1. < Chronic Pain

Alternatives for pain management

Posted by grandmaR @grandmar, Mar 31, 2018

Hello!
I was wondering if anyone tried cryo therapy or medical marijuana for pain management. If you did, how did they/it work?
Thanks
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Aug 21, 2018
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "I am curious if any one has tried biofeedback or Reiki? Here is a great link..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

I am curious if any one has tried biofeedback or Reiki? Here is a great link to the Pain Treatment Center Program
https://www.mayoclinic.org/documents/mc1459-02-pdf/doc-20078829eedback
2000 was my first trip to Mayo Clinic Rochester and also where I learned Reiki as a fit of pain control for my broken sternum. I was in a car accident and had many crushed bones. The pain was unbearable but I learned may alternative approaches to deal with my pain. Still today I have chronic pain and muscle waisting amongst many other painful ailments but still take no pain medications to treat my pain. Here is a very condensed explanation of Reiki. One of my most effective techniques is the “Pain Drain” once learned it really becomes natural and extremely effective.
https://dahlc.mayoclinic.org/2015/12/29/9-facts-about-reiki/
Has anyone tried Reiki? Was it successful for you?

Here is a good book I have as well. It is a good read. https://marketplace.mayoclinic.com/

I have definitely learned the pain control is not a “One size fit all”. I have tried a few other alternatives as well. Acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic treatments, Biofeedback, physical therapy, Aqua therapy, tens unit, electrical stem, nerve blocks, cortisone shots, biofreeze, herbal oils and all had pros and cons.
Dawn

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@dawn_giacabazi I have used several alternative methods for pain relief. Biofeedback, massage, acupuncture, CBD oil, meditation, etc. In my humble opinion, that fits my way of thinking/believing, we are given information about different paths that may lead to lessened pain or discomfort. How we choose to use different methods, and what results might be, is an individual thing. For myself, I attempt anything new with an open mind, and trust there may be relief right around the corner.

REPLY
Parus | @parus | Aug 22, 2018
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "I am curious if any one has tried biofeedback or Reiki? Here is a great link..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

I am curious if any one has tried biofeedback or Reiki? Here is a great link to the Pain Treatment Center Program
https://www.mayoclinic.org/documents/mc1459-02-pdf/doc-20078829eedback
2000 was my first trip to Mayo Clinic Rochester and also where I learned Reiki as a fit of pain control for my broken sternum. I was in a car accident and had many crushed bones. The pain was unbearable but I learned may alternative approaches to deal with my pain. Still today I have chronic pain and muscle waisting amongst many other painful ailments but still take no pain medications to treat my pain. Here is a very condensed explanation of Reiki. One of my most effective techniques is the “Pain Drain” once learned it really becomes natural and extremely effective.
https://dahlc.mayoclinic.org/2015/12/29/9-facts-about-reiki/
Has anyone tried Reiki? Was it successful for you?

Here is a good book I have as well. It is a good read. https://marketplace.mayoclinic.com/

I have definitely learned the pain control is not a “One size fit all”. I have tried a few other alternatives as well. Acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic treatments, Biofeedback, physical therapy, Aqua therapy, tens unit, electrical stem, nerve blocks, cortisone shots, biofreeze, herbal oils and all had pros and cons.
Dawn

Jump to this post

@gingerw Your humble opinion is appreciated.

REPLY
bigjeff | @bigjeff | Dec 29, 2018

I started using CBD oil for chronic pain in my feet and ankles. Works better than opioids 75% reduction in nerve pain. No side effects I use the Charlottes web brand. Cannot believe I let this sit in the cupboard for 6 months afraid to try.

REPLY
terri672 | @terri672 | Jan 8, 2019
In reply to @lioness "Hi Jim I use alot of Arnica Gel or cream I've tried all kinds of OTC..." + (show)
@lioness

Hi Jim I use alot of Arnica Gel or cream I've tried all kinds of OTC rubs and found this the best.But still at times nothing helps.Besides this Hot shower gives some relief. Arnica ☕ but it works for me but I got scolded so just saying what helps me

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thanks for recommending. I'm going to try it....

