Dealing with Pain: Health Chat TRANSCRIPT – Join the Discussion and Win Gather Points™!

i will try and be here i really need this chat advice

what time would that be in montana?

8 Eastern would be 7 Central, 6 Mountain (I think Montana is Mountain), and 5 Pacific, Ashley

I will try hard to be here, it sounds like an interesting chat.  I know I could use some help and suggestions! Thanks!

I won't be able to get back for the chat but i want to say I was suprised at how adding regular exercise to my day reduced a large amount of my chronic pain.

I so wish I could be a part of this one.  I have to take my computer in (again) to get it fixed before the extended warranty ends.

I will  be here  as   I have  alot of  different pains  and no meds i can take.

I will be hear, as this is a chat that could help me now.

If I get home by then sure

I hope I can make this chat.  I have fibromyalgia pain as well as spinal stenosis pain to deal with.

I hope to be at this one, I had carpel tunnel in the past I know its very painful.

 I too, hope to make it. Pain is a way of life for some, and ANY tips on how to control, deal with, are welcome.

I will do my best to be here. I'm in pain 24/7 and it seems I'm becoming immune to my meds. Think this chat could really help me. Definitely tired of being in pain all the time. Most of the time I can ignore it and just move on.... but some days it's just unbearable.

I hope to remember to be here.  

i'm disappointed i'm going to miss this one, as a long term sufferer of chronic pain, it's right up my alley.

I can't wait for this one! I've suffered with bursitis and would love to hear what you have to say on it!

I will be there. I suffer from chronic pain and several disorders such as bursitis and fibromyalgia.

I will be here. I suffer from multiple sclrosis and I have chronic pain myself.

We will get underway in just a few minutes--I am glad to see so much interest in this topic! I am also not surprised. Pain--particularly chronic pain-has an incredible impact on a person's outlook and ability to function. I take care of many people with chronic pain and it is an area of special interest to me.

Hi everyone! My fiance is suffering from sciatica pain, is there a way to manage the pain without medications?

Ice packs worked wonders for me, many years ago when I suffred from sciatica repeatedly.

I will be interested in what is said.  I have been suffering from "frozen" shoulders for six months now.  Makes for an interesting life style!

My fiance wants to know if sciatica pain is permanent?

Beth,  that depends on the cause.  I had back surgery to relieve the pressure on both sciatic nerves, due to a slipped disc.  It relieved the pain, but not without physical therapy, and time.

Physical Therapy can help even without meds or surgery, however.  Talk to his doctor.

Hi Dr. Mary,

Thanks for stopping in. Pain is a topic near although not dear to my heart. I suffer from RA and have back issues as well. I get by with a few ibuprofen per day, and swear by hot packs and massage. I admit to taking a Flexeril, if my shoulder gets too bad, but usually only in the winter.

Hi Everyone!!

Hi Dnbuster, and everyone!

Hi Elaine!! How are you this evening??

Doing fairly well.  How are you?

i'm here.

i have  a question and it is  I can only take  tylenol  and use  a heating  pad  for  artirus.in my right kee. an d i have other  akes and pains  all over isthere  any thing i can  do to get rid of these  pains

I have two disorders I would like your feedback on.

I suffer from fibromayalgia, and currently take Lyrica. The medication doesn't help but my doctor is resistent to change. How can I convince it's time to try something else?

In addition I was just at the doctor this past Friday for worsening of bursitis in my knees and shoulders. The doctor switched me from Clinoril to Indocin. My right knee is still very swollen and painful, when can I expect results from the new medication? It was suggested I take tylenol for the pain, but that doesn't help at all. What are some other options?

Hi everyone.  I would be interesting in methods to relieve pain without using drugs.  Excercise helps, but what kind of natural supplements will help with lower back pain. 

Hi there Cynthia!

Hi Dnbuster

Hey Cynthia. I have read that people taking Glucosamine with Chondroitin and MSM get good relief from pain.

Cynthia,

Physical Therapy helped me both before and after my spinal surgery.  Is this the type of Excercise you are talking about?  because they specifically target the areas you need help with.

Dr. Mary,

What is your opinion on the medical marijuana issue?

What are you some kind of hippie? Did you ever get an answer to this? HAHA

Oh hell, No, EM...Can't be getting too controversial with Harvard, ya know?

Like is there any  kind of  a easy  work out that i could  do.

Beth,  that depends on the cause.  I had back surgery to relieve the pressure on both sciatic nerves, due to a slipped disc.  It relieved the pain, but not without physical therapy, and time.

