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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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