Getting nowhere.

[hunni44]

Hi everyone I am new to this site. I have suffered from lower back pain sciatica slipped disk and peripheral neuropathy for over four years now. I have been on many medications that have all failed. I have had MRI scans ct scans..seen neurosurgeons and been to pain clinic's. So far nothing has helped. I am now starting a meditation course. I work as a nanny and struggle everyday with pain which continues to get worse. Is there something I haven't tried that has worked for anyone else?

[joe69]

Welcome to the site. Am in a similar situation as you... I have lower/middle/neck problems within my discs.

Now medication, over the last 6yr I have been on many like yourself, just over year ago I got put onto mst, tablet formula. These have helped me tremendously.

I have seen Neurosurgeon, Orthopedic Surgeon all to no prevail.

Just stick in there, yes it's hard.

Joe

[Hidden]

Hi hunni

Welcome, we're a friendly group, sometimes outspoken, sonetimes sad but always supportive.

I have back and pelvic problems. I did the rounds of alternative therapists, quizzed them all and got a programe to do at home. I've taken the best bits and made my own survival kit from them. My day is carefully structured for routine (pain loves routine) stretching exercises, functional exercise, work, rest, distraction, meditation, mindfulness.

I've had my pain for 11 yrs and rarely use meds. They don't work so I don't see the point. I will use them if I have a relapse (2 in 11 years) they make me sleep so I get freedom from the pain. My alternative methods reduce my pain from 8 to 3. I consider 3 to be painfree as that is as close as I get.

Have a read at the link joe posted about neurological symptoms and causes. Its cleared up a few things for me. You can find it "got appt with gp at his request".

[missrat]

Welcome to the community. You'll also find a great international community at chronicpainsite.org.

I find TENS is best for me. The Ultima TENS (not too expensive) is particularly good, compact, convenient and with a good selection of programmes. It might take some internet hunting to find it. It can also take a lot of experimentation with electrode positioning and programmes to find what suits you best - for me, programme Hm but it's well worth it.

Good luck

Ann

[thenunn]

Hi, I am like most here ,I have lower back upper back ,24/7 sciactica,disc slippage lower,lumbar stenosis etc etc lol. After trying the gauntlet of pain meds ,at the moment im on 2 x 300 gabapentin , I agree with Zanna..NO pain med I have tried brings any relief for more than a few weeks and I mean a few !.

I prefer to meditate,practical exercise,distraction,rest,mindfulness and accepting that this will always be here so I have to get on with it,life still needs to be lived I do find reminding myself that no matter how bad my pain is there is always someone worse off..that helps a lot when I feel that 'woe is me' moment. Sadly I don't think there is any magic pill or whatever for this type of pain . Im due to have a nerve test for my upper pain,but expect the outcome will be the same as lower.

Be gentle with yourself,do somethings you enjoy,smile and don't let Monsieur Pain win

[Rhapsody]

Hi Hunni, I feel for you as I know how painful the things you are suffering from can be.

I don't know your age, or the age of your charge or charges.

Are you sure that you are in the right job?

I have had 5 children and know how back breaking lifting them or bending down to them

can be. I can't give you any medical advice as I am not qualified to do so.

But I do know what caring for children is like,

speaking as a Mum.

Try to look after yourself .

I wish you the best of luck.

Regards Rhapsody.

[hunni44]

Thanks for all the replies. I am 44 also going thru menopause. I asked yo be referred yo a rheumatologist to be tested for fibromialgia as no doctor or neurosurgeon bothered to offer me the test...I am seeing him at 6pm tonight so will keep u informed. I use a tens machine for lower back pain bit so far nothing works for the electric shock type pain I get from ny Brad down. I also dont sleep well and I am constantly tired too. I would really like an answer as to why it is all getting worse and no pain medication really Phelps.

[hunni44]

That should read from my face down. And nothing helps...my hands go tight and ache ejem typing lol

[johnsmith]

Hi

I use McTimony Chiropractic, Alexander Technique, Mindfulness and T'ai Chi.

I have had chronic pain since 1991 as the result of being hit by a ten tonne double decker bus while cycling to work.

One technique by itself for me I do not believe will work. Each technique does different things.

The McTimony Chiropractic which I get on the NHS held re-align me straight and puts things back which have slightly mis-aligned. I have spoken to members of the local CCGs and it appears they are putting out contracts to chiropractors.

The Alexander Technique makes me aware of how the way I use myself contributes to making pain worse and helps me understand that using muscles in a less tense way reduces pain.

The T'ai Chi works on muscle balance and usage and gives me tools to move muscle better.

The Mindfulness which is buddhist meditation of a particular sort enables me to observe what I am doing and what is happenning in the here and now. It helps remove the emotional element of pain and as a result reduces its effect.

The trip is reduce and manage the stresses on the body and mind by what ever means possible.

[sian98]

I have a 15 year old daugher who has had severe lower back pain which travels down her legs for the past 8-9 months. She's had X-Rays, Blood Tests and recently and MRI Scan. All tests have come back normal. She had a few sessions with a Physiotherapist but the pain was so bad she had to give up the exercises. She now has an appointment with the trauma clinic next week. She is becoming increasingly depressed as we don't seem to be getting any answers as to what is causing this debilitating pain. To add to this she is missing so much time off school which is a very important year for her, having to take GCSE's. Does anyone have any ideas of what she may have? I have heard that it could be scatica which does not always show on an MRI scan.