I don't really know how this works so I am hoping I can just write and if someone responds, great, if not, I understand. The past couple months have been testing me physically and mentally and I don't know how many more times I can handle people telling me they don't know what's wrong and not to worry

the quick version...since 2007 I have been experiencing low back pain and neck pain. I've done physical therapy, a chiropractor, stretching...nothing works!! I've seen just about every doctor in my city and they all say the same thing, physical therapy. I am getting aggravated with that answer because I feel something is wrong that is not therapy related. The past month or two I have been in so much pain that all I can do is cry, I've lost hope. Advil and Tylenol only do so much.

My symptoms all started about 6 weeks ago out of nowhere : numbness in legs, toes feel like pins and needles, fall occasionally when I am trying to walk a few feet, my spine is a sharp, stabbing, almost electrocuting pain that doesn't get better with different positions, I've had confusion lately( asking the same question over and over at work) it's getting to the point that breathing hurts. I don't sleep more then 2 hours a night. My arms also go numb with my legs and it feels like lava is running through my limbs. I just would like someone to respond and tell me I'm not crazy and maybe I'm missing something?

I am 25 yrs, relatively healthy, the past month or so has just been a nightmare. I'm on Lyrica now but that isn't even touching the pain. Thanks for reading

PT is usually a firstline treatment, as it's non-invasive, and is often as effective as some surgeries for some spinal problems.

If I may ask...

Are you in pain management?

Have you seen a neurologist?

Have you been to a spine center?

Any imaging?

Sounds spinal to me, so you might post/move this thread to the Spinal Disorders & Back Pain forum.

Doc

Mag,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

So far I have done PT and I do the stretching every morning and night. Had a brain MRI which came back clean. Spine center told me I have fibromyalgia which I've known for a few years now. I had an eye exam last week and learned I have optic neuritis. Spine center ordered an MRI which I still have to schedule...I was also diagnosed with Raynaud disease which I guess explains the pins and needles sensation. Ive had an xray which showed my lower back discs sitting on top of each other. (i dont know all these terms) I 've been to a neurologist in the past but the nerve conduction test came back ok for the most part but I've gotten a lot worse since then so I am going back next week. I know drugs aren't the answer but for the love of god can I just have some fetynol?? Haha

Maybe yes, maybe no. The paresthesia is probably from the Reynaud's, but it could also be due to whatever's going on in your spine. Other possibilities too, but let's not go there yet. Sounds like you've got some testing & consults to get through. When you get the MRI report on your spine, if you post the results to the Spinal Disorders & Back Pain forum, someone there may be able to translate it into English for you. This can be helpful in preparing for your follow-up with the doctor who ordered the MRI.

I saw an article just today that better explains the current thinking on physical therapy for spinal problems. It's also likely the rationale for Strong's Spine Center discouraging surgery for many/most spine patients.
Doc

Thanks for the input! I think the best thing I can do right now is just relax and try not to think about it. I have a few things going on that don't seem to be related (eye problems, asthma, eating disorder, insomnia, PTSD) so I think if I just stop thinking about everything for a while my anxiety will get better and the pain will decrease. *wishful thinking*

BINGO! ...and I'm glad you said it so I didn't have to!

Quote:

“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

Doc

Welcome to NT!

You've come to the perfect place for support and understanding. The people here are very helpful in this down-to-earth atmosphere, so make yourself right at home.

Feel free to look thru all the different forums and post anywhere you'd like. There's always a friend around every corner.

I agree you should look into the Spinal Forum. Also, from a lot of those symptoms you describe, check out the Peripheral Neuropathy. It presents itself with numbness, tingling and BURNING pain!

Here's the link to get you there:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=20
It's great to have you!

Rae

Dear Dr. Smith,

Good advice. I was told 13 years ago to have back surgery for a herniation or bulging lumbar disc problem. Had an MRI last month that showed no lumbar bulge but now I have a thoracic disc problem. I would have had surgery for nothing. The problem healed on its own. I am hoping my new thoracic one will, too. At least this time, no one is suggesting surgery, thank goodness.

I'd have to look up how many years it's been (~10 I think) but my doc advised against surgery, and told me that in time, the body does heal itself. I think this has happened, but with DDD, it goes both ways; some things have gotten better, while others have gotten worse. Last time I saw him, he suggested getting updated imaging to see where I am/what's going on. I just haven't gotten around to it.

Doc