BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Stress Management Suffering from pain-related stress

Does anyone out there suffer from stress related to chronic pain? I am a young woman (29 yrs old) that has suffered from lumbar back pain for the last two years, due to a ruptured disk. Lately my condition has gotten much worse, and I am under extreme stress a lot of the time. I have doctors telling me that I shouldn't get surgery, should try to stop getting steroid pain epidurals due to health risks, and only fix the back problems with exercise and anti-inflammatory medication. My medicines (Mobic and Lortab) don't always sufficiently help with the pain, and sometimes I feel like nobody really understands what I am going through right now. All I keep getting is "you're too young for this" or "you just need to learn to grin and bear it". Does anyone relate with this? I would really benefit from a pain management forum on BellaOnline -- I wonder if I could start such a forum. Thank you!

I think its ridiculous that you're in so much pain and they won't prescribe you something stronger. I used to suffer from back pain, and sometimes still do, from a very bad back as well, I was prescribed Codiene, and it helped me so much. It has its drawbacks, like all medication, but if you're in that much pain it's awful to suffer. I'm younger than you, and I was prescribed it a few years ago. You're too young to be suffering as well. Excerise can only do so much. Back pain can be unbearable - it's like toothache. Some days I couldn't get out of bed or move without a walking stick. Have you gone to see a back specialist? A friend of mine went to acupuncture and that really helped too, so you could try that maybe.

Maybe you should demand a second opinion. Of course this is creating stress in you, which will in turn make your back worse, due to your muscles being tense.

I hope you get the help you need

Thanks for your reply, Steven. Unfortunately, my doctor will stop at Lortab -- she won't give me codeine at all. Lately, my pain has been worst of all because I caught a bad cold, and the force of the coughing made it go from rather mild to severe. I too couldn't get out of bed because of the stiffness. I got a steroid shot about three weeks ago -- they usually work well, but this time it didn't catch all of the pain. I have run through all conservative options -- medications, exercise, visit to neuro-surgeon, pain shots, physical therapy (traditional and spinal), and now I am seeing a chiropractor to get decompression treatment (which is helping a little). I have never tried acupucture, though. I don't know that it would go that well, since I'm not comfortable with needles. I normally use a TENS electric stimulator (which is one of the more useful aids I have). I normally use the modulated mode on it, but there is also a burst mode. People tell me that the burst mode feels like acupuncture. I have used it this way, and it is more annoying than helpful. I think I will get another steroid shot to fight off this wave of pain and continue my exercises as much as I can. If no better in a few more months, I will go back to the neuro-surgeon to discuss surgery again.

Well, I find you can't feel the needles in acupuncture, you more, sense them, and because you're on your front, you don't see them. A steroid shot sounds good, and unless you visit another Dr, it looks as if you've gone through a lot of options.

Maybe someone else can suggest something, I think it's awful that you're in so much pain though, and age shouldn't come into it.

Hi Beth_m,

I have had a few chronic issues - more in my neck than my lower back but there as well. I have had a great deal of luck with a combined effort of really good chiropractic work coupled with therapuetic massage and yoga. This does nothing for the spine itself - you are getting that taken care of with the traction - but to support the troubled spine you need soft tissue help. Also since you mentioned the stress factor I would find someone to help you learn how to meditate properly. If you are interested in a really good book to help you understand the mind-body connection I would recommend Quantum Healing by Depak Chopra- he explains in very simple language just how much the mind can help the body heal. Stress can be managed with proper techniques - this will allow your body to heal itself. Worth looking into before you head into another surgery.

You need to find a doctor who can help you. Keep looking.

I am actually in a very similar situation (similar age, similar pain problem). I can empathise with what it's like to be in pain all the time, and I'm also on the receiving end of similar attitudes. I'm actually pretty much stress-free though, or certainly getting there. Feel free to PM if you'd like to talk. I'm always happy to listen.

This all sounds familiar. At around 29, I developed serious pain in L4 and L5. I could no longer twist and bend and the same time... Anyway, I had developed serious back pain at the slightest move and would be bed ridden for weeks. I was on pain killers- 2 every 4 hours for 4 months! Eventually I went to physiotherapist who saved my life. He taught me a few back exercises that I do every morning, no exception. To keep those muscles tissues strong. I am still careful abount the bending and twisting. I am active, but I don't snowboard nor horse back ride. I keep my weight down to what is normal for my height. And after 10 years, I maybe take a couple of pain killers a year, for the really bad days. My best advice is get your doctor to recommend a VERY GOOD physiotherapist and do the exercises like religion. And keep your weight down. It is work, but you can live pain free, just like me. Good Luck. Mattie a la mode

I know several people who were able to lessen pain problems through diet. By eating healthy foods and avoiding sugars they helped their joints work more smoothly. Fish oils are said to help a lot. Drinking a lot of water helps too. It might be something to try!

You've had a ruptured disk for 2 years and they don't think you need surgery? I think you need another opinion. Are you able to work?