Jim, I have been on clonazepam for over 20 years. I have never been told that it has negative interactions with any pain meds, and my psychiatrist is a terrific communicator, so I'm sure he'd have let me know.

Hazel

Jena, i have 2 fused discs and need another fusion and i,also, am in a quandary about getting it done because it leads to other problems but what do you do when it is the only choice you have? Marield65

I think I'll eventually have to have some sort of surgery, but I had an epidural yesterday based on a new MRI and as of just today it's worked to relieve my cervical pain. I'm actually happily amazed. I do know it's just masking the problem, but it gives me time to think and continue research my options.

Hi Jenna, I've had several epidurals and they did work for a short time. Too much prep time with hospital schedule, two weeks of dietary rrestrictions Just temporary fix.for me. but I heard about a new technique that the jury isn't totally in yet and it's a procedure where they take stem cells from your spine and your hip and put it back into your degenerative discs
I have an acquaintance who had that done and she's doing just fine.I also saw her Ortho that she went to and they said it's not for everyone and it's very very expensive not covered by insurance .the individual I'm referring to she said she's doing fine so I wonder if someday that procedure will be available for all of us who have degenerated back problems of all the various types .signed virtuous 69

Virtuous, Marield65 here. Keep us up to date on the stem cell treatment, I don't know what my discs are, but I have had a fusion and 4 other back surgeries and I would like to know more about it. Where was this done? Thank you.

@Sharon with my fracture back and fibromyalgia there are other things I have done . You need to try the naturel ways. Herbs ,homeopathic meds Epsom salts for muscles or vinegar bath for soreness . You don't have to rely only on Dr.s prescriptions there are Tens units, chiropratic services acupuncture and so many other ways ,ice packs for instance is anti inflammatory heating pads to bring the blood to the service for healing. I do agree ,don't get me wrong Opiods do the job when these aren't lasting of course taking Opiods aren't either they have to be repeated like everything else. I was on 6 Tramadol at one time when I fractured my back but Dr. weaned me down to 1-2 now as I need. I use over the counter creams like Fibro malic cream for the nerves and Arnica cream for the pain, also there is a Arnica tea for pain. So you can help yourself also.

@jenapower Hi lioness here so happy to have found a post of yours . Im happy to hear your fibro is gone I stopped taking the Lyrica and my symptoms went away but then I tried Cymbalta worst med there is it gave me halucinations. horrible. I don't seem to have a lot of fibro symptoms mine is due to my fractured back L2 in 2005 as my rheumatologist explained to me the fracture is pinching nerves into my legs so I have a constant pain but one tramadol and one meloxican does it for me with everything else I do .

Go to a legitimate pain management center.

I would much rather have the Marijuana than any opioids any day. AND, NO Marijuana does not lead to higher use of drugs. Its main objective is to relieve pain and get rest.

Hi,

I'm Mark and without medication I'm not sure I'd have been able to work and enjoy my life over the last decade. I've had multiple shoulder surgeries and a cervical disc fusion at two levels. About 18 mon after fusion I started having pain again and Drs can't agree on whether one of the screws is too long. I'm so frustrated at this point and without pain mess I'd be so much more miserable.