Hello, just came across this site after surfing the net for the miracle cure, as we do! Anyway, I am a 46 year old male, worked in the forestry/tree surgery business most of my life. I live in constant pain due to a motocross, motorbike jump going wrong, back in 2000. I fell off at 20ft high and landed directly on my head, neck clicking loudly and knocked out for 15 minutes. I recovered and carried on working, with a sore neck, until 2012, when one day at work, my arm went numb. Off to the doctors, tested for heart attack, then got told I have got compressed nerve pain probably.
After serious pain set in, I was prescribed morphine syrup and tablets, plus amitryptiline, naproxen etc, etc. I eventually got to see a neurologist, physio, massage and acupuncture treatment, plus many doctors and other specialists. To no avail. I then paid for my own MRI scan, got referred to a top orthopaedic surgeon, tried nerve blocks plus other facet joint injections, to a cost of £1350, which I had to pay for. No improvement at all. Next was pain management programme, residential for two weeks of, hydrotherapy, relaxation techniques, exercising, tests and talks. It was great, and helped me reduce my pills. But it was a bit like living in a bubble, which was so nice and easy, which was what helped mostly. I am now back to serous daily pain, gave up my tree business years ago, so claiming benefits with my wife, as my carer.
I suffer from compressed vertebrae in my neck and lower back basically, resulting in permanent neck and sciatica pain, in both my lower legs, also an all over pain in my joints, and muscle spasms. Feel like I have been beat up or hit by a bus most days, but the pain varies daily, from manageable to bad, and every few days it's chronic, serious, rolling round, unable to do anything pain. I know many others on here suffer similar, and I really feel for you !
I take 10mg amitryptiline nightly, as the 25mg just wiped me out all the next day too. Several 50mg tramodol when needed, usually 5 a day, 2 of 150mg pregablin, I have just stopped my naproxen and not noticed any difference. I also take 10mg of diazepam nightly, unprescribed, but I find it helps a lot, the gp's only allow it when they see me on a bad day!! I also get prescribed morphine syrup for when times are really bad. I don't like taking any medication daily of course, but I can't imagine life without it. Occasionally I try to hold out, but end up in worse pain than usual, so have to take it quickly. Better to take it as it starts, usually when waking up!
Sorry to write so much but it's my first rant online, lol. Basically I am looking for any similar cases, or advice on how to improve my life/style, or opinions on what you think. Anything would be interesting.
I live in the country in a nice rented cottage, big garden, several pets-dogs and racing pigeons, which brings me happiness, and my wife is supportive and puts up with my mood changes the best she can. Great parents and friends. BUT I just wish I could be pain free and fit like I used to be ! I am currently having CBT therapy, talking about your pain and seeing if your depressed ! I am p****d off but don't consider myself depressed.
Well I hope this gets read at least, sorry again it's so long, all single finger typing too! Thanks and all the best to all of you out there in daily pain, sometimes invisible to others and so mis understood. Chin up and good luck, Richard.
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Hi Richard. Welcome to the site. You seem to have been through most of the suggestions I would make like a pain management course but since it's been a long time I would asked to go back for a full review especially of medication. Maybe there are injections that might help. I don't have a similar physical problem but pain, disability and emotional trauma have the same effect never mind the condition. Your GP will refer you I am sure. I have to go out now but I wanted to give a reply. I think that by the time I get back there will be others.
Have a good day. You will get lots of support here but may have to wait a bit. I rely on this forum for advice and general support.
It's been two years since I posted on here, and only just realized I am still joined up, and I had 9 replies. Thank you.
My situation is more or less the same, but it's great to have replies fr om people in a similar situation to me, and helpful tips too. I will now try to keep up regularly, as these replies made me feel bit better, so hopefully chatting will have the same effect. I was looking for help again, is how I re discovered this site, as finding it hard still, winter doesn't help, but it's not all doom and gloom.
My pigeon racing hobby helps the most mentally I think, as it's a daily chore rewarded by seeing them fly free and fast, good friends too.
So thank you for replies two years ago, I'm back now so would be interested in hearing how you are and any interesting suggestions/tips.
