Buckwheat Pillows for the Ultimate in Comfort

I am on methadone for chronic lower back pain. I had surgery in 98 and now may need another. Is there anyway to avoid surgery, and still take LESS MEDS?
I don't want to go through another surgery, but I can't stand the pain, and the meds seem to help less & less. I refused a higher dose recently because I am worried about addiction and the effects of taking too much medication. If I take more, It will be less effective AFTER surgery!
Anyone have a similar problem, and how did you handle it?

Hi, I might be able to help,. I take methadone for a serious chronic pain in my legs following multiple surgeries. I started on a very high dose, and was basically useless for the first week, then I gradually lessened the dose, until I found a level that kept me comfortable, there is no cure for this just management. I am lucky I have fabulous support from a pain clinic. Methadone on its own is good but its much better when combined with other drugs like Neurontin/Gabapentin
depending on what the pain is from and so on. I take both these plus a anti depressant drug although I am not depressed, its the mixture that makes it work. Paracetamol on its own is like taking a smarties, but combined with these can work.
If you have surgery that's a different pain, and you will be treated separately for that. that's the sort of pain that improves with time.I recently had my hip replaced, and continued on my pain meds along with the post surgical pain relief. I hope this helps some what chronic pain is very difficult top treat and most doctors get fed up with it as they themselves can't help, hence you need a pain clinic., where they specialize in all sorts of pain.
good luck

{ 1 comment }

When I was 4 months pregnant I started having this lower back pain on the right side. Every time I would take a step and put pressure on the right leg, I would get that sharp pain. It didn't happen all the time but I would never know when it was going to happen. Well now my son is 3 1/2 months old and I still get that pain!!!! Has anyone had this problem?

Its definatley your sciatica!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have the same problem!!!!!!

{ 7 comments }

I have lower back pain (aching) which radiates a little to the right hip area.

Using over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. Medications are often used to treat acute and chronic low back pain. Effective pain relief may involve a combination of prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. Although the use of cold and hot compresses has never been scientifically proven to quickly resolve low back injury, compresses may help reduce pain and inflammation and allow greater mobility for some people. Exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from low back pain and help strengthen back and abdominal muscles.

{ 2 comments }

I have terrible lower back pain that only seems to surface when I lie down. In other words, when I lie down I feel ok but when I get up I feel as though I've been run over by a truck and my lower back is crushed. My current mattress is a Sealy Pillow Top (about 6 years old) and I think I need a new one but there are so many options….help! Here are a few of my questions….

1. Is an Extra Firm Mattress Best? If not, what kind?
2. What is the Best Mattress Brand for Back Pain?
3. Are Memory Foam Mattresses and Good?
4. Has Anyone Tried Bedding—Mattresses/Beds from IKEA?
5. Is it ok to buy Mattresses on line? What sites are best?

Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed!!!

Memory foam mattresses are comfy if you buy a really thick one.

I probably wouldn't buy a mattress from IKEA because they are probably really cheap and not very high quality.

I would try Overstock or Amazon if you're looking for the best price.

{ 6 comments }

Female with chronic lower back pain. Hurting the whole day and noticed that my urine stream is weak. What could be wrong?

Sounds like it could be a bladder infection, of a problem with your kidneys! They make your lower back hurt!

{ 6 comments }

I have suffered with chronic back and neck pain for years. When I was 12 I was in a bad accident. It busted my tail bone and hurt my back. I remember that the doctor told my parents that I shouldn't have any problems with it until later in life, he gave me a back brace, and that was all of it. Well, now I'm 32 and its come back to haunt me in the worst way. Sometime I think that being dead would be better then having to deal with this constant pain every single day! Surgery is not an option right now because I am supporting myself and my son and I can't take the time off from work. How can I get my doctor to give me a good pain pill?! I have never asked for any before but it seems that doctors these days don't want to prescribe them. But I REALLY need them. I'm not a pill head. I'm in pain? What to I say to the doctor? Any suggestions?

This is becoming a pretty common problem. It seems to stem for several factors:

1)Some doctors are not very knowledgeable about pain medication and the myth that people frequently get addicted to pain medication. The reality is that very few people develop addiction.

2)There has been a federal crackdown on doctors prescribing controlled substances, and this has caused an over-reaction against prescribing pain medication.

There are doctors out there who will prescribe pain medication as needed. Try either a pain specialist, or possibly a teaching hospital affiliated with a medical school if there's one in your area. Ask around and see if you can get a recommendation. If you know any physical therapists, they would be familiar with how different doctors work.

In terms of how to approach your doctor, be honest and relaxed. Let them know the history of your injury and pain, including the different ways it is impacting your life. Take someone with you to help you remember your questions and keep track of what the doctor says.

I really believe in people getting the medication they need for pain. I also believe that you should go ahead and find out as much as you can about the status of your underlying condition. Supplement your pain medication with alternative treatment methods.

Good luck, and go see that doctor!

Barry Hughes, Ph.D.

http://www.chronic-pain-alternatives.com

{ 10 comments }

I have had terrible pain in my head and neck muscles for 3 years now. The pain effects my jaw joints, my neck is always stiff with knots in the back of my neck, I have head pain in the area between my ear and temple that on most days I want to put a drill into that spot. Sometimes the pain shoots up the top of my head. I have had CT scan, MRI both negative, seen my GP, an ENT, did 6 months of physical Therapy, had a nerve conduction, Saw a dentist who made me a night guard for possible TMJ and they all haven't fixed the problem & sent me to everyone else. Can anyone relate, or maybe help me in a new direction?

Buy a new pillow to sleep on and try a chiropractor. They might be able to relieve the pain. I have had chronic neck pain for 4 years. The best and cheapest relief came from my chiropractor. I saw her just a 4 times over about 3 weeks. After that, the pain is gone. Sometimes if I overwork myself or sleep strangely, it will hurt and I will go back 1 time. In the past year I saw her 2 times and both for pain in lower back not my neck.
A lot of MD's will say that Chiropractors are quacks, but with the one I have now. I know she helps me, faster,cheaper and safer(without meds).

{ 4 comments }

Yes that is one of the conditions low level lasers are used to treat, but you will probably have to consult with the doctor to find out if it will help. You can learn more about what it does at http://www.lowlevellaser.info

{ 3 comments }

it seems too that i have unswallowed food in my throat, i feel vomiting too especially in the morning or afternoon. sometimes i feel that my neck is tight and thick and that it is difficult & painful to turn it on sides. this has been almost for 2months. i"ve been to the ENT doctor and prescribed omeprazole & claricoft, i'm using it for 2weeks almost but seems no improvement…

any other suggestions for cure, medication, or treatment or alternative medicines please?..
when i move or do some simple works, my throat is tender or painful or much more painful…

i would go see a chiropractor first

{ 5 comments }