Anyone here have Chronic Pain?

[unr3stricted]

I've been dealing with chronic pain for about 1 1/2 years now, and its finally starting to get bad enough that I'm going to seriously go to the doctors about it. I've been a few times, but always for other stuff, and just mentioned the pain on a side note. I just don't really know how to deal with this, so advice would be great.

The problem is upper back, some shoulder, and neck pain that is generally a strong aching feel. I also get numbness and tingling in my arms, hands and feet. I've tried massages and chiropractors, but those haven't helped. I am a generally active person but there have been no major back/neck injuries in my past.

The reason I am here, is because I am 19. I don't want to come off as some random ass kid just looking for drugs, but I also want some sort of help. I'm cool with physical therapy, cause like I said, I'm not after drugs, but I also don't think it will help much cause it doesn't feel like muscle pain.

Any advice on dealing with chronic pain, and also not coming off as a kid after drugs?

 

[Uncool]

What activities are you normally involved in?

The Category Pain Intensity Scale helps patients communicate how much back pain or neck pain they are experiencing. Using the Category Pain Intensity Scale is a matter of selecting the words that best describe your back pain or neck pain. The words range from None to Excruciating.

http://backandneck.about.com/od/paincharts/ig/Visual-Assessment-Tools/Visual-Analog-Scale-VAS.htm

How To Take Personal Responsibility For Chronic Pain

From Anne Asher,
Your Guide to Back & Neck Pain.
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Chronic pain does not behave according to the same rules as acute pain. Finding the cause of chronic pain can be difficult or impossible.
Because chronic pain is elusive, often the patient is discounted or compromised in the process of diagnosis and treatment. It might take a patient months, if not years of doctors' visits to get a definitive diagnosis. Worse, the patient may be told that the pain is "all in your head", and be advised to "just deal with it".

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Ongoing
Here's How:

1. Understanding is where it all begins.
   Research your condition and chronic pain in general. Resolve to take personal responsibility for your pain.
2. Know the difference between the two forms of pain: Acute and Chronic.
   Chronic pain is defined as pain that "outlasts the usual healing process", according to Neuropathy-Trust.org. If pain persists beyond 3-6 months, chances are it is chronic.
   Unlike acute pain, which is pain that responds to an actual event of the body, chronic pain can be caused by an injury or illness, or it might appear out-of-the-blue. This is one of the reasons chronic pain is difficult to diagnose.
3. Understand how chronic pain works in your body.
   To others chronic pain may seem like it is all in your head, but there are acutal physiological processes that are happening. Either:
   • The way your nervous system processes the information associated with pain has been amplified. This might be due to:
     • injury
     • illness
     • other factors
     • cause unknown, or
   • Your nervous system just normally processes pain in such a way that pain is amplified.
4. Mobilize personal resources by learning to relax.
   Many pain management specialists prescribe relaxation techniques for their patients. Just because your body works in a more high strung way, doesn't mean you have to.
5. Keep a Pain Journal.
   By keeping track of:
   • where and when you feel pain
   • the quality of the pain
   • what triggers it and what makes it go away
   you will have a basis of communication with your medical professionals. You may also wish to write record your food and water intake, hours of sleep, meds taken and exercise activity.
6. Resolve to find medical professionals with whom you are comfortable. Stand firm in that resolve as you look for them.
   You, in your pain have a right to be taken seriously. A good doctor, therapist, etc. will listen to you and be willing ot work with you as a partner in healing.
7. Drink plenty of pure water
   Studies have shown that drinking enough water decreases the body's inflammatory response. Inflammation is at the root of many diseases and conditions in our society.
8. Seek counseling and share your feelings.
   People who live with chronic pain are prone to a feeling of isolation. Isolation is a powerless place to be. Sharing your feelings and concerns can be an effective release, and can even add to your ability to relax.
9. Give a face and a meaning to your pain.
   If you are creative, is there a way you can express your pain as a work of art? For inspiration, you may wish to view the Chronic Pain Visual Art Project. If you are not creative, writing about your feelings and pain may provide you with new perspective.

What You Need:

• A Positive Attitude
• Willingness to take Personal Responsibility
• Courage
• Assertiveness
• An Open Mind - Especially to New Experiences and Information

Yoga also seems to help in flexibility and is good for staying limber for those that exercise. Check you diet, what do you eat? Getting enough Calcium, Iron, Potassium, and the alloted nutrients? Also sleep, are your sleeping positions posing such problems?

I suggest get some professional advise from a physical therapist, nutrionist, and/or doctor for that matter just to name a few. Its not good to be experience chronic pains at such an early age.

 

[MrFenwick]

I have back/neck pain also. I havn't been to a doctor or Chiroprator as of yet. I'm looking into myself.