My latest treat is a second hand jacuzzi bath with Epsom salts, seems to help, but not running perfect yet, next week getting it fixed properly hopefully. My other addition to my medicines is smoking cannabis, usually in a vaporizer at evening time, this helps my pains erase a bit too. Bit my main form of attack is still tramodol, hot baths and rest when possible. I still get carried away lifting or pushing things too far. Learning slowly. Thanks, bye. Richard
Sorry nobody can find the miracle cure been looking for it for the last thirteen years but no luck. I have serious back problems and have come to the conclusion that nobody knows the answers sometimes not even the questions. This site is great as it makes you realise you are not alone, I was lucky as my problems didn't start til I was 63 so I had a good life before. Just have to live each day as it comes sometimes gets too much but so many people a lot worse off than me. Good luck on your treatments. Hope you find some answers.
It's been two years since I posted on here, and only just realized I am still joined up, and I had 9 replies. Thank you.
My situation is more or less the same, but it's great to have replies fr om people in a similar situation to me, and helpful tips too. I will now try to keep up regularly, as these replies made me feel bit better, so hopefully chatting will have the same effect. I was looking for help again, is how I re discovered this site, as finding it hard still, winter doesn't help, but it's not all doom and gloom.
My pigeon racing hobby helps the most mentally I think, as it's a daily chore rewarded by seeing them fly free and fast, good friends too.
So thank you for replies two years ago, I'm back now so would be interested in hearing how you are and any interesting suggestions/tips.
My latest treat is a second hand jacuzzi bath with Epsom salts, seems to help, but not running perfect yet, next week getting it fixed properly hopefully. My other addition to my medicines is smoking cannabis, usually in a vaporizer at evening time, this helps my pains erase a bit too. Bit my main form of attack is still tramodol, hot baths and rest when possible. I still get carried away lifting or pushing things too far. Learning slowly. Thanks, bye. Richard
Hello Richard Welcome I have been in pain 16 years. When the GP took away opioids 2 years ago I thought I would die. I didn't. I have a new GP and we r working well together. Just got some tramadol and it makes me not get to #10 pain. What I have come to believe is I will never be pain free. Oops for to go will finish later. Sorry
It's been two years since I posted on here, and only just realized I am still joined up, and I had 9 replies. Thank you.
My situation is more or less the same, but it's great to have replies fr om people in a similar situation to me, and helpful tips too. I will now try to keep up regularly, as these replies made me feel bit better, so hopefully chatting will have the same effect. I was looking for help again, is how I re discovered this site, as finding it hard still, winter doesn't help, but it's not all doom and gloom.
My pigeon racing hobby helps the most mentally I think, as it's a daily chore rewarded by seeing them fly free and fast, good friends too.
So thank you for replies two years ago, I'm back now so would be interested in hearing how you are and any interesting suggestions/tips.
My latest treat is a second hand jacuzzi bath with Epsom salts, seems to help, but not running perfect yet, next week getting it fixed properly hopefully. My other addition to my medicines is smoking cannabis, usually in a vaporizer at evening time, this helps my pains erase a bit too. Bit my main form of attack is still tramodol, hot baths and rest when possible. I still get carried away lifting or pushing things too far. Learning slowly. Thanks, bye. Richard
I am a 47 year old male, so we are similar ages. I have a different reason for my pain, but pain is pain.
I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 30, just came in after a particularly nasty flu-like illness. That was the end of that life. I now have two resurfaced hips, a new left knee and a very painful and inoperable shoulder (only surgical solution is a total shoulder replacement and even that is contraindicated due to the nature of the damage). Other than that the disease is fairly well controlled now, but it took a good few years to get there. Not sure what you know about RA, but trust me when I say - you don't want it
About 4 years ago I started to get the first signs of what was to come with my back. Long story short, I have degenerative disc disease (7 discs gone so far), spinal stenosis, degenerative scoliosis and facet jointm OA. I woke up one morning about a year ago and literally couldn't walk. Lots of pain, back, sciatic, muscular (more on that later).
It's not been the best year.
So, what I have learned along the way; it took me years to come to terms with having RA, I was a pain to live with and be around for my wife. Somehow we are still together and have 2 children that I love more than life itself.
