Hi alison , I think everyone has there own opinion on chiropractors, I personally didnt get to much relief, in fact when I went for my neck injury I would leave feeling worse than when I went in, im sorry to hear your in so much pain, and not getting the help you need that seems to be everyones problem doctors look at you like your stupid or lying and never give the right treatment options, im so tired of playing this game and it seems like you can go to 3-4 different doctors all specializing in the same practice yet each gives you a different diagnosis, figure that out, any way maybe you can get financial aid through the state, maybe medical, I would definately see a different doctor, have you done anything different since the last time we talked that would make you feel worse, sounds like you got quite a bit going on, wish I could help more, you should try a heating pad when my back is acting up I use those therapads, disposable heating wraps they kind of help. I e mailed you earlier ill wait to hear from you

I know it is painful and being stressed does not help! Try your best to keep moving(i know, easier said than done)! Because if you do not you will get stiffer! Bootsie has good ideas, ibuprofen helps some, their are a lot of ointments that are over the counter, my main suggestion is to talk to your pharmacist, he might suggest something for you, do you have someone that can give you a light massage? I know, Dr.'s can sometimes be the pitts, but their are a few good one's. If you are union, talk to your union rep., or go to the labor board.
Keep in touch!
Sincerely,
sandy

You may need to borrow some money but you can hire ces machines (which help pain) & maybe others like chi machines for pain from dynamind.Com & I assume from other manufacturers.

Also try a google search under alternative treatments for back pain.

I just want to thank those of you who replied with advice . I really really appreciate it very much. I start p therapy today so wish me luck. Personally , I really do think like 1/2 of it sounds hoakey but I will try anything.

Speaking of pt do they use those electrical stimulator thingies there - maybe I should wait and see if it even helps before spending money I do not have.

What I really need is a female rheumatologist in santa monica,ca. If anyone knows of one it would be greatly appreciated.

Also , can p therapists help a person to get disability? Either straight up or theough reports to the dr? How can one try to get calif state disability when the drs do not seem to believe there is a problem ( cause let me tell you there is). They are trying to blame things on mental stuff...Fine there probably is some of that going on seeing as I am in pain - have been ignored and have a few ather serious life problems going on. Fine then - even though this problem came on in the midddle of the best job I ever had and I was thrilled to go to work everyday. (never thought I would say that). The fact remains...I have horrible pain and muscle spasms regardless of cause.

Thanks again




oh ps ..Should I be getting any medical or drug treatmjent that can help the arthritis ? Can anything help slow it down - I think I have osteo - of course the dr never told me ( but it is not rheumnatoid)

Try vioxx, also there are several natural supplements like chondroitin & glucosamine (750-1500 mgs) of each twice a day.

What is vioxx? From last post and do I need a dr to get it?

#2 I went to my p therapy - got the best massage of my life - felt better for like 10 minutes and I am back where I was

here is the confusing thing - the therapist looks at my mri and says what arthritis in your hip and back? I have had 3 drs tell me I have arthritis based on my mri. Now who do I believe? She doesn't think I need a dr at all & the whole thing is about my feet ( I walk more on the outside edge of them apparently) . I am so confused but the pt is doing more than any dr ever did so I am sticking with it although she is very yoga.

Opinions?

Well,if the pt is helping,why not try it for a while??She/he can also give you exercises to do at home.I was amazed at the difference pilates made for me.My doc said either pt,yoga or pilates,do whichever you think you'll stick with.I really did not want to do pt,i work 12 hour days(maybe has something to do with my ddd!!??).The exercises were difficult at first,but if I skip,i notice the difference.I know it's hard,but you have to keep moving or you'll "rust".The therapy won't hurt and if it helps ,why not?Best to you,patty

Vioxx is 25mg of rofecoxib, msd. I guess that like many things it's known by another name here than there - yes here we need a script to get it.

Don't worry about who to believe - just worry about getting better & so if it works/helps go for it!!

If there is anything clear in this whole mess I want to research treatment options myself.

