Seeking Suggestions for Managing My Chronic Pain
Hello Medical Professionals! I’m a 26-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 116 pounds. I was born with a cervical spine fusion at the c2-c3 level and mild scoliosis affecting my thoracic spine. These conditions lead to significant chronic pain, which severely hinders my ability to work, attend classes, run errands, or even perform most essential daily activities. The pain I experience is mainly musculoskeletal, accompanied by frequent muscle spasms in my upper trapezius that alternate from one side to the other. Up to this point, I have experimented with a variety of treatments, including NSAIDs, Gabapentin, low-dose naltrexone, yoga, physical therapy, maintaining a nutritious diet, and engaging in light strengthening exercises aimed at my back and posture. Additionally, I have undergone weekly deep tissue massage for four months, six acupuncture sessions, used a foam roller and lacrosse ball to relieve muscle knots, applied ice and heat, utilized biofreeze gel, taken steroids, as well as medications like Cymbalta and Lyrica. Moreover, I've undergone traction therapy, nerve blocks, TENS therapy, and psychotherapy focused on pain reprocessing, mindfulness, and acceptance for the past two years. Regrettably, none have yielded significant relief. Though massage, yoga, and ice/heat therapy help decrease my pain by about 10-20%, the financial burden coupled with the minimal improvement makes it feel unjustifiable. The other treatments and medications haven’t helped much and brought on adverse side effects. I suspect that if the pain didn’t affect my appetite, strengthening my muscles could be beneficial. Unfortunately, my pain diminishes my desire to eat. I’ve found that cannabis exacerbates my discomfort. Currently, I am not a candidate for surgery, and it's likely I won’t require it for several decades. My neurologist, pain management specialist, and primary care doctor have all indicated that they’ve exhausted their treatment options. I’m reaching out for your insights and recommendations regarding what alternatives I could discuss with my healthcare providers. Thank you for your guidance! ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Answers (1)
8/30/2025, 3:22:14 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the struggles you've been facing with chronic pain. It sounds incredibly challenging to manage everything you're dealing with. While you've tried many approaches already, let's focus on a few additional strategies that could help improve your situation.
Main Points
- Chronic pain management can be complex, especially with your specific conditions.
- It's important to consider a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects.
- Exploring methods like gentle movement, cognitive approaches, and possible alternative therapies may provide additional relief.
Explanation
Given your history of cervical spine fusion and scoliosis, your pain can be multifaceted, involving not just muscular issues but also potential nerve or mechanical factors. Your previous treatments have covered a wide range of conventional options, yet you've faced limited success. It's understandable to feel fatigued and frustrated by the current state of your care.
What you might find helpful is to explore integrative approaches that can complement what you've already tried. These can guide you toward a more sustainable pain management strategy.
Next Steps
-
Gentle Movement Therapies:
- Explore Tai Chi or Qi Gong, which are gentle forms of exercise focused on flowing movements and deep breathing. These practices can improve mobility, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation without stressing your body.
-
Mind-Body Techniques:
- Consider enhancing your mindfulness practices with guided imagery or meditation apps (like Headspace or Calm) specifically for pain relief. Engaging in regular meditation can help manage pain perception and improve mental resilience.
-
Nutritional Support for Pain Management:
- Since you've mentioned pain affecting your appetite, try focusing on small, nutrient-dense meals or smoothies that can help sustain you. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds) and antioxidants (like berries and leafy greens) may help reduce inflammation.
-
Occupational Therapy Consultation:
- Given your experience with chronic pain and its impact on daily activities, working with an occupational therapist can help you develop personalized strategies for daily tasks to reduce strain and pain.
-
Investigation of Alternative Therapies:
- Explore options like bioelectrical stimulation devices or virtual reality therapy for pain relief, which may be emerging treatments that could be discussed with your specialists.
-
Community Resources and Support Groups:
- Look for local or online chronic pain support groups. Sharing experiences with others can provide emotional support and perhaps introduce you to new coping strategies and resources.
Remember, while finding relief can take time and patience, exploring these additional options may help. Make sure to discuss any new approaches with your team of healthcare providers to ensure they align with your overall treatment plan. You are not alone in this journey, and it's commendable that you're actively seeking solutions.
