Chronic neck, back and hip pain

[Margot49]

I do know I have degeneration in my neck and low back.  
Around Aoril, started having bad low back and left hip pain, could barely stand up in the mornings, could not turn over in bed or lay on my left hip.
Doctor sent me for PT.  after a month of heat and exercises, which I also did daily at home, no improvement.
Had an MRI of back which showed again the degeneration.  Now, the pain is constant along the low back and over both hips.  He has sent me to another PT who has only been doing heat and ultrasound treatments for 3 weeks.  I am maybe 20% better.  I did have a couple of acupuncture treatments but that only helped a burning pain I have higher up on my right side.
This really feels like muscles and prolonged sitting makes it worse.  Laying diwn gives no relief either.
PA in Ortho office suggested shots, maybe it is Fibromyalgia.  I don't feel they know and are just throwing stuff out there.  I don't want shots!
I would like to know what this is and what to do about it.  This is just constant now and really feels more like musckes but exercises don't seem to help.

[Margot49]

Thanks for the suggestion, may try that.

I started acupuncture again.  PT us still just doing heat and ultrasound and I notice maybe 5% improvement after 5 weeks.

Had my second acupuncture treatment yesterday, still have pain over the hips but would say my pain, today, is 50% less!  He attaches electrodes to some of the needles and is also doing some massage/acupressure and is treating my neck also.

PT won't address the neck without a doctor's order, stupid.  

Acupuncture doctor also feel some of my stomach issues may be coming from my back.

I will continue both and see if this will ease up.  I know it is not a cure but hoping it helps with the pain.

A side note, I had been having major digestive issues (long story), saw numerous doctors, numerous tests, meds that often made me feel worse.  I had nausea daily that just confined me to home.  Saw another GI doctor at Stanford that suggested acupuncture and drinking ginger. Acupuncture doctor here started treatment and said to drink ginger and honey in water twice a day (he is also an MD and general surgeon).  Within a week, I felt better than I had in months.  Not every day is good but most are and I can function.

I am becoming a firm believer in trying Western and Eastern medicine.

[allmymarbles]

If it is muscles have they tried Robaxin? An off-the-wall suggestion is to try 200mg. of B1 two days running. If it doesn't work, there is no harm done. It  worked for me which surprised everyone..