Physical Therapy can help even without meds or surgery, however.  Talk to his doctor.

Welcome, everyone! I can see it will be a full conversation tonight, and I hope a useful one. One thing that is important for doctors and patients who are managing pain is to avoid lumping all pains together. It will help me to hear about your specific problems. Some musculoskeletal pain problems can be treated with very specific adjustments in the way you work or exercise, or they can be treated with splinting or a corticosteroid injection. I love best to identify tendonitis or bursitis problems when these are contributing to pain-specific treatment for these problems can give you dramatic relief.

Hi all

Boy we sure do have a lot of questions already.  Has anyone found anything that helps them with pain that they would like to share.  Does excercise help?  Taking supplements?  Hot bath?  Weekly message? 

Cynthia, not to advertise, but taking Sam-E has lowered the frequency (though not the intensity) of a knee pain that I get regularly.  It's in my joints and hurts so bad at night that I can't sleep without Ibuprofen.  Instead of it occurring once a week it's only happening once or twice a month.  I haven't tried anything else consistently so I don't know if anything else works for me. 

Hmmm, I have not had a flare up of my bursitis and attributed it to the warmer weather but maybe it is the Sam-E I won from gather.  If it is the Sam- E Guess I will have to go buy more.

Hi nice to meet you Mary

I made it afterall!

I see some of you have already posted that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a problem of pressure causing "suffocation" (reduced blood supply) to a nerve in the wrist (the median nerve). This is a perfect example of a soft tissue pain problem that can be helped by local strategies. Here are some of my favorite suggestions for carpal tunnel:

•·         Use a wrist splint: To reduce pressure in the carpal tunnel, avoid flexing or extending the wrist repeatedly, or holding the wrist in a sharply angled position for a long uninterrupted time. Positioning the wrist at a sharp angle is something many people do during sleep, to "prop" their head on their wrist. Did you know wrist splints can help daytime symptoms, even when they are only worn during the night? This is true, because they allow for recovery of the nerve in the time you are wearing them, and this benefit can last into the next day.

•·         Wear driving gloves: Gripping (for example, gripping a steering wheel) can increase pressure at the wrist. Gloves prevent you from gripping

•·         Use utensils with an enlarged grip: This can also reduce your need to "grip" and can alleviate the carpal tunnel pressure. Try putting pipe insulation-those soft foam tubes-over the handles of your most often used tools.

•·         Surgery of the carpal tunnel is useful for some people.

My husband finally had to have this surgey to relive his pain from carpal Tunnel but he has not gained back the total strenght he once had and it has been weel over 6 months now I s there anything else he can do?

These are great tips.  I have pain in my right wrist from being on the computer with a lousy mouse all the time.  And I grip things way too hard. 

I'll throw in something on the computer/mouse bit. Keyboards and mice are being improved all the time. Trackballs and touchpads can be alternatives to mice / sometimes it helps to be able to move the mouse to other surfaces, made easier by the optical and laser options now. The biggest piece, however, is size. These devices come in many sizes (both keyboards and mice), can be set at multiple angles, and have different amounts of resistance to movement or keystroke. When you know you need a new one, go to an office supply store and try out the devices in your category. See what fits, See which have the right resistance to be comfortable for you. The angle is important -- ask to sit down and try these at the height you would be using before your computer. Price does not determine which device is best for you .... but a few extra dollars for a device that fits you saves a lot in over-the-counter pain meds or xray and surgery cost.

Caveat -- there is no substitute for taking breaks, shaking out the hands / arms / shoulders, and looking away from the screen (for eyes).

I have arthritis and wonder if you have any ideas on how to lessen the pain.

eVENING ALL i JUST WALKED IN i WILL CATCH UP ON THE POSTINGS FIRST

I get alot of shoulder pain. I have had T shot injections in the past but they still hurt pretty bad from time to time.

I get steroid injections in several areas of my back. It's no fun, is it?

No ot sure isn't.

Dr. Mary, the frozen shoulder I mentioned is more than likely a result of the chemotherapy used for my leukemia.  I also have osteoporsis with a mild case of stenosis in the upper back.  My doctor has ordered physical therapy for it.....waiting for insurance to clear it.  Is there anything I can be doing in the mean time?  It is frustrating not to be able to reach for something or to do something so minor as to hug my husband and children.