Vioxx - what does it do?

I totally agree with you, it is your body & your life & you should research it as much as possible & on an on-going basis!!

Also try a google or yahoo search under alternative treatments for back pain & also any other symptoms you have &medical conditons that cause back pain as well as treatments for back pain etc etc.....

I have vioxx for arthritis pain & although I also take chondriotin & glucosamine (which help alot) I find that when I skip a vioxx(1 a day) my body tells me about it!! I'm 49 & have had arthritis since age 18ish & over the years it has developed in an increasing number of areas for various reasons - & I get various opinions from drs all the time!!

Hope that helps.

For immediate pain relief, your md will be able to prescribe vioxx, anti inflammatory medication and anti spasm medication. But for healing and curing you can forget about your md and his high tech machines and any technical words used to describe your condition.

I have an acute attack of herniated disc 6 weeks back. Rested in hospital a few days. Now 90 % cured I think. Mri shows herniated disc l4 l5. Same discs degenerated. My doctor says once bulged can never go back and disc once degenerated cannot be healed and can only try to arrest degeneration and I can never be 100% healed. Thats all he says to me.

In short he cant and didnt do anything useful for me. I think if one is to wholly depend on doctors, you can just lay down and die.

I think money and time spend on therapists , any therapists whether pt, chiro, massage, chelation, prolotherapists, moxibustion, acupunture etc gives better benefits. The only time doctors are any use are in case of emergencies and where surgery is required. And that is only 5% of back pain cases that justifiably needs surgery.

Essentially, I cured myself through reading and learning and doing all the right things. First, disc degeneration by itself dont cause pain otherwise all the old people will be in pain. Second, bulging disc in l4 l5 cannot account for my residual pain which is on and off now only at the buttock.

Arthritis and rheumatism is another matter. But all these are known as degenerative diseases just like cancer and diabetes and blockages. If can cut and throw, doctors will just that. If not, doctors and their medications and high tech machines can hardly be relied upon to heal and cure the problem. Yes there are mulpitle options for diagnosis but after that where is the cure?

Only the body can cure itself. What is required is knowledge, conviction and practice. Treat any and all degenerative disease like war. Do every thing possible to defend the body, change whatever lifestlye that needs changing, have a positive attitude, try as many therapies as you can afford and sounds reasonable. Research and look for good books. I think time and money spend on these are many times better than time and money spend on feeding the over pampered doctors. That is the best way to deal with any degenerative disease. Take matters into your own hand. It is your body. My doctor couldn't be bothered.

If you can, change to a natural diet full of all the good stuff and avoid anything that makes your body any more acidic.

My family was in a very bad car wreck in '95. My wife and I suffered bad whiplash and we both already had lower back pain. I know pain. I have used chiropractic with good results (although you have to find someone who pays attention and knows what questions to ask). I have used accupunture with mixed results. I've been taking OTC and presription pain meds almost daily for 15 years. The best results I have had have come from a change in diet, exercise and relaxation (mental and physical). I changed from eating at the drive thru everyday to fruits, whole grains and veggies. I still have the occasional burger and cannot live without chocolate. I found that doing without cafiene and stimulant type sugars did wonders for my spasms. I know that when you feel bad it is tough to cook, but try a brown rice and summer veggie dinner instead of the bratwurst and beer and I think you will see a difference. Stay clear of coffee and dairy. Yeah, it is tough. You can always save those for a treat. Just don't live on carbs and meat proteins. Lots of clean water, too! Moderate exercise like walking or if that is too much right now, just sit in a chair or lay on the bed and do arm and shoulder shrugs or carefully lift your knees with your legs bent. Also, don't discount your shoes. If your shoes are worn out (most are trashed in 6-8 months) it can really screw up your posture. Make sure your mattress is good. If it too firm, try sleeping on a stack of blankets laid on top of the mattress to see if you need a softer one. You have to make yourself get quality rest. Unplug the TV and the computer and get some REAL sleep. I hope you feel better soon. Take care of yourself. Don't give up! Tom