I need info on comping with chronic pain management?
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at
12:07 pm
mentally and physically by those who have degenerative cervical/neck vertebrae conditions. I have been told an operation is no guarantee I will be pain free. I had a fusion 3 years ago and really thought that would be the end of my problems. I am anxious to hear from others who are going or have been going, through the same problems.
Tagged with: 3 years • fusion • neck vertebrae
Filed under: Pain Management
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I am facing fusion surgery for spondylolistesis (slipped vertebra, L5/S1) next week. This is my low back, but I have experience with pain management clinics/doctors. The neurosurgeon seemed very confident that it will help. I sure hope so, because I need to get myself back to work!
It is tough dealing with chronic pain. It can make daily activities that most take for granted an ordeal for those with back and neck pain. Pain management clinics perform procedures and prescribe medications to help with pain. There are people out there with chronic pain that have exhausted all of their options, and pain management regimen is their only remaining option. If your insurance approves it, you can go to pain management and still see your neurosurgeon. You can coordinate your care between the two physicians. Many people do this, including myself.
There are also methods to help cope with pain. Some people use breathing exercises, meditation and bio-feedback as a drug-free (or reduced meds) way to help with chronic pain. This could be method to help you use less of your pain medication. Always ask your doctor for advice.
Many people don’t understand the nature of back/neck pain, unless they have experienced it themselves. They are unaware that there is pain at the site of the problem/injury, traveling nerve pain, and resulting muscle spasms to the point that one cannot even move without pain.
Talk to your doctors about different options to help you get back on your feet. A pain management physician (board certified in anestesiology and pain management) might be an option for you.
Good luck, and feel better.