Related Questions
Understanding CEA Levels
As I eagerly anticipate my upcoming appointment with the doctor, my anxiety is at an all-time high, prompting me to seek some clarity. Recently, I had a routine medical examination after quite a long hiatus. I’m a 35-year-old woman, weighing 125 pounds, who maintains an active lifestyle with no troubling symptoms. During the visit, my physician suggested a comprehensive blood test. She noted my family history, particularly that my grandfather passed away from colon cancer, and decided to run some additional checks. I didn’t dwell on this at the time. Fast forward to receiving the results: everything appeared to be within the normal range, including the complete blood count and liver function tests. However, my carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level was recorded at 3.8. Naturally, I turned to the internet for answers and discovered various non-cancerous conditions that might lead to elevated CEA levels. I am a non-smoker, and none of the other potential causes seemed applicable to my situation. My doctor reached out to inform me about the elevated CEA and emphasized the need for a colonoscopy, which I have since scheduled. However, when I sought further clarification, she was somewhat vague, which left me feeling unsettled. From what I've learned, this particular test is often administered to individuals already diagnosed with certain conditions rather than as a preventative measure, so information is scant. I find myself increasingly anxious, especially considering I have three young sons who depend on me. At this moment, I am in search of any insights or support. I appreciate any guidance or information you can share. Thank you!
Persistent Clear Mucus for Over Two Years
I'm feeling truly at my wit's end in search of some resolution. This all began unexpectedly on a regular morning when I woke up to find mucus in my throat. While initially I noticed it had a bit of color, it's since transformed into a completely clear substance. Despite consulting numerous medical professionals and specialists, I haven’t found any relief. I have tried a wide array of treatments and medications including allergy injections, various allergy medications (spanning from over-the-counter antihistamines to prescribed options), steroids, inhalers for asthma, nasal sprays, antacids, and antibiotics—yet nothing has brought about any improvement. I’m still actively receiving allergy shots, maintaining this treatment as per my doctor's recommendations for the past year. I don't smoke, nor do I have allergies to food. However, I’ve observed that certain textures of food tend to worsen the irritation in my throat more than others. Regardless of what I eat (apart from water), I constantly feel as if there’s more mucus accumulating in my throat, which makes me repeatedly clear it, and it hampers my ability to position my tongue properly. I've experimented with sleeping with my mouth open, and I’ve found it somewhat easier to clear the mucus upon waking, but that’s the only progress I’ve made so far. For context, I’m a male residing in the climate of Arizona. I’m open to any questions and curious to know if anyone else has faced a similar issue. Thank you!
Managing Chronic Pain: A Personal Journey
A 31-year-old woman has received several diagnoses, including ADHD, migraines, asthma, cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). She is currently on a medication regimen that includes Concerta at 36 mg, Qulipta at 60 mg, and Guanfacine at 2 mg, in addition to having a Mirena IUD. For acute migraine relief, she uses Ubrelvy as necessary. This current combination of treatments has proven to be the most effective she has experienced so far, particularly in addressing her ADHD symptoms, migraines, and PMDD. Her family doctor has suggested further evaluations for autism spectrum disorder and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and she has also faced occasional gallbladder issues. Chronic pain has been a part of her life since middle school, manifesting as discomfort in her back, shoulders, and hands. Despite showing symptoms typically associated with older individuals, she has frequently been told by medical professionals that she is too young for such ailments. Over the years, she has sustained numerous injuries to her hands, shoulders, and ankles. A particular physical therapist, assigned to her case through workers' compensation, even noted that her wrists and fingers exhibit an unusual flexibility, which also extends to her ankles. Her thumb joints are prone to bending backwards and lack stability, while her right hand experiences an audible pop with every fist made, even after repeated actions. While she often manages to overlook her low-grade pain, any new injuries or repetitive activities tend to exacerbate her discomfort to a level that becomes hard to ignore. She is seeking advice on how to communicate effectively with her doctor regarding managing flare-ups of pain without being dismissed due to her age.
Concerns About Spider Veins and Leg Discomfort
A 25-year-old female, weighing 160 pounds, who does not smoke or consume alcohol, and is on no medications except for the Mirena IUD, is seeking advice regarding her condition. In her mid-twenties, she noticed a dramatic increase in spider veins, which she attributes primarily to her genetic background inherited from her mother. Given her age, she is curious if these developments warrant concern. She holds a sedentary position at work and admits to being slightly overweight. She is wondering if utilizing compression socks would be an effective way to manage her symptoms. If so, she seeks recommendations for the most suitable brands or styles that would be compatible with various clothing choices. There is a related image to provide further context in the comments.
Experiencing Ongoing Pain After Electrical Shock
17-year-old weighing 137 pounds Hello! Earlier today, I accidentally came into contact with a live electrical wire at my workplace around 7:54 PM. It's now 10:28 PM while I’m writing this, and I’m still feeling discomfort in my elbow. The initial shock occurred in my finger. Although there are no visible injuries, I’m experiencing a cold sensation that travels from my fingers up to my elbow. Should I be worried about this? It's been roughly two and a half hours since the incident.