But I believe the main reason I have pain is because I do alot of physical labor at work. I'm always lifting heavy things and I'm on my feet all the time. I need to get some arch supports for my shoes. Thats said to help your back out.

 

[PiP4LyFe]

I'd be going and getting a Medical Marijuana card! but thats not for everyone, I'd just go see your family doctor and see what he says.

 

[unr3stricted]

[QUOTE="Uncool, post: 0]What activities are you normally involved in?

http://backandneck.about.com/od/paincharts/ig/Visual-Assessment-Tools/Visual-Analog-Scale-VAS.htm

Yoga also seems to help in flexibility and is good for staying limber for those that exercise. Check you diet, what do you eat? Getting enough Calcium, Iron, Potassium, and the alloted nutrients? Also sleep, are your sleeping positions posing such problems?

I suggest get some professional advise from a physical therapist, nutrionist, and/or doctor for that matter just to name a few. Its not good to be experience chronic pains at such an early age.[/QUOTE]

Mine would be the severe pain about 50% of the time, and the one lower than that the rest of the time.

My job is not physically stressing, cause I sell cell phones at costco, no labor or anything. I work out 2 times a week, and other than that no real major activities. I eat a bit of fast food, but do make sure I don't have too too much, and I take vitamins daily, drink milk and get lots of iron... not sure on potassium but I think thats in my vitamins.

I do sleep on my side or my stomach mostly, so that could be it, but I have a sleep number bed with a very high quality memory foam pillow.

And as for my age, I know thats why I'm worried. In my research generally people get rid of the pain in a month or two, but this is way beyond a month, beyond even a year.

 

[Uncool]

[QUOTE="unr3stricted, post: 0]Mine would be the severe pain about 50% of the time, and the one lower than that the rest of the time.

My job is not physically stressing, cause I sell cell phones at costco, no labor or anything. I work out 2 times a week, and other than that no real major activities. I eat a bit of fast food, but do make sure I don't have too too much, and I take vitamins daily, drink milk and get lots of iron... not sure on potassium but I think thats in my vitamins.

I do sleep on my side or my stomach mostly, so that could be it, but I have a sleep number bed with a very high quality memory foam pillow.

And as for my age, I know thats why I'm worried. In my research generally people get rid of the pain in a month or two, but this is way beyond a month, beyond even a year.[/quote]

I experience mild forms of back pain myself though not chronic. My diet is so so considering its a mix of healthy seafood, organic breads, soy milk with your not so friendly fastfoods and lovely heart burning Denny's meals. I also sleep on the floor so....

Definitely consider a doctor consultation, make sure you give him/her as much info you are giving me now if not more. You want to keep track also on your daily activities and how these pains may or may not be triggered to the activity your doing and what time intervals they occur. Get plenty of sleep and make sure its not in awkward positions either, waking up with cramps is quite annoying.

 

[unr3stricted]

[QUOTE="Uncool, post: 0]I experience mild forms of back pain myself though not chronic. My diet is so so considering its a mix of healthy seafood, organic breads, soy milk with your not so friendly fastfoods and lovely heart burning Denny's meals. I also sleep on the floor so....

Definitely consider a doctor consultation, make sure you give him/her as much info you are giving me now if not more. You want to keep track also on your daily activities and how these pains may or may not be triggered to the activity your doing and what time intervals they occur. Get plenty of sleep and make sure its not in awkward positions either, waking up with cramps is quite annoying.[/QUOTE]

Ah well there is very little in terms of tracking my pain that I can do. I always hurt, but if I'm standing for a long time (at work generally) then it progresses to the severe pain state... and sometimes while sitting for too long too (movie theatre, gaming). Either way though, my pain is 24/7.

As for sleep, I also have insomnia, which is probably caused by my back pain. I try not to sleep on my side/stomach, but its generally the only position comfortable enough for me to fall alseep... if I fall asleep that is...

 

[Axe&Hammer]

I have this weird tingling sensation in my left shoulder muscle,it very annoying,and can be painful

 

[unr3stricted]

[QUOTE="Axe&Hammer, post: 0]I have this weird tingling sensation in my left shoulder muscle,it very annoying,and can be painful[/QUOTE]

Is it in the lower portion of your shoulder? If so, I had that same thing a few years back, a trip to the chiropractor can fix it. What they told me was that one of my vertebrae was out of place, and pulled on the shoulder muscle till it hurt. I thought it was my shoulder, but when he cracked my back it was amazingly much better.

 

[Uncool]

[QUOTE="unr3stricted, post: 0]Ah well there is very little in terms of tracking my pain that I can do. I always hurt, but if I'm standing for a long time (at work generally) then it progresses to the severe pain state... and sometimes while sitting for too long too (movie theatre, gaming). Either way though, my pain is 24/7.

