entire back in constant pain

[tweed]

Hope someone can help me! I have been suffering from back pain for years with no relief! I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was about thirteen, but it is not bad enough to require surgery or anything. I have a lot of pain between my shoulder blades where the curve is, however I also have a lot of lower back pain, below my rib cage, and a lot of neck pain as well. When I go for a walk or stand for a long period I get a burning pain on my right shoulder and neck. I have had many incidents where I have thrown my whole back out which completely incapacitates me for a week (when it happens it knocks me to the ground it is so bad). I am very stiff for about fifteen minutes when I wake up most mornings and sometimes the back aches cause excruciating head aches. I have been to massage therapy, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and have worked out at the gym to strengthen my core. I have taken muscle relaxants, balms, ice, heat, icy hot, you name it - nothing works! I love to be active but instead i am totally fatigued all the time - I'm losing all quality in my life! Does anyone have any recommendations??

[Taggart]

Sorry to hear about your situation - Have you tried different pillows or mattresses? My wife has tried some, and developed preferences for her back health.

I sometimes stand for long periods of time at work, and I think that shoes can affect some people's back problems. I try to alternate different pairs of shoes regularly, and I replace them when they become worn and uneven on the soles.

I hope you find relief.

[wayne]

i have been looking for what my daughter has been diagnosed with- segmental instability. This appears to be a new type diagnosis and not much info on it. A specialist recomended prolotherapy and having never heard of it I am checking up on it. From what i am finding it appears this prolotherapy treatment has been used for scoliosis. You might what to look into it -

[The right way]

I have worked with people who have scoliosis and I have not heard of this treatment but I will look into it and see what I think, When I find something I will post it here as well. The only treatment I have seen so far is rod implants and proper positioning. Most in a wheelchair have pieces put in that will keep the back straight and if you would not qualify for this kind of equipment I would be looking into back support add on pieces that you can buy like Obus Forme. vibration is supposed to be good as well except at the base of the neck. I see most that I have worked with are on some level of pain pills and with the back supports they have they have a good quality of life even in a wheelchair. For Tweed, I would look into good seating support and I am sure you would qualify for it and try the vibration maybe, of course ask your doctor first, but these are what seems to work for those I know with serious scoliosis even tho they all have rods. Also make sure your weight is good so there is less added pain if that is a problem at all. I also have seen rib supports that go right around the body, they don't look comfortable but they seem to help especially those who are too young yet for the surgury and are waiting.
I didn't know it but I have a curve in my back that was found by a therapist during quality testing and that is why I used to get back pain between the shoulders. Now that I know about it I try not to let myself fall into a chair and snooze with my back in a crunch. My favorite chair is my office chair which is a high top and is nearly like an arm chair but keeps me straight unless I fall asleep here. My feet are planted on the floor right and I hate to say it but because of my back problem I spend most of my spare time here and I have hardly any back problems anymore unless I try to lift something heavy. Big thing is I don't do big floppy arm chairs anymore and I think that is the difference for me.

[Laughingmouse]

Originally Posted by wayne

i have been looking for what my daughter has been diagnosed with- segmental instability. This appears to be a new type diagnosis and not much info on it. A specialist recomended prolotherapy and having never heard of it I am checking up on it. From what i am finding it appears this prolotherapy treatment has been used for scoliosis. You might what to look into it -

What is involved with prolotherapy?

Is this traction for long periods of time?

If so, is inversion involved?

[wayne]

i have just started looking into this - a specialist has recomended prolotherapy - for my daughter this involves a series of injections ( varies but from 3 to 6), one injection per week. In my daughters case glucose is injected into the ligaments of the back. This glocose is suppose to stimulate ligament growth - upwards of 40% which will strengthen the back muscles etc etc. From what i gather, and i have only been looking into this for a week or so, this is a new idea - is not covered by health care - costs about 100 dollars per injection. From what i am finding on google there are some good results and some bad. I have come accross sefveral different chemicals that different doctors have. My daughters doctor is rather keen on this prolotherapy and has travelled to several cities to treat NHL players. thats about all i know at this point - wayne

[The right way]

Great information Wayne. Let us know as you find out more. I hope it will help if you do agree to get it done.

[Mary Stern]

Hi there, I recommend Shiatsu or Acupressure therapy. It releases the semi-spasmotic by nerve and muscle stimulation. It also feels amazing. I have mild scoliosis, shiatsu and yoga does the trick. It's important however, when receiving the massage to be very aware of your body, through conscious breath, otherwise your muscles stay wound up. I wish you luck and relief! Let me know if you need a referral.

[stanleytapp]

All you should do is to consult the physician as soon as possible. That is must. I think you are paining so much.