Elaine, I once had frozen shoulder.  I was scheduled to go under anthesia to get it released when several days before I was walking by the couch and accidently got my wrist caught in it and didn't realize it.  I kept walking and pop!  I was on my knees in pain but then I could move it again!  I'm not sure I would suggest this but it was a relief for me since going under is a higher risk for me because of breathing issues!

I was playing the WII recently and my right shoulder popped three times.  While it wasn't back to normal, I did notice I could move it a bit easier.

I can't say I have dealt with any painful condition long term.  I did have TMJ for a short time.    A few weeks of a liquid diet along with changing the way I used the muscles in my jaw were able to alleviate the pain though. 

MS can do about anything though

Since having neck surgery years ago I sometimes have episodes of pain.  It's usually after I've lifted something or turned the wrong way.  I immediately take ibuprophen and rest.  Any other suggestions?

After my Back surgery, I had Aqua therapy.  The therapy pool reduces the resistance and allows your joints and muscles to move more freely.  This therapy helped me to reduce the amount of pain greatly.  If it is available, even if you have to drive further to get it, I highly recommend it in cases it is indicated.

I wish my insurance would cover PT (which has worked in the past for my back) or some kind of aqua/massage therapy.

I have a trach (a hole in my neck) so aqua therapy won't work for me.  I wish!

Several members of my family suffer chronic pain, all at different levels. I have been dealing with my fibromyalgia pain using mainly diet and exercise because pain medicine is too rough on me, but I have family members with much more severe conditions. My mother suffers from multiple disorders, including fibromyalgia, degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative disc disease. At least three of these are disorders her father also suffered, though not to the same extent. Mom was injured and nearly killed in a bad car accident in 1982, so the progression of all of these disorders has been accelerated in her case. Her pain cannot be controlled without medicines, including some of the medicines which are involved in the FDA's new Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, or REMS plan. I am concerned that decisions made by the FDA because of REMS may end up taking away the only thing between my mother and a living hell.

Cynthia J, your question about non-drug treatments is a great jump off point for us.  

You should always use non-drug treatments to improve your pain, even if you need to take a medicine every day. Physical therapy, hot packs, relaxation exercises, supportive footwear, a cane or a brace are good examples.

One non-drug treatment I hear great feedback about from patients is use of the "Thermacare HeatWraps" that you can buy at most pharmacies now, with no prescription. These are large adhesive pads that you can position where your pain is worst, shaped differently for back, shoulder, neck, knee, etcetera, and the pack releases heat for about 8 hours. These are a huge improvement over our old strategies for applying heat, like warming up a bag of dry rice in the microwave-our old strategies could never last so long.

Has anyone tried these newer heat packs?

thought about it but the sticky in bandaides makes me itch so I really don't want to deal with that and pain....eekk!

When is it appropriate to use heat packs?  After I twist my neck and start having spasms?

Yes, I have used those before when the pain is intense and am uncomfortable.  Problem with them is they feel weird and I know it's always there.  ;)

My friend uses them for her back pain and swears by them.  I send her coupons for them whenever I find them.

but wont too much heat keep the spasms coming?

The heatpacks are great for pain in the areas they cover.  I have used them as had my ex-girlfriend.  Both of us recieved temporary relief from the pain, and after 2 days of rest and the patches, she was able to return to work after a lifting sprain.

I've used the knee pads and my mother uses the back Thermacare all the tiem. The one downside is using a heat pad when it is 90 degrees outside -- not real comfortable. They can also be expensive, even with coupons.

I missed the chat tonight but I just wanted everyone to know that CVS has the trial size Therma Care neck wrap for $2.49 with $2.49 back in extra bucks. So you are kind of getting it for free. Worth a try, I went and bought 2 of them.

Sorry, you can also use it on your shoulder and wrists.

I am going to ask a question for my grandmother.  She has severe back pain due to arthritis and surgery won't help her and she cannot take strong pain meds due to kidney problems.  Any suggestions for helping her allivate the pain?

Foot pain, lots of foot pain in the heel on the right foot and then my legs and hips start hurting and then my back because I'm walking funny from my feet hurting.....I take tons of motrin (generic) just to keep it at a dull roar so I can get through the day, I put in inserts and that has helped some but not completely....it's stopping me from looking for a second income as I cannot be on my feet all stinking day from all the pain!