As for sleep, I also have insomnia, which is probably caused by my back pain. I try not to sleep on my side/stomach, but its generally the only position comfortable enough for me to fall alseep... if I fall asleep that is...[/quote]
Yeah I think thats why I became a MOD....>_>...in any case I don't want to scare you but depending on what the doctor's diagnosis is, it might involve pain killers besides physical therapy. Exercising body flexibility I think is pretty important for those needing to strengthen their back muscle and make it more loose in a sense. Again this is just a forum but nevertheless seeking professional help is of utmost importance. I suggest if you haven't you ought to in your free time and have some tests run to know exactly the severity of your chronic pain.

 

[Axe&Hammer]

[QUOTE="unr3stricted, post: 0]Is it in the lower portion of your shoulder? If so, I had that same thing a few years back, a trip to the chiropractor can fix it. What they told me was that one of my vertebrae was out of place, and pulled on the shoulder muscle till it hurt. I thought it was my shoulder, but when he cracked my back it was amazingly much better.[/quote]

Thats what my mom said...damn she was right..but I don't trust those chiropractors :suspect:

 

[suckadickcheney]

[QUOTE="PiP4LyFe, post: 0]I'd be going and getting a Medical Marijuana card! but thats not for everyone, I'd just go see your family doctor and see what he says.[/quote]

oh yeah man, that's what im on... :s******:roll:

 

[tjbo1m]

So I have torn ligaments in both shoulders, bot elbows, reconstructive surgery on my knee, and degenerative disc disease in my back all at age 23. I know what chronic pain feels like. Here's some advice.

Get multiple opinions from multiple drs. Get mri's and see what's going on inside your body. Do everything they tell you to, and most of all, just pay attention to what makes you feel better and worse. Even use a notebook to keep track of what's good and bad..

if I think of more, I'll write it later. But it sucks, and it probably won't go away any time soon. But you gotta deal with it. Sorry bud, I know how you feel.

 

[Uncool]

[QUOTE="tjbo1m, post: 0]So I have torn ligaments in both shoulders, bot elbows, reconstructive surgery on my knee, and degenerative disc disease in my back all at age 23. I know what chronic pain feels like. Here's some advice.

Get multiple opinions from multiple drs. Get mri's and see what's going on inside your body. Do everything they tell you to, and most of all, just pay attention to what makes you feel better and worse. Even use a notebook to keep track of what's good and bad..

if I think of more, I'll write it later. But it sucks, and it probably won't go away any time soon. But you gotta deal with it. Sorry bud, I know how you feel.[/quote]

Yeah I hope he gets better, its pretty serious from what he has said so far. I forgot to mention MRI's and Cat scans for that matter. You said pretty much what I have said to him with the added experience though so thats good. How long was recovery for you or is it still going, the chronic pain I mean?

 

[unr3stricted]

[QUOTE="Uncool, post: 0]Yeah I think thats why I became a MOD....>_>...in any case I don't want to scare you but depending on what the doctor's diagnosis is, it might involve pain killers besides physical therapy. Exercising body flexibility I think is pretty important for those needing to strengthen their back muscle and make it more loose in a sense. Again this is just a forum but nevertheless seeking professional help is of utmost importance. I suggest if you haven't you ought to in your free time and have some tests run to know exactly the severity of your chronic pain.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I have already decided that going to a doctor is of the utmost importance. I went once and the dr. said to try this depression medicine that works for chronic pain, and then see a physical therapist. The depression stuff worked for a 2 days, and then stopped, but I then scheduled for the physical therapist. The reason I am posting here, is cause that appointment was made 3 days ago, but doesn't come up until the 17th. Thats a long time, so I figured I would see if anyone else knew anything about this.

[QUOTE="Axe&Hammer, post: 0]Thats what my mom said...damn she was right..but I don't trust those chiropractors :suspect:[/QUOTE]
Believe me, its weird to have them doing that ****, but its really very safe as far as I can tell. I have gone maybe 5 or 6 times and until this most recent incedent, it has helped a ton. I used to do a lot of sports, so it helped a lot then when I got jostled around and my back was out of alignment. My mom also had numbness in her arm, all the way to her hand and the chiropracter fixed it... didn't see related to her back, but I guess it was a pinched nerve.

Do what you feel is best, but they really do help.

[QUOTE="tjbo1m, post: 0]So I have torn ligaments in both shoulders, bot elbows, reconstructive surgery on my knee, and degenerative disc disease in my back all at age 23. I know what chronic pain feels like. Here's some advice.

