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Common back pain therapies that probably don’t work
A number of common back pain treatments and therapies are simply not supported — or only very modestly supported — by scientific evidence in terms of providing back pain relief. This includes some therapies that were more widely accepted a decade or more ago, but have since been shown to be lacking evidence of effectiveness. Examples include:
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) — This is when electrodes are taped to your skin to deliver painless electrical current to parts of your back. It appears to provide no benefit for acute or chronic back pain.
- Back braces or corsets — These do not help relieve or prevent acute low back pain. There may be some role in those with longer-term back pain, but they should be worn sparingly, and are best used by those who are actively trying to improve fitness and back health.
- Many corticosteroid injections — Injections into disk space or a spine (facet) joint, injections for spinal stenosis or into trigger points may provide modest, short-term relief, but do not appear to be effective over the long-term.
- Ultrasound therapy — This involves the use of sound waves to warm internal tissues. It has been used on the theory that it helps relax muscles, but most research has shown that it is not effective for back pain.
- Opioid pain medication for chronic back pain — Simply put, non-opioid pain medications such as NSAIDs and select antidepressants appear to work just as well or better over the long term compared to opioids, and with fewer risks and side effects. As such, opioid pain drugs are rarely indicated for chronic back pain.
Connect with others on their experience with back pain at the Spine Health group.
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How about neural cord stimulators? I have had one in place since January 2018 and I honestly don’t think it’s doing much. Then again, how would I know? Is it safe to turn it off as a way to make a comparison?
My friend has had hers in place for 2 years & has had little relief.she said she wishes she knew she wasn’t going to get any relief from it or she never would have had it implanted. I wish I had known that the Epidurals were useless. I had absolutely no relief at all. What a total waste of money! The Tens device gives me temporary pain relief. The only thing that works for me is opioids.Percocet works for me! L4 & L5 are herniated and extremely painful. Lately I’m in intense pain when I walk. NSAIDs provide no relief at all. Lately I’ve had a bit of luck with CBD Gummies.
I read your post when I just woke up. I know it is discouraging not to find a remedy. I have been "sick" for ten years now and it is considerably worse... high back, feet, legs, ankles, arms.. everywhere. My doctor wants me to get off opoids, but there is nothing else for me to relieve the pain, esp. since I am on blood thinners. The specialist is testing everything, but I've been down that route before. What concerns me is the my husband broke his back 20 years ago after a car accident and they didn't even know he broke it as he was hurt everywhere.
Now after 18 years on 2 vicodin a day, he is losing his hearing, ended up losing his kidneys (lucky he got a kidney transplant), was impotent for awhile, but I worry about both of us being on this heavy drug. But he is not in pain if he takes two in the morning. I have to take one in the morning, one at noon, and one at night. Sometimes that's not enough. You are right abou tthe TENS unit too. Very discouraged today. CBD didn't even help.
My wife suffers from fibromyalgia and others pains. We have moved to a senior resident housing . The doctors here are familiar with olderly persons' pain. The arranged to get her an authorisartion to use medical canabis oil (refined grass). After a short time the pains diminished - she takes less medications - she sleeps well at night.
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2 ReactionsI am glad your home allows the use of CBD. It works well, THC works even better ! CBD does not have as much effect on relaxation and a sense of wellness. If THC is legal in your state ask for that. It is readily available from many sources. Better yet, get it yourself and give it to your wife.... My wife had intractable pain for over ten years. Finally one of my sons introduced it to my now deceased spouse. The last six month of her life was the best quality of life she had in 20 years. Do what is best for yourselves..Be happy
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2 ReactionsI take Percocet, 4 a day. I take 2 when I get up, 1 mid afternoon & 1 before bed. Sometimes I feel like I need another. Vicodin doesn’t work for me at all. I have a marajuana license here in Florida. I tried smoking the plain CBD, no relief. The THC worked great but I felt too high. The THC/CBD mixture works rather well. My CBD gummies I think work but then it might be wishful thinking. I have a Virtual call with my Pain Mgt. dr on Thursday. I’ve been having so much pain when walking & cleaning 3 litter boxes lately that I was going to ask my dr if there was a stronger opioid that I could take. I don’t even feel the opioid high I’m in so much pain. He said it’s because of the pain. If I wasn’t in pain I’d be high as a kite. Will keep you updated. This has been going on for almost 10 years now Where in Fla do you live? I’m in West Palm Beach. Good luck to you!
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1 ReactionMy wife got a license to use a mixure of 10%T10 and 10%C10 of canabis in a olive oil mixure. It is taken under the tongue a few drops 3 time a day. The result is magic.
Good evening@opi. Welcome to connect. I am very interested in the 10%T10 and 10%C10 mixture. Do you make it yourself? Please explain the magic.
May you be free of suffering.
Chris
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1 ReactionYou buy it already mixed at the dispensary. You need a Marajuana License first. Get that from the pot dr & pay him yearly . Then get the license & pay for that yearly. Then go to the dispensary & buy your pot or mixture which is an oil mixture & very expensive. To tell you the truth I let my license expire, that was $75. Dr was $90. Pot or whatever you want is a very small amount for $65 or $90. They don’t sell buds like in Colorado. It’s easier to buy the pot from a friend or off the street but it’s not mixed w CBD. You can buy CBD oil drops or gummies online. It’s your choice but expensive. Good Luck!
I had the mixture & it sorta worked but the Percocet works the best. I’m in so much pain lately I feel I need a stronger opioid. Don’t know what though. My drops I bought online. So much cheaper than at the dispensary. I didn’t have to put them under my tongue & I could take them whenever I was in pain. Sometimes 4-5 times a day. Good Luck!