When my back started I was determined not to do the same again, it didn't help before and I don't want to waste anymore of my life grieving the me that once was.
So, I needed two emergency operations on my spine, a lumbar and a cervical laminectomy. They take away a section of the bone at the back of the spine to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. I have also had a total of 5 nerve ganglion root block epidural injections. This is where they guide an injection using high definition X-ray into the exact place that the nerve bundle exits from between the vertebrae. Not sure if these are what you had, but I noticed the cost you mentioned - I had to pay for one of them (they were all done privately) as the insurers would only fund 4 and it cost me about £2000. Purely for the nerve block, no facet joint injections in there.
After the 3rd one i started to get some relief from the constant pain I had been in and decided to do something about the fact I couldn't walk or even stand up without falling over.
So I ended up seeing a Personal Trainer at the gym. I ok'd it with my spine surgeon first and found one that knows her stuff with back problems. It turned out that she is also his PT, small world.
So far I have been going for about 4 months, the results have been incredible. I'm not sure I'll ever walk 'normally' again, but it won't be for a lack of trying if not.
We do a warm up on a cross-trainer (resting heart rate went from 73 to 57 in 2 months) and then a mixture of core, legs, back and some upper body weights / gym equipment. And lots and lots of stretching and loosening exercises done on a daily basis.
She has taught me to spot muscular pain and distinguish it from spine / nerve pain. And using myofascial/ trigger point massage techniques (with a roller not a masseuse) has helped amazingly well.
If I hadn't done these things I am certain I would be in a similar place to that I was in 4 months ago, pain, unable to stand without falling over and unable to sleep due to constant sciatica. The muscle pain alone prevented me from walking so mostly removing this has also enabled me to become more mobile.
Maybe physical therapy would help you, maybe it wouldn't. I wouldn't have believed it could make so much difference for me, but it has. Nobody in the medical world told me to do it, I just did (with permission).
And I wouldn't have thought I could physically do it either, but as I have gained strength in my core muscles the back and sciatic pain have decreased from a 7/10 to a 2/10 and improving.
It is my best defence against scoliosis and further disc herniations.
And I feel better in myself .
And I have now accepted that I won't be plating football again.
It's been two years since I posted on here, and only just realized I am still joined up, and I had 9 replies. Thank you.
My situation is more or less the same, but it's great to have replies fr om people in a similar situation to me, and helpful tips too. I will now try to keep up regularly, as these replies made me feel bit better, so hopefully chatting will have the same effect. I was looking for help again, is how I re discovered this site, as finding it hard still, winter doesn't help, but it's not all doom and gloom.
My pigeon racing hobby helps the most mentally I think, as it's a daily chore rewarded by seeing them fly free and fast, good friends too.
So thank you for replies two years ago, I'm back now so would be interested in hearing how you are and any interesting suggestions/tips.
My latest treat is a second hand jacuzzi bath with Epsom salts, seems to help, but not running perfect yet, next week getting it fixed properly hopefully. My other addition to my medicines is smoking cannabis, usually in a vaporizer at evening time, this helps my pains erase a bit too. Bit my main form of attack is still tramodol, hot baths and rest when possible. I still get carried away lifting or pushing things too far. Learning slowly. Thanks, bye. Richard
See an Alexander Technique teacher. They cannot cure your problem. What they can do is enable you to see how you can do things to make it worse and things that can improve the situation.
Another thing to look at is mindfulness and meditation. This can be a great tool for observing yourself so as to see what you do mentally that can make things worse. And on the other side what you can do that offers an improvement. This is not an instant remedy because it will take a lot of observation before you see trends in behaviour and increased or reduced pain.
It's been two years since I posted on here, and only just realized I am still joined up, and I had 9 replies. Thank you.
My situation is more or less the same, but it's great to have replies fr om people in a similar situation to me, and helpful tips too. I will now try to keep up regularly, as these replies made me feel bit better, so hopefully chatting will have the same effect. I was looking for help again, is how I re discovered this site, as finding it hard still, winter doesn't help, but it's not all doom and gloom.