REPLY
bkruppa | @bkruppa | Jan 16, 2019

My wife has chronic pain issues and primarily takes gabapentin meds for it. Recently she has tried CBD oil as well as CBD cream on the affected areas and she says ".........it takes the edge off of the pain but doesn't completely remove it." So it helps. CBD products are expensive (don't know why) but if you can afford them I would give it a try as any help for chronic pain is always goodness.

As for cryo I've been trying to find any doctor who knows about or is willing to use cryo for relief of pain but so far none can be found. From my research cryo was introduced decades ago but the medical industry discounted any advantages of its effectiveness so the technology was stopped. However, new reports have revived cryo and apparently there has been some successes in using it. From what I've read I would try it as the technology behind it seems to make sense.

REPLY
1 reply
Parus | @parus | Jan 17, 2019

I believe this is the best most of us with chronic pain can hope for is some relief. For some it depends on the cause of the pain. There are so many types of pain that finding that “magic pill” is a goal that can keep us going and trying to find some relief. I am not looking for a “fix”...Rather “some” relief as more realistic for me. Thank you @bkruppa for helping me think a tad more realistically about controlling pain.

REPLY
hosta, Eve | @hosta | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @bkruppa "My wife has chronic pain issues and primarily takes gabapentin meds for it. Recently she has..." + (show)
@bkruppa

My wife has chronic pain issues and primarily takes gabapentin meds for it. Recently she has tried CBD oil as well as CBD cream on the affected areas and she says ".........it takes the edge off of the pain but doesn't completely remove it." So it helps. CBD products are expensive (don't know why) but if you can afford them I would give it a try as any help for chronic pain is always goodness.

As for cryo I've been trying to find any doctor who knows about or is willing to use cryo for relief of pain but so far none can be found. From my research cryo was introduced decades ago but the medical industry discounted any advantages of its effectiveness so the technology was stopped. However, new reports have revived cryo and apparently there has been some successes in using it. From what I've read I would try it as the technology behind it seems to make sense.

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I have tried CBD, but all it did was making me dizzy and made me feel weird. I didn't like the feeling. I have tried several pain meds which did the same. I can't function while on them. I have had several medial branch injection, and a stimulator, that didn't work either.

What is cryo? I am open to any suggestion that would work. My last pain doctor gave up on me because of my age. I asked him if just because of my age (82) does that mean I have to be in pain all the time? His answer was "yes". I am looking for a new doctor.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @hosta "I have tried CBD, but all it did was making me dizzy and made me feel..." + (show)
@hosta

I have tried CBD, but all it did was making me dizzy and made me feel weird. I didn't like the feeling. I have tried several pain meds which did the same. I can't function while on them. I have had several medial branch injection, and a stimulator, that didn't work either.

What is cryo? I am open to any suggestion that would work. My last pain doctor gave up on me because of my age. I asked him if just because of my age (82) does that mean I have to be in pain all the time? His answer was "yes". I am looking for a new doctor.

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Hi Eve @hosta, I had not heard of cryotherapy before so did a little searching and found some information that may help.

From the FDA - Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC): A "Cool" Trend that Lacks Evidence, Poses Risks
-- https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm508739.htm

Harvard Medical School - Cryotherapy: Can it stop your pain cold?
-- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-cryotherapy-stop-your-pain-cold-or-is-just-a-lot-of-hot-air-2018041813612

American Academy of Dermatology: Whole body cryotherapy can be hazardous to your skin
-- https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/cryotherapy

It would be interesting to hear from members who have tried cryotherapy.

REPLY
1 reply
Parus | @parus | Jan 17, 2019

@johnbishop Back on the scene with the old adage of, “if something sounds to good to be true...”. A most interesting and informative post. Thanks again John!

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @parus "@johnbishop Back on the scene with the old adage of, “if something sounds to good to..." + (show)
@parus

@johnbishop Back on the scene with the old adage of, “if something sounds to good to be true...”. A most interesting and informative post. Thanks again John!

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@parus you're welcome! I'm always hopeful but have learned what you are saying is normally true so it's buyer beware ☺ It's always good to question something new and to do your own research. I'm hoping there are others who have tried it and may be able to shed some light on cryotherapy for us.

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