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Chronic pain syndrome / myofascial pain syndrome
Hello! I’m a 19 year old university student who has been dealing with severe chronic neck and back pain for about 5 years now. I’ve suffered two incidents of trauma (ski accident resulting in fractured hip and car crash with no injuries). Not sure if it’s related, but I’ve developed pain several months after the ski accident which has worsened over the years. I’m an otherwise a very healthy and physically active person, but nothing has been able to help my pain at all. I’m constantly at a level 7/8 of pain, and it is becoming a huge barrier in my academics and personal life. I’m constantly fatigued, anxious, and struggling to concentrate/think clearly. I’ve seen countless doctors, tried many medications, been through an immense amount of physical therapy but have had zero benefits. I speak to a pain psychologist and have more physical therapy scheduled but I worry that it isn’t going to help. I’ve been feeling very hopeless about it lately and am curious if anyone has dealt with something similar or has any recommendations. That would be hugely appreciated thank you 🙂
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I'm sorry you have to deal with this with your whole life ahead of you. I'm 62. My pain started 10 years ago. Since then I've been diagnosed with RA which evolved into Lupus, I've have my knees replaced, I have daily migraines shoulder and neck pain etc. Life is challenging. I see a whole team of doctors and specialists and I'm in a whack load of meds. That being said I just signed up for chair yoga and while I'm the youngest in the room, I feel like I have a community. I also see a pain therapist who specializes in PRT and I'm hopeful that that can help with some of my nocipathic pain. Don't give up. Keep trying until you find your thing. Talk to your therapist. Ask them for additional resources., support groups. Try a new hobby.
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2 ReactionsNineteen is really young to be saddled with kind of pain. I also fell due to a skiing accident. L1 compression fracture that resolved itself. The only things that helped me include a neurologist who spent a long time probing my pain. She came up with a cocktail of meds that were really helpful. A year later I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted. Along with the meds it helped me get my life back. At this point it might be helpful to see a neurologist. They are often able to diagnose nerve-relate issues. Make sure you can find one who is willing to spend the time necessary to fully analyze your issues. I wish you well.
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3 Reactions@heisenberg34 I have seen a neurologist actually but I was hesitant to follow up with her because I honestly wasn't sure what else she could contribute, as all my blood work came back mostly normal. I'll definitely consider seeing her again, given what you said and the spinal cord stimulator sounds really interesting. I'm glad you have been able to get control of your life again and wishing you the best as well!
@andid Thank you for your response! That is all very helpful information, wishing you all the best!
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1 Reaction@marianaricci The neurologist can perform nerve conduction studies to see how well your nerves are working. The spinal cord stimulator is a serious procedure. They will typically do a trial that will give you some idea of how well it will work for you. You’re pretty young to be considering it. Best to try less invasive means like medications first.
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2 ReactionsHave you tried aquatherapy? Your doctor would need to refer you but it has really helped my daily pain level from the myofascial pain. If they won’t refer you, find a pool you can use and start moving gently in the water and progress from there. Best to you.
@sandrac
I have osteoarthitis and am wondering if water therapy would help me find some relief. I also have celiac disease which I believe makes treating my arthritis more challenging. I had my first acupuncture session this week and now am very sore but still would like to exercise--at least stretching. Does an instructor guide you during aquatherapy? Is it a class?
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1 ReactionYes, it helps my arthritis as well as the myofascial pain syndrome. I did 16 sessions of prescribed PT and now I know the exercises and will do them on my own. I am joining the Wellbess Center where I dud the PT that Medicare covered. It is certainly worth a try and you could ask your pain doctor to prescribe it. That is who prescribed it for me. Or your arthritis doc could do it. It is the best step I have taken so far. Just wish I had known sooner. Good luck.