| Chronic Pain |
| I have suffered from upper back Chronic Pain for over 15 years after being hit by a car while riding a motorcycle. I have been to chiropractors, accupuncturists, physical therapists and massage therapists with no relief. I have tried almost ever non-steroidal anti-inflammatory as well as all the over-the-counter products. A heating pad took the edge off for a couple of years until it burned and damaged the skin on my back. I have tried vioxx, celebrex and anti-depressants including elavil. Presently the only thing that helps are pain-killers which my doctor has cut back. I am trying an electrical muscle stimulator device but have not noted any improvement yet- and the conductor-pads (which are supposed to be lasting a month are only lasting 3 uses) are about $10 each, so times four per every 3 days will be too cost-prohibitive to continue. Pain-killers are helpful, but none of my doctors have been willing to commit to a long-term plan, and my present doctor has cut my medication to next to nothing. Today I have been dealing with some type of cramping that's somehow making the bones in my shoulder grind into a neck bone- had the same thing last week for days in my upper back. As of March 22, 2003 I have been trying a new med, Skelaxin, in combo with twice-weekly massage therapy, and so far it does seem to be helping a bit. It doesn't feel like it's 'fixing' the problem, but it's making it more bearable. This is an ongoing page, and will be added to soon. |
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