Burning pain in spine

[mauschen]

Hi everyone,

I have a burning sensation in my spine, worse in the thoracic area. I have degenerative disc disease with 8 chronic protrusions. I pay privately for physiotherapy because the NHS only offer phone physio..

Today I saw a private orthopaedic consultant surgeon who wasn’t very helpful and barely laid a hand on my back, moreover, no investigations. He only wanted to push the services of his colleague who was a pain consultant. While this service might be helpful for some, I already take over 20 necessary medications per day and try to manage pain without medication, preferring instead to do a series of stretches, exercise, heat and physio. I do not want to become dependent.

Has anyone else had this very painful burning sensation? Does anyone have any suggestions as to what it might be?

[rabbits65]

I’m sorry your not well with burning pain . Can’t help you but would like to send you my love and best wishes

[mauschen in reply to rabbits65]

That’s so nice, such a lovely response, thank you!

[LisaKB]

Hi, I think your approach is excellent with stretches and exercises and keeping off pain killers. Have you been to a chiropractor? I would recommend this over physiotherapist, and also some more scans (MRI and X-ray) to see if anything has changed, which the chiropractor could arrange. My chiropractor also does dry cupping and dry needling (similar to acupuncture) which I would highly recommend. Also, when you have a flare up have you tried ice instead of heat? Give it a go for a few days, no more than 10mins a time (not too cold, avoid skin turning white), 3 times a day. All the best!

[mauschen in reply to LisaKB]

Thanks Lisa, much appreciated

[Konagirl60 in reply to mauschen]

Arnica is a natural cream/gel that cools tissue. It might help. If the area that’s sore is relatively small, you could try using icy menthol or camphor pain patches.

[Konagirl60]

Burning pain is generally considered a sign of nerve compression or injury. Have you ever been offered a nerve pain modulator? Nortriptyline? Amytriptyline?

[mauschen in reply to Konagirl60]

No, but I take Duloxetine which is also an antidepressant for peripheral neuropathy Wagner type 1

[loopy-lee]

Hi, I have degenerative disc disease in my cervical spine and I experience the burning pain in my spine that sometimes radiates into my shoulder. I have had a nerve conduction test and this has shown a compressed nerve and also damage muscle in my shoulder that the nerve runs through so as other people have said this burning sounds like nerve pain. I find stretches and massage and plenty of support when sleeping works for me. Hope you get some answers soon.

[mauschen in reply to loopy-lee]

I had an MRI privately in October 2020 which showed 3 slipped cervical discs and compression. I was treated as an inpatient for 3 days with physio, IV opioids and steroids . This worked a treat but my GP refused to prescribe the oral medication recommended by the surgeon.Due to other illnesses, my risk is too high for surgery . So this is going to be a regular problem

[Konagirl60]

Your GP is not supporting you. Can you find another one who’ll give you the pain meds you need?

[mauschen in reply to Konagirl60]

I wish I could look around for a new GP but with the current situation, it’s not possible. GP’s are not accepting new patients unless you are new to the area or have been given a GP by NHS ( refugees).I have had a private consultation with an orthopaedic neurologist. He recommends intensive physio therapy to avoid the need for surgery and regular pain medication. He doesn’t understand my GP decision but doesn’t want to question it. Instead he has recommended a consultation with his colleague who is a pain consultant.

Not sure if this is just another money making ploy? I believe the NHS also offer this service but the wait for an appointment is very long.

Thank you for your concern x

[Konagirl60]

Have you tried turmeric pills for pain? Passionflower tablets might help to. They are both natural. Finally, CBD gel caps might help you.Are you close to a Holland & Barrett?

[mauschen in reply to Konagirl60]

Sorry not close to H&B. To be honest, I have tried the natural medicine without success Thanks anyway, your suggestion is much appreciated

[Hidden]

It could be neuropathic (nerve) pain. I have this and was given all sorts of meds by a pain consultant.

Recently given Buprenorphine 7 day patches which are proving very effective

[mauschen in reply to Hidden]

That’s interesting, thank you. I will do a bit of research before speaking with my GP. I don’t hold out much hope as he only wanted to prescribe paracetamol

[Hidden in reply to mauschen]

Ooh. These are a bit stronger and more expensive.

Good luck 🌺

[Konagirl60]

Paracetamol is useless for nerve pain. You need Nortriptyline and possibly Fentanyl duragesic patches if the neuralgia is severe. Good luck.

[Poppy_Ann]

Hi there, I don't know what half of what you put is maybe you wrote it for doctors to see I broke my back in an accident whilst in the army it is broke in 4 places L1 to L4 (the bottom 4) during the accident I had my hands pind down to my shoulders my head pushed over to my left and back the weight passed through my hands on to my shoulders then down my back through my hips knees and feet to get me out they had to cut a bulldozer to push it off at which point I just collapsed and was taken to the medical centre where they said I had back strain and to take the next couple of weeks off but over the years it slowly got worse until they kicked me out, now I get a small pension from them the funniest thing was a couple of months ago I received a letter from them which you get every year to say how much it has gone up but mine just told me it was going down by just over a pound a month but it gave me a laugh at the least, this is the way that 5he government treats disabled veterans I served just under 12 years when they kicked me out as if I had passed the 12 year point it would have cost them a little extra.

Sorry about the rant, Regards Poppy.

[mauschen in reply to Poppy_Ann]

OMG !!! That’s a disgrace.Firstly, let me commend you on your bravery and for keeping my family safe.

Secondly, I am so sorry to hear about your accident and treatment… or lack of it!

We don’t hear how disabled veterans are treated. I was of the opinion that you would have special health care professionals looking after you because of the horrible injuries that veterans are likely to sustain.

I feel ashamed that you are not being looked after after what you have sacrificed. I will certainly be writing to my MP to let him know that I am shocked by your situation.

I have no words of wisdom for you regarding your pain and obvious disability as I am battling my own pain and disability. Nevertheless, I wish you well and hope get the treatment you deserve and the financial support to help you live with this terrible situation. God bless you and keep you safe.