Chronic Pain Management - Patients' Advice: Part III

Additional patient advice on chronic pain management

I had back-to-back surgeries in June of 2003 to remove pieces of L5-S1. After the 2nd surgery, I still had considerable pain in my left calf and foot. I did physical therapy, had injections in my back, see an acupuncturist everymonth and do Pilates twice a week. I still have the pain but it is manageable. It only gets worse when I fail to keep up with my exercises. Pilates is a great way to keep your core muscles strong and to give you the type of posture that is needed to keep you upright. I take an antidepressant to help with the depression that comes with constant low back pain.

From: Julie – Cumberland, Maine, USA

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I suffer from chronic lower back pain, and have done so for most of my life. In the last 2 years it has gotten so that I can't work. At present, I take slow-release Tramol 200mg twice a day, and Surgam 300mg twice, an older medication instead of Vioxx. When that is not enough, I take 3 500mg Paracetamol.

At times, if I missed a Tramol by mistake, my pain gets out of control, and I'll either go to the hospital for an injection, which takes some hours of sometimes lying on the floor, or more recently I was given Endone (Oxycodone) 5mg to use only when needed. I may take two of those if the chronic lower back pain is bad enough.

I find that walking and stretching are the best aids to relieve soreness. But I sometimes use an exercise bike. Coping with the emotional torment of chronic lower back pain is difficult. I need lots of support from family and friends - this is sometimes not enough. I am also involved in a twelve step program for another problem - this has given me, at times, the extra support I have needed. Through this program I have found a higher power to whom I can pray for that extra needed love and support. Until such time that US surgery is indicated, or some other treatment is available to me, I just battle on the best I can.

From: Allan – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

I have managed my chronic back pain due to scoliosis, stenosis, osteoarthritis, and bursitis mainly through exercise and keeping my weight down.I exercise 3 times a week religiously, where I do 45 minutes of cardio on an elliptical machine so as to not jar my joints and I stretch for about 30 minutes. The stretching is key. I also use free weights to keep my muscles strong and I keep my core muscles tight with balance exercises and ab exercises. I also have osteopena, so I take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which I believe alleviates some of the pain I had in my hip. I will take COX-2 inhibitors only when I have no other choice.

From: Kathy – Hillsborough, New Jersey, USA

In July 2001, I had C5-C6 fusion. Surgery went well. I never had any neck or shoulder pain, but I still have numb fingers, a burning left thigh, and weakness in my right arm and leg. I have an 8mm bruise and/or myelomalacia at the C5-6 level of my spinal cord from the herniated disc, which I've had surgically repaired. I've tried many medications and nothing really works.

From: John

I had been taking Celebrex for the past five or six years and had problems with blood pressure. Since going off the drug and switching to Relafen, my pressure is normal. I had stomach problems in the past with NSAIDS but am taking Losec along with the Relafen to avoid problems.Proof that Celebrex raises blood pressure.

From: Stamper – Rosemere, Quebec, Canada

Hi, I have been suffering for (all together) about 37 yrs, but mainly for 17 years as I had a steel frame inserted into the base of my spine L5-S1. All I had to do was to sneeze and I would end up in a heap on the floor screaming my head off because of the PAIN. I had to go privately as the NHS would not treat me. According to them, I was too far gone for them to treat me. Let me explain, here in the UK you are only allowed a certain amount of time in the operating room, plus it would cost them too much. They think of their pocket before you. Anyway, I am in chronic pain 24/7 and getting worse by the day. I have always been active, I can’t sit still for long and I can’t plan anything anymore. Each day is different.

I try to keep active. We have a small aviary with canaries and budgies, plus 3 dogs. The way I try to cope is to try and keep the MIND occupied. You know the pain is there so just try to put it at the back of your mind, even though I have days when the pain is too much and I stay in bed. Movement is pain - the more I move the more pain I’m in. There are days when parts of me don’t work (plus incontinence). Even though I suffer with pain, my wife suffers in silence. I worry for my wife as well.

From: Barry Cooke - England

I have suffered from chronic low back pain for years. Well, I am happy to say that I tried the antidepressant Elavil - what a relief. I am a totally different person. The pain has subsided substantially and I couldn't be happier. Please try this medication, it worked for me and maybe it can work for others, too.

From: DJ

I am presently being treated with the DRX9000 Decompression Unit (a compression machine). Having tried 6 months, 3 times a week of physical therapy, epidural shots, facet blocks and other spinal shots, the DRX9000 has given the most relief so far after only one week.

From: Mike Margolies – Boca Raton, Florida, USA

I had an L4-L5 fusion a few years ago, but still have sciatica pain on my buttocks (especially when sitting), my hop and the back of my thigh. I think I have some permanent nerve damage. The best ways I deal with and manage the pain are exercise, stretching, ice and Vicoprofen.

From: Anonymous

* Note: This page expresses the experiences and opinions of patients, not doctors. The Back-to-Back forum is provided because we think people often have very practical advice and insights to share that can benefit other patients who have similar back problems. This section has not been peer reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board, and is provided for your informational purposes only.

If you have questions about your specific condition or treatment approach, please go through this site to read peer-reviewed health information about spinal conditions, diagnosis and treatment options. The quickest way to locate information on the site is to use the “keyword search” located in the upper left hand corner of each page. Also, if you want to talk online with others who may be in a similar situation, please go to the Message Board.