Posted by Racer on July 12, 1999, at 10:49:55
In reply to chronic pain: not always "just in your head", posted by Elizabeth on July 11, 1999, at 22:23:42
Not scoliosis in my case, but chronic pain is an old acquaintance. I have a genetic condition that destroys my joints. It also leads to a body type that makes my joints even more unstable, and periodically some of my veins suddenly decide to commit hara kiri. Not a lot of fun. Depression makes the pain much much worse, right now it is at the point I find it very difficult to sleep. But since I've lived with it constantly since my teens, I can tell you some things I've found that help, too.
First of all, chronic pain is really bad for your mental state, since it erodes your resources as water erodes a rock. Be sure that you can find an outlet for that frustration, someone sympathetic to complain to, a doctor willing to try new treatments, whatever.
Secondly, exercise to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected area is the best of all possible treatments. My lower back pain comes from having broken my tailbone twice. I do some stretching exercises for it, and abdominal exercises. It really does help, as does better posture. If you can find a class in your area, try Yoga. It's really fabulous for backs.
Finally, while they have their problems too, the best drugs I've found for my pain are NSAIDs. They're not addictive, and the best one of those I've found is Zorprin. You know what it is? Aspirin, in a different base. The base keeps it from getting toxic at the doses required to fix my troubles. It really works better than anything else, though. Miracle drug.
You're right about pain being ignored at times. Especially in women, and especially in depressed patients. It's a good start that you've found someone who took it seriously enough to diagnose it. Good luck on treatment.
poster:Racer
thread:8605
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990628/msgs/8620.html