@ksdm I have had SCREAMING pain in my shin for 2 months. Then spread to my hip a couple of weeks ago. Before that my sacral area/sciatic was being triggered and I got a trigger point injection which FINALLY made that stop. But then the shin has been horrid. I was awakened 3 times two nights ago (even with the knee pillows). What have I been doing? sitting a lot at my computer for art work conferences, long airplane rides, at night watching the news. I am NOT keeping those paraspinal muscles and lumbar muscles in shape! I am 67. have a lifetime of scoliosis and desk work. My core muscles aren't strong enough in my lumbar spine - ESPECIALLY AFTER fusion lumbar surgery. Those muscles are held in position by the fusion hardware.
Why was Tzanidine a horror? did you take the right dose? when did you take it? it is a muscle relaxer so it would just make you sleepy? So you take less until you are adjusted. It worked GREAT on my cervical spine but I eventually needed surgery. The surgery fixes the foundation of the house but not the stucco dry wall!
Here's the thing: ONE TIME DOES ZERO. It took you a lifetime to get here it will take you a while to undue it. Yesterday I went to MFR and he got rid of all the pain!!!! (I scheduled an emergency cortisone injection for which I do half dose) so I am still going to keep that appt.
There is a diagnosis for "spasticity" (spastic muscles coming from the nerves exiting the spine from dysfunction) when that is achieved the MFR is a covered benefit. I am working on that now. I was in 4 auto accidents. We think this is permanent - in my neck.
I have a Physical Therapist (PT is a covered benefit) and he does about 15 minutes of manual MFR before exercises and we do heat after. Sometimes it is too much so we cut back and start again. You are going to need to get on board with your own recovery or you will always be in pain. Get into a regular yoga class - you can youtube it for free on the phone/computer.
The Botox was a game changer for me. I have had it all over my back - cervical and lumbar - when my muscles REFUSED to listen! It was GREAT pain reliever. It feels a little weird if you muscles are glued together like my cervical traps are. The knotted one is paralyzed and the rest are stuck to it so that is why I need MFR to unglue them. Its been six months 2 times a month $80 a pop (the guy gives me a discount) but I am starting to see results! The muscles in my shoulders neck are breaking down into separate muscles now. The Botox holds the muscles as paralyzed in a relaxed state for 3 to 6 months but THEN they may be weakened so if you don't go about separating them from the others and strengthening and self massaging they WILL return to the previous state.
You replied to @heyjoe415 that using your theracane was a killer. However, that is what you are after. If you can do that and continue to do that you start getting better. From what you wrote, you expect a magic bullet. You try things once and give up. If you want to get better you can't do that. There is hope for you but you will have to figure out a plan/path to start on and stay on it for a couple of years. There is no "one shot and I'm done." Not even the cortisone I get today. There will be sooooo many side effects to make that deal with the devil! If you are on Medicare and have insurance you will have to work with your doctors for a 2 year plan, I'd say. Then reevaluate. My health comes first because I still work. I have to be strong enough to work without tremendous pain - which I have. Good luck.