I have tried a number of NSAIDs and a few others. For a while, Effexor (anti-depressant) was working quite well, and then I started working alternate shifts and the pain started getting worse. I can sleep when I take Flexeril (muscle relaxant) , but then I have problems waking up and functioning the next day. Finally got referred to a Pain Specialist (I'm in the military and can't see doctors outside the military with a referral - unless I wanted to pay for them myself) and he has referred me for Aqua Therapy (still waiting for the approval from my insurance) and Acupuncture/Message Therapy (Have to pay for this myself, my insurance won't cover it). He has also put my on Lyrica, but I am just starting to take it today.

Okay, to get to the point, the Acupuncture/Message Therapy is actually doing pretty good. I have had 3 appointments so far and feeling good. I have also been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knees and today, the acupuncture doc put a couple extra needles in this human pin cushion for my knees. There are still some dull aches, but the sharp pains are gone. Actually did a bit of running on the treadmill and my knees are feeling great compared to normal. Last visit, he put in some extra needles for my elbows and I haven't had pain in them for 2 weeks.