My pigeon racing hobby helps the most mentally I think, as it's a daily chore rewarded by seeing them fly free and fast, good friends too.
So thank you for replies two years ago, I'm back now so would be interested in hearing how you are and any interesting suggestions/tips.
My latest treat is a second hand jacuzzi bath with Epsom salts, seems to help, but not running perfect yet, next week getting it fixed properly hopefully. My other addition to my medicines is smoking cannabis, usually in a vaporizer at evening time, this helps my pains erase a bit too. Bit my main form of attack is still tramodol, hot baths and rest when possible. I still get carried away lifting or pushing things too far. Learning slowly. Thanks, bye. Richard
Thanks for the reply. Please be careful about talking about certain activities. Everything spoken about online must be law biding.
What I said two years ago is still accurate. To improve our quality of life we must investigate ourselves. Alexander Technique gives you a tool as does meditation and mindfulness. You cannot get Alexander Technique from a book. You need a teacher to give you an experience which could change the ways you approach things. Meditation and mindfulness can be learnt from Buddhist groups which teach meditation and mindfulness. Meditation and mindfulness is not something you can learn from reading a book you need the help of an experienced practitioner.
I can point to a red carpet and call its colour blue. You can point to the same red carpet and say that it is red in colour. We can disagree on its colour, but you will know that what I am calling blue is what you call red. When we come to the body there is nothing we can share so it becomes guess work as to what things mean. An Alexander Technique teaches by using their hands. The experience gained from this hands on approach cannot be described in books. The books can remind you of the experience. The books cannot give you a description of an experience you have not yet had.
Hello, you've been very helpful, thank you. I will definitely seek out a local Alexander technique practitioner now, as I've tried almost everything else. You explained it well, all our bodies and experience of things are different as individuals.
I have been seeing a trigger point therapist, fortnightly, for the last year, and that's very hands on, also explaining what muscles and which bones are causing the pain. Great for sciatica or muscle spasms. She is the only medical person I've seen who's ever made a significant improvement. I'm waiting on an x Ray from standing position not lying down, next step. Apparently my spine is double arched, outwards. When she drew an example it looked like two mountains next to each other.
I have tried mindfulness at a couple of pain management courses I went on, I couldn't really click into it within a room full of strangers, but I did like the idea of it. Time out in a way, for me is that I tend to visit my holiday caravan for a day or two, alone, sometimes, just to switch off and chill. Which is as close as I'll get I think. I also listen to restful music at night, but find it hard to achieve mindfulness fully.
I haven't practiced meditation, only relaxing at a few yoga classes I tried. I'd like to be able to meditate, but I find it very hard not to notice my spine pain and to switch off from daily thoughts completely, almost get there but not yet. I've been to Thailand 3 times, I should have tried it then, but my back wasn't as bad then!
Thanks for reply, wish there was some good advice I could give you in return. Just take care, take it easy and hope things improve. Richard
You say: "I have tried mindfulness at a couple of pain management courses I went on, I couldn't really click into it within a room full of strangers, but I did like the idea of it."
The difficulty with mindfulness is you have the version which makes psychologists money and the version which is more than 2500 years old. What you experienced is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a time to sit down with yourself and notice how you react and do in the present moment. From there you gain experience how the body notices things in many different situations.
Meditation is not about switching off your daily thoughts. That is highly dangerous mentally. Meditation is about coming back to a single task and allow the constant chattering to quieten. The brain is designed to be a noisy continually thought machine on the edge of being ready to leap into full action should the environment require it.
"Meditation_A_Way_of_Awakening_-_Ajahn_Sucitto.pdf" is one of the best books on mindfulness and meditation that I know. It is a free download from:
Hi richard, may I first say, OUCH!! take care you dont accidentally over dose wont you, easily done if your in constant pain, you rant as much as you want, I have only been talking on this site a few weeks but already have good friends and a lot of support from good people. Unfortunately your probabley stuck with the pain, hobbies may seem trite but distraction is good. Other people cant see that your in pain, they dont understand, but youll find the members of this site are brilliant and the admin are there to help with more difficult problems and you can talk to them privately, (Unless you make a pigs ear of posting it properly, Im still living that one down) theres a lady on here called Esined, try her jokes!!! good for a smile. Glad to hear you have good support. Take care. Lyzzie x
It's been two years since I posted on here, and only just realized I am still joined up, and I had 9 replies. Thank you.
