Jo Mar and Loretta have some very good suggestions.

Unfortunately doctors just don't have the magic cure we need. There are lots of things we must consider when managing our pain from day to day, even moment to moment.

I was recently reminded by my doctor that I have TENS machine that I haven't used for a while. He suggested I try to close the pain gate using that along with a few other non pharmaceutical options.

Pain levels vary from time to time throughout each day. The Gate Control Theory of Pain (Melzack and Wall) does much to explain why this happens. The theory uses the idea of a gate, which can be open to allow pain messages through, or shut to stop pain messages being passed to the brain. The gate also opens and closes in response to messages sent from the brain.

Activities That Can Open the Pain Gate and Increase Pain
Overdoing activities
Depression
Poor Posture
Indecision
Poor Diet
Stress
Tension
Tiredness
Anxiety
Concentrating on the pain
Fear
Small quantities of stimulants, such as tea, coffee and alcohol


Activities That Can Close the Pain Gate and Reduce Pain
Pacing your activities
Feeling joyful
Good posture
Being enthusiastic
Rubbing the area that hurts
Hypnosis
Distracting your attention from the pain
Exercise
Massage
Relaxation
TENS machines
Visualisation
Having a positive attitude
Meditation
Laughing (have you heard of Laughing Yoga?)
Even certain foods are said to have the potential to reduce pain

I know many of these are not easy to even think of in the thick of a major flair but even something as small as adjusting your posture can help. Baby steps are OK.

Please don't give up, stay " strong and positive" and believe you will get better.

MsL