Low Pain Tolerance

[fishhead417]

I have been in chronic pain for 10 months with a herniated L5 S1 that is degenerative. This is my 3rd herniation and now have a bone spur as well. I have seen chiropractors, physical therapy, cortisone injections and now on my 3rd PCP without any improvement in my pain. My last doc got angry with me for going through my meds to quickly after a trip abroad in which my sciatic pain became severe and I took more than prescribed to get through the trip. He wen on to tell me that many patients with the same MRI get by with little or no pain meds and that I was taking more than needed. My new doc is treating me as an addict with a PM contract etc. What am I to do when for whatever reason my pain tolerance is low? My pain is very real and I feel my doc is trivializing it and keeping me on a dosage that does not keep up with my pain. My concern is that when I don't keep ahead of the pain I begin to fall into depression and hopelessness. Has anyone dealt with low pain tolerance issues?

[MarianneY3]

If you are having sciatic pain, your doctor might be missing part of your issue just looking at the lumbar, it may be your sacroiliac joint. It is often over looked by doctors. I am getting mine fused next month. This would also explain why your pain is higher than your doctor expects. Also, people build up tolerances to medications (some faster than other) so he might just need to change the med instead of upping it.
Best of luck.

[fishhead417]

Thank you for your comments. I've been debating the medical marijuana issue. My state had a MM law but it has been in court after the law was repealed. With my pain contract I can be tested and am forbidden to take illegal substances. I do not think my current doc would go for it either. It's beyond me why a non-addictive substance that can help with so many medical issues is still illegal.

[marycarmel]

At one time it was thought tramadol was non-addicting, but it has come to light that it is.  Not only that, it can be harder to come off due to it has both a narxpcotic-like component and an antidepressant type component.  Just do your research on whatever med you go on.

[Eveningsun]

Cortisod shots is steriods, steriods destroy your joints.  I have seen it in my ex gf.  I have no idea what a pain contract is, I never had one!

I know the feeling that a doctor looks at you like addict, I went thru that for 7 years with pain, but mine wasn't just my back.  The pain management office just love to give you heavy drugs.  One gave me Oxycotins...EEEKKK and I have low blood pressure.

But continued taking my Tramadol 50mg...it's a non-addictive pain pill.  And yes you need to change your doctor, and keep changing until one listens to you.  If you are in the correct states, maybe you could check out the medical marijuana, it can be smoked, but it also can be consumed thru food.  But don't go out and do anything illegal.

[marycarmel]

Pain is subjective.  No one can tell you that you shouldn't be having that much pain.  Herniated discs are one of those things there's a lot of controversy over.  L5S1 is the most common disk rpto herniate and yes, there are people with that that are working and exercising and living life and they don't even know they have a herniated disk.  On the other hand, lots of people have relentless terrible pain.

If your doctor is treating you like an addict, then you need to find a new doctor.  Signing a pain contract is normal and it's really best to/have one. That way you know exactly what is expected of you.  You're fortunate your doctor didn't dismiss you from the practice.  Lots of doctors will dismiss someone for running out early.  With my doctors, if my pain is out of control, I have to call my doctor and let him tell me whether or not to  take more or not.  

If your pain isn't being covered, and if your doctor won't help, you need to find a new doc.