’s not working what’s next?

[Brina423]

I have degenerated disc n my back and sciatica I take Vicodin 7.5 325 three times a day but it’s not working today I could hardly walk what can I do? Ooo

[DarkKnight8083]

I have degenerative disk disease in my entire lower spine from the t12 down and compression disk disorder in my t12 so I know how painful back issues are. I am a redhead and pain killers do not do anything for me so I have never been able to go that route. Some days I have extreme pain and have tried many different things to help with the pain. What I have found that works for me are a couple of things. 1. An inversion table. It releases a lot of pressure on your spine which you feel right away and can help on really bad days. 2. A deep tissue back massage. My sister is a professional when it comes to them and I have to be brutally honest if the massage is done right you will cry in pain from all of the knots being released but for me when she does it can give me relief for months. Unfortunately what works for one person doesn’t work for another. I have a muscular back and sometimes I feel it’s the only thing that holds me together some days. Not sure if that helps but I hope you find your answer that works for you because I understand the amount of pain you deal with.

[Brina423 in reply to DarkKnight8083]

Thank u for ur reply I’ll check into that I hurt so bad I went to emergency room and here in Tennessee they just think u want pain meds for a high it sucks

[BlueOptimistic in reply to DarkKnight8083]

yes to massage!! Consistently giving me relief’

[Tennesseeman]

I'm new to this group and not yet up to speed on navigating my way through. Are you ADHD or just plagued with your severe back pain?

[Brina423 in reply to Tennesseeman]

I’m new here too I didn’t mean to post that here 😞n yes I do have adhd n high anxiety

[Tennesseeman in reply to Brina423]

I in no way meant to downplay your back pain by using the word "just" I now think that ...are "only" plagued with your severe back pain. I was diagnosed, tested, and moved on to a different psychiatrist who specializes in Adult ADHD, but I have severe, bone on bone knee pain and have been on various pain meds for over 20 years. I now understand why I could never sit down. I just paced and walked until I my knees were totally worn out. Now I'm trying to mix meds for both conditions and it's really tough. Physically I can't walk and Mentally I can't sit! and at 72 years old life ain't good. BTW: By the time knee replacement became common I was in such bad shape that my orthopedic guy won't even consider a replacement and we both know I don't have the discipline to go through the rehab process. So I feel your pain either way!

[Hidden]

I know that back pain can be really debilitating and cause not only physical symptoms but a general sense of exhaustion.

I’m really sorry you’re having trouble and my sympathies go out to you.

I would suggest three things:

Go talk to a medical professional, specifically a pain relief specialist. It’s great that you’re sharing the struggles and seeking support but sometimes you will get contradictory and perhaps harmful advice from unqualified people even with the best intentions. The internet is great for community: terrible for specific medical advice.

Perhaps signing up to a specific support forum for pain relief, back issues or similar? I’m only able to share my experience about ADHD and even that is pretty limited!

All the best. I know chronic long term pain is awful. Keep reaching out and seeking the right help

Is probably the best course of action. I hope you find relief and a good clinician, forum, support group that can help you through this tough time.

[BlueOptimistic in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your suggestions. I see the with the orthopedic surgeon and the pain mgmt Dr. in the same clinic . I will join a support group and forum. It helps with my ADHD and it will help with back pain too. We are not to be isolated!

[Brina423]

Thank u I’m new to this I don’t know my way around here I’m sorry for posting here 😞