Chronic pain

[Ginger077]

Any ideas on managing chronic pain while trying to conceive? Unfortunately I our dreams of being parents haven't become a reality yet and I've been diagnosed with fails lumbar surgeries. I've had L4-S1 disc herniations which resulted in two discectomies on both levels and then a two level fusion L4-S1 in 2008. Recently I've herniated L3 and after a course of prednisone and starting up acupuncture again it's starting to feel better. I also have been diagnosed with djd which is in my back and now my neck, a bone spur in my neck and a neck that has the complete opposite curvature of normal people due to an airbag deployment in 2008 that makes my arms go numb and it's impossible to sleep most of the time. I am currently seeing an acupuncturist who had been able to help with my back pain but do far I've had no luck on my neck pain. I can sleep maybe 3-4 hours and the last hour is so painful I have to get up. During the day my arms become a problem too. Is there anything I can try instead of medication, I've already had cortisone injections. Now that my back feels tons better I am still planning to go ahead with my IVF cycle trying to get pregnant( my main concern was my back but it's as good as it will ever be) there are no other surgeries that can be done and i dont trust anyone to do surgery if it could be corrected. Im not too familiar with neck solutions. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Tuckamore]

You should follow your Physician's advice.  Apparently you have none of the usual options! Sorry. There are some good Homeopathic Physicians out there.... I hope you'll find one... or have one.

My Best,
~Tuck

[Ginger077]

Thank you for your suggestions. Due to my fusion and the possibility of herniating other discs I was told never to have my spine manipulated. My pm doc has suggested things to me that I can see causing more harm than good especially with a current herniation at L3. I am looking I guess for natural ways to cure my problems. My acupuncturist has started me on something that seems to help a little but she is waiting to get the other herb in for me to try.
I no longer trust spine docs because I was lied to the last two times and never want surgery again. I guess I will wait and see how my acupuncture treatments end up helping ( I've only been twice recently and switched providers)
Thank you again!
Ginger

[Tuckamore]

Hi Ginger,

Have you consulted a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) that practices OMT (Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy)? I have found it very beneficial  in pain control.... although I wouldn't have believed that to be true before my personal experience with one.

Also a PMP often has more to offer than just medication. If you have no consulted a good PMP that may also be a route. My PMP had several non-medication options for me. I admit none were good options due to my particuilar condition but that is probably not true in you case.

So don't give up. There is more than medication and acupuncture. I wish you the best in your search for pain control and conception.

Peace and Blessings,
~Tuck