Get multiple opinions from multiple drs. Get mri's and see what's going on inside your body. Do everything they tell you to, and most of all, just pay attention to what makes you feel better and worse. Even use a notebook to keep track of what's good and bad..

if I think of more, I'll write it later. But it sucks, and it probably won't go away any time soon. But you gotta deal with it. Sorry bud, I know how you feel.[/QUOTE]

Nothing makes me feel better besides constantly doing something different. I can't stand too long, I can't sit too long, I can't lay too long. Nothing. If I move around a lot it at least doesn't get worse, but it still stays bad to the point that it affects my motivation to do things.

Though I did take a few of my moms vicoden when it got really bad, and that helped a ton. I looked up chronic pain a few days ago, apparently NSAIDS or whatever (over-the-counter pain pills) are bad for chronic pain, cause a. they don't really stop the pain, and b. they can cause stomach/liver problems if you take them too much.

 

[Pez_555]

cervical pain can be the most dangerous, im thinking you may have some circulatory problems when you refer to yourself feeling numb. when they are numb are they cold?

you may even have RSI, what does your job entail?

btw i am at uni studying sports therapy, and also a qualified physiotherapist, so i will try to help as much as i can

 

[unr3stricted]

[QUOTE="Pez_555, post: 0]cervical pain can be the most dangerous, im thinking you may have some circulatory problems when you refer to yourself feeling numb. when they are numb are they cold?

you may even have RSI, what does your job entail?

btw i am at uni studying sports therapy, and also a qualified physiotherapist, so i will try to help as much as i can[/QUOTE]

Sweet, I appreciate the help.

As for the numbness, to be a little more specific it is on the outside half of my hands (ring finger, pinky finger) but not the inside half. Kind of odd to me. Also, it isn't a cold feeling, rather an burning, or electrical feeling. Its numb, but it comes with pain.

My job is standing there talking to people. The most physical thing I do at my job is probably picking up a cell phone. I use the computer but standing up (we have no chairs) and I really do nothing else. Hope that helps...

Oh, and what is RSI?

 

[Tobian]

[QUOTE="unr3stricted, post: 0]Sweet, I appreciate the help.

As for the numbness, to be a little more specific it is on the outside half of my hands (ring finger, pinky finger) but not the inside half. Kind of odd to me. Also, it isn't a cold feeling, rather an burning, or electrical feeling. Its numb, but it comes with pain.

My job is standing there talking to people. The most physical thing I do at my job is probably picking up a cell phone. I use the computer but standing up (we have no chairs) and I really do nothing else. Hope that helps...

Oh, and what is RSI?[/quote]

RSI is reptitive strain injury. It could explain the numbnes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repetitive_strain_injury

It could also by a form of diabetes. Whatever it is; you should have it checked out.

 

[unr3stricted]

[QUOTE="Tobian, post: 0]RSI is reptitive strain injury. It could explain the numbnes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repetitive_strain_injury

It could also by a form of diabetes. Whatever it is; you should have it checked out.[/QUOTE]

Well, not sure if that is it, but I guess it could be. Certainly not carpal tunnel though, my doctor already tested for that.

 

[Xaor]

Personally no, I've had some problems with my knees, and feet (osgood schlaterz or something), but that was just due to adolescence.

My mother had back problems for a very very long time, and had an operation on her back at the end of 2005. Shes now better, but has to be cautious about it.

My father had a problem with his knee due to some cartlidge folding over... and had an operation a month ago.. and he seems to be on the mend.

I doubt thats particularly relevant though.


Good luck on finding some kind of solution. On the 'not looking like you want drugs'... you don't need to convince us

 

[unr3stricted]

[QUOTE="Xaor, post: 0]Personally no, I've had some problems with my knees, and feet (osgood schlaterz or something), but that was just due to adolescence.

My mother had back problems for a very very long time, and had an operation on her back at the end of 2005. Shes now better, but has to be cautious about it.

My father had a problem with his knee due to some cartlidge folding over... and had an operation a month ago.. and he seems to be on the mend.

I doubt thats particularly relevant though.


Good luck on finding some kind of solution. On the 'not looking like you want drugs'... you don't need to convince us [/QUOTE]

Lol, oh I certainly wouldn't mind them, but in this case the pain is bad and constant enough that all I really care about is relief, and not the drugs. They would be a bonus in a way, lol. The problem for me is that I'm 19 years old... who wouldn't think I was just after drugs? If I was a doctor I would think that!

Oh and I had osgood schlauterz or whatever its called too. Obviously I have outgrown it, but when I had it it sucked! I was the sort of kid who always sat on my knees too!

 

[adz1992]

i have a very severe pain sometimes around my knees
found out it was arthritus from broken cartalidge i think from my dislocation

its so severe i cant stand up for hours and very painful


doctors is your first go if they think a chiropracter is a good go then go there