Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Laura on 19/08/2004 10:10:18
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For about 8 years now I've had trouble with my back. When I say back I really mean the area round my sacrum and SI joint. I am so fed up of it. It's better than it used to be but as I've put up with it for so long I can't cope with it so well. What I mean by that it makes me cry quite easily and feel very sorry for myself. When it's hurting I am helpless and depend on others (I'm single so that's not easy). I can't carry anything, do any exercise (obviously) and every step and movement is laboured and painful. It is very stressful to be in this situation.
My emotional sense of well being is dependent on me doing sport and exercise. It's the only hobby I have and need it to keep me feeling good (I lost the love of my life and man who was to be in my future to a car crash almost two years ago, which means my I can easily feel the depths of despair if I don't keep myself happy).
I have seen everybody; physios, podiatrist, osteopaths, several GPs, consultant at Royal Free in London about 5 years ago, specialist physio at the same hospital, healers. I've had an x-ray, MRI scan and bone scan. Nobody can work out why what hurts, hurts. Cursory exercises and stretches do nothing. I get pain to the left of my coccyx, across my whole buttock and down the back of my thigh. This can sometimes swap sides and makes all my central back muscles spasm and tense up. The knock on effect is stiff neck from my awkward gait and tension I hold when the pain is bad. The pain is 10/10 bad when it's bad, takes my breath away and makes me shout out. It is usually sudden, stabbing and overwhelming.
I don't know what it means to say I can't cope anymore, but that's how I feel. That I can't cope anymore. Everyday I have some kind of pain and it's particularly bad every two weeks or so but when it's bad it can last a week.
I'm fed up. I'm 32 but I've had this since I was 25 - when people couldn't tell you it was age.
The end of work comes, I struggle home and then I'm stuck. I am weak and every effort kills me.
What can I do?
What a stupid question.
Nothing.
But I need help.
Can anyone advise?
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Hi Laura, welcome to the forum.
I've had "mystery pains" too. Some of the stabbing pains across my back and down my legs sound similar to yours. Recently a massage therapist told me that I have several muscles adhesed together (right where it hurts, go figure). She did some fascia (that thin, connective tissue on the outside of muscles) release work, and it did feel better. Just make sure the massage therapist is trained in fascial release, and remember that it may take many massage treatments to get permanent results.
Meanwhile, slice up fresh ginger and add hot water to make tea. Drink several cups daily; ginger is a cumulative painkiller and a blood purifier.
If you have been in pain for a long time then it's certain that you have a lot of body tension. Massage will help, but try setting an alarm (hopefully you have one on your watch) for every hour of the day, and when it rings, focus on your body and relax your muscles. You need to reprogram yourself.
All the best, there are people who care. Keep us posted.
Donnah
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Hey, the Lidoderm patches work much faster and are non-narcotic.