My situation is more or less the same, but it's great to have replies fr om people in a similar situation to me, and helpful tips too. I will now try to keep up regularly, as these replies made me feel bit better, so hopefully chatting will have the same effect. I was looking for help again, is how I re discovered this site, as finding it hard still, winter doesn't help, but it's not all doom and gloom.
My pigeon racing hobby helps the most mentally I think, as it's a daily chore rewarded by seeing them fly free and fast, good friends too.
So thank you for replies two years ago, I'm back now so would be interested in hearing how you are and any interesting suggestions/tips.
My latest treat is a second hand jacuzzi bath with Epsom salts, seems to help, but not running perfect yet, next week getting it fixed properly hopefully. My other addition to my medicines is smoking cannabis, usually in a vaporizer at evening time, this helps my pains erase a bit too. Bit my main form of attack is still tramodol, hot baths and rest when possible. I still get carried away lifting or pushing things too far. Learning slowly. Thanks, bye. Richard
Hi Richard, I'm very glad you joined our group. It helps me tremendously to chat here and not make my husband crazy listening to me complain. You have a lot to handle each day in as much pain as you described. You are in good hands here, amazingly supportive group where we all lift each other up. I had neck fusion last year that made me able to use my arm again, the recovery was only a few months and easier to handle than the pain down my arm. I have similar problems with legs and arms from degenerative disc disease and stenosis. I use a large heating pad often which helps the most, and meds. I hope you find relief and have a good evening.
It's been two years since I posted on here, and only just realized I am still joined up, and I had 9 replies. Thank you.
My situation is more or less the same, but it's great to have replies fr om people in a similar situation to me, and helpful tips too. I will now try to keep up regularly, as these replies made me feel bit better, so hopefully chatting will have the same effect. I was looking for help again, is how I re discovered this site, as finding it hard still, winter doesn't help, but it's not all doom and gloom.
My pigeon racing hobby helps the most mentally I think, as it's a daily chore rewarded by seeing them fly free and fast, good friends too.
So thank you for replies two years ago, I'm back now so would be interested in hearing how you are and any interesting suggestions/tips.
My latest treat is a second hand jacuzzi bath with Epsom salts, seems to help, but not running perfect yet, next week getting it fixed properly hopefully. My other addition to my medicines is smoking cannabis, usually in a vaporizer at evening time, this helps my pains erase a bit too. Bit my main form of attack is still tramodol, hot baths and rest when possible. I still get carried away lifting or pushing things too far. Learning slowly. Thanks, bye. Richard
Hi Richard, you tell such a compelling post about your daily life in pain. When you said you hoped it at least got read I had to answer you. I do not have wrong with me what you do but my conditions keep me in pain every day, just depends if it's manageable or screaming for mercy pain. It has been nine years of hell for me. I am a 64 year old woman who still has to work. Only by the grace of God am I able to get out of bed every day. I have a painful bladder condition, a painful nerve condition and all sorts of back problems. I am trying to do the best I can but it gets more difficult lately. I think it's because I am getting older and work takes a lot out of me. I have to sit on a donut pillow whenever I sit. At times thru the years I couldn't sit at all. It helps but not fun. I have had many rounds of cortisone shots, nerve blocks, procedures tests etc. I feel for everyone who is in chronic pain. Some days people wouldn't even know I was in such a bad way. It gets tiring. I pray there will be some new discovery soon for the illness of chronic pain. I am constantly searching. I wish you the best and am glad you have a wife who cares!
It's been two years since I posted on here, and only just realized I am still joined up, and I had 9 replies. Thank you.
My situation is more or less the same, but it's great to have replies fr om people in a similar situation to me, and helpful tips too. I will now try to keep up regularly, as these replies made me feel bit better, so hopefully chatting will have the same effect. I was looking for help again, is how I re discovered this site, as finding it hard still, winter doesn't help, but it's not all doom and gloom.
