What about chronic pain?

[Memtman]

I broke my neck and had an inner-body fusion done at age 19, that was back in 1972. I later found out by a Dr. I was seeing for an upper back problem that fusions of that type were just starting to take place in the U.S.Long story short I was not informed of the fact that I should give up my very physical life style. I was told that I had a stronger than normal neck. With that thought in my mind I took off running, working out all the time and trying to regain all the lost muscle from the paralysis I had in my right arm. All went well for years until I got to be around 30 . I live in Maine and all I could find for work was involving very heavy lifting. Not being the type to run from a good daily workout in the tons of lifting category I did alot of damage to my entire spine. The last surgeon I saw, and there were many, informed me that I was way beyond surjury .At this point in time I was at the beginning of my chronic pain. They told me all they could do was get me started on pain management. I have been down what seems to be about the same road as everyone else as far as pills go. They worked great at first, made me feel like I was my old self. able to perform my carpentry or whatever physical task was at hand. No more, the pain is too great. I want to be free of the pills but I want to be free of the pain too. What is there out there for bad back pain.? I have even bought an inversion table that I use faithfully, at least 3 times a day. I don"t feel at this time I could function without the pills for the pain. I thought about getting on Sub. but after what I've heard about that stuff I think I'll stay away from it!! thank you for your time

[micheleTX]

You don't sound as if you abuse this medicine to me.  Lots of people can take it for legit pain and do it as prescribed for years without upping the dose for the "high",  My husband has approx the same problem as you, but he refuses surgery.  He was fine until he decided more would be better, went downhill from there so we stopped.
Im sorry for your pain, I can only hope you get better,  Keep us posted.  We do care here and will try to help with anything  God Bless You

[vicki595]

What do you take? How long? How much?
Some folks just need to be on pain management for issues just as yours.
Keep posting...we'll try to help.

Vicki