help/suggestions pinched nerves, pain clinic?

[farrier!]

Thanks for all the ideas. I do not want to 'cover up' the problem with drugs. I hope they will let me know how soon I can get in and see what they want to do.....

Any Dr visit is a bit of a drive from us.

 

[rizq]

Sometimes drugs are necessary and aren't just a coverup. The pain meds help you function, anti-inflammatories reduce inflammation (obviously) which can relieve pressure on the nerves and reduces pain and helps healing, muscle relaxers stop spasms and loosen up muscles to keep them from pulling your spine out of whack, neuromodulatory drugs (like Neurontin) help to calm the irritated nerves and reduce the radiating pain and tingling. They aren't just to cover up the symptoms

I understand wanting to shy away from drugs ... I am guilty of having to be all but forced to take meds when I need them because I hate taking anything ... I would rather suffer.

I would suggest discussing all your concerns with whatever doctor you see and have him explain to you the reason behind any drugs he prescribes. If he can't take the time to do this, find another doc. Can't recommend physical therapy enough, either. It helps to strengthen other muscles to help take up the slack and protect the damaged area. But, it is another one of those things that works wonders for some and helps others very little.

Good luck

Neck and back problems are not fun and can be tough to treat because we use them so much and because of the complexity of the system, it is hard to rest and let them heal and so easy to reinjure them when they are damaged beyond the point of full healing. It is so discouraging to feel good and move just the wrong way while doing nothing and feel like you've gone back to step one again. And, like so many other things, what works for one may not work for another.

I hope the doc you see is awesome and is able to alleviate your pain and promote healing in the least invasive way possible while keeping all the options open if further treatment becomes necessary.