My pigeon racing hobby helps the most mentally I think, as it's a daily chore rewarded by seeing them fly free and fast, good friends too.
So thank you for replies two years ago, I'm back now so would be interested in hearing how you are and any interesting suggestions/tips.
My latest treat is a second hand jacuzzi bath with Epsom salts, seems to help, but not running perfect yet, next week getting it fixed properly hopefully. My other addition to my medicines is smoking cannabis, usually in a vaporizer at evening time, this helps my pains erase a bit too. Bit my main form of attack is still tramodol, hot baths and rest when possible. I still get carried away lifting or pushing things too far. Learning slowly. Thanks, bye. Richard
Hi there....so much of what you said resonates with me. My pain started almost 6 years ago but the last 2-3 years have been such a struggle. For me the worst thing (apart from the pain itself) has been the way my life has altered.... I no longer recognise who I am. I have spent years now trying to put on a brave face as I know that people can't understand what this feels like... and really don't want to know . After all you are supposed to get better aren't you? Trying to live with pain ....and no support from g.p .....my doctor (a kind understanding man ) retired a year ago and since then I have been trying just to tough things out. My husband tries so hard, but has no experience of persistent pain, so can't really understand. I know that I am just complaining and I am sorry. (been a bad night again, and continued lack of sleep makes me feel so much worse). On a better day I fight, and look for every positive thing I can find .... and try to keep a calm outlook. I guess I am still determined to find a plan .....a way to manage my life as it is now. I only hope that knowing that there are others who really do know what you endure might help ... even a little. I wish you well...and hope that you can find your way through.
It's been two years since I posted on here, and only just realized I am still joined up, and I had 9 replies. Thank you.
My situation is more or less the same, but it's great to have replies fr om people in a similar situation to me, and helpful tips too. I will now try to keep up regularly, as these replies made me feel bit better, so hopefully chatting will have the same effect. I was looking for help again, is how I re discovered this site, as finding it hard still, winter doesn't help, but it's not all doom and gloom.
My pigeon racing hobby helps the most mentally I think, as it's a daily chore rewarded by seeing them fly free and fast, good friends too.
So thank you for replies two years ago, I'm back now so would be interested in hearing how you are and any interesting suggestions/tips.
My latest treat is a second hand jacuzzi bath with Epsom salts, seems to help, but not running perfect yet, next week getting it fixed properly hopefully. My other addition to my medicines is smoking cannabis, usually in a vaporizer at evening time, this helps my pains erase a bit too. Bit my main form of attack is still tramodol, hot baths and rest when possible. I still get carried away lifting or pushing things too far. Learning slowly. Thanks, bye. Richard
Hi mate. I suffer much the same as you. Injured my spine in the forces. Had one disc removed from my neck & chronic lower back pain. Taking OxyContin & Oxycodone plus Amitryptelene & using lidocaine patches. Nothing has ever rid me of my pain. It just takes the edge off it. Keep moving my friend. It’s painful I know but it does help. I just try to occupy my mind so as not to think about the pain. I did this when I was 24yrs old and am now 56. Stay positive & talking helps. Don’t withdraw as I did at first. It just makes you worse. I hope this helps my friend. Be safe & good luck
Hello, and thanks for reply, your right, it does help talking, or messaging as here. I do keep moving daily, not much some days, but daily walks in the field and pottering around my pigeon lofts down the garden. Go fishing too, that's good in nice weather. I do keep as active as possible, without over doing it of course. And yes it helps, but when it's bad, as you know, there isn't a great deal to be done ! Pills, rest, jacuzzi magnesium baths, and a very understanding wife get me through. I've never tried lidocaine patches or OxyContin. Tramodol, duloxatine and diazepam are my main trio of pills. I'm also gluten free, coeliac disease, so no beer or wheat, that didn't help as I used to love a beer to relax at night. Have you tried cbd oil or even the proper stuff, I found they helped me enjoy life a bit more.
Well I hope you carry on being positive and don't suffer too much pain, it's strange after being fit and active too.
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Chronic lower back pain, nerve pain flare up. Advice needed please!
Please help me 
Please please help can stand anymore
I'm new here... PLEASE HELP I just want the pain to stop!! 