Thank you for coming here this evening.  I suffer from fibromyalgia and my neurologist says that exercise it the best treatment to keep the pain from getting really bad.  I have been doing that for a long while, belonging to a health club for 16 years and also walking 3 mile stretches 3 times a week.  In January this year I also found out I have spinal stenosis and a bulged dick in my lower back.  I had physical therapy for 3 months and have found relief in the exercises recommended.  Strangely an incline treadmill going up to 30 degrees of incline has really helped me.  I have concentrated on building a strong core strength which is also helping with my back problems. I will be 70 in  a month and know I need to do these things if I'm to enjoy and function the remaining years of my life.  Have you any recommendations?

you are my inspiration Sensational Sadie SSS!  You are the bomb diggety!

no i have  tryed them

My pain comes from terrible bursitis in both of my upper arms, sometimes so much that I can hardly move my arms above my head, The only relief I get when this flares up is a hot tub but I can not live in the hot tub 24/7 Help!

I think my doctor  mentioned bursitis in my arms.

I use a 10s Unit myself for both shoulder and neck pain that I get a lot. Besides taking pain pils .

My mom used one of those when she was younger. It worked well for a long time.

TENS Units work well for some types of pain.  I used it on my sciatica for a while, until it got to be so bad on both sides, that I had to have surgery.  As long as they are connected, the TENS unit is great.

It worked very well for Mom before her disorders all ganged up on her. She's had to have surgeries on her neck and her lower back since then, and now she has to have a regimin of medicines, exercise, and diet. I definitely recommend people trying the Tens unit as a treatment option, especially for disorders in which referred pain is a common factor.

I am glad that a 10s Unit is working for your mom.  I have used one for a few years now. They are a big help with pain

My mother got a TENS Unit through a PMI Specialist as one option. It worked when she was paying attention to it -- but it does take some attention. The contact points have to be moist to conduct electricity (the stimulation) and the contact points need to be applied correctly. Adjusting the intensity to keep the pain control adequate to keep moving seems to be the biggest benefit -- movement and muscle control seems to help a lot of pain for which the TENS is prescribed.

I've tried the thermocare heating packs... but before they came out, I'd been using hand warmers and medical tape in much the same way. They're great for pain caused by tight muscles, and I'm starting to like them for the joint pain that started just this year in my knuckles (both hands and feet).

I was having chronic headaches and finally discovered food allergies that had been the culprits....cut out the problem foods and woo hoo headache free...I can't begin to tell you how wonderful that feels.....although I sure am going to miss corn this summer!

Wonderful news!  Food allergies can create so many problems.

I can't believe I suffered for over 40 years with migraines and finally discovered the problem was corn, oats and rice!

My pain varies with the weather. The effects range from slight pain, stiffness, and swelling of my joints, to crippling and disabiling movement. The colder it gets the worse it gets. One reason I want to retire in Costa RIca for the warm weather.

I am the oppiite the hotter the weather gets the worser I feel. My body gets shakey from having muscle spasms and I can't hardly walk during the summer.

In the meantime, you can hire out as a weathercaster ... probably more reliable than the computer-based professionals (LOL).

Debra, LOL My family actually can tell if it is goingto be really cold as i am in pain about 48 hours before bad weather.

Dr.,  Recently I fell and have been getting pain in my upper back and shoulders.  The ER doctor said I jammed my neck when I fell.  He gave me some meds for muscle spasms, I would have to look again to see what it was, and some pain meds.  Would heat help, or would it cause more spasms?

Wow, several people seem to have shoulder pain issues, including bursitis. This is one that can be genuinely helped by physical therapy exercises, as well as by injection. Physical therapy to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles actually results in a widening of the space between your shoulder bones, as the muscles become stronger (they "pull" the shoulder into a more widely spaced anatomy.) People who have shoulder bursitis (or any problem with the rotator cuff, such as tendonitis, "impingement syndrome," or a tear) should also be very careful about the way you get out of a chair. If you "push off" with your arms and "rock" forward out of a chair with straight arms, you will re-injure your shoulder very reliably. The humerus (arm bone) in this case works like an upside down "pestle", grinding into the capsule area of the shoulder as if it is an upside down "mortar." Our shoulders were never meant to take this kind of punishment.
If you want to make it easier to get out of a chair (many people with shoulder issues start with bad knees!) I suggest one of these strategies:

•·         Use physical therapy to strengthen your quadriceps muscles, so you have more power to stand without help

•·         Put a thick blanket on your favorite chair, to raise the level of its seat

•·         Change your "usual" or favorite chairs to a stool or higher chair, so it is easier to get up each time.

getting out of bed seems to be a problem too when the old shoulders are hurting....

I feel and caused "impingement" in both my shoulders.  My doc gave me excerises to do for it and said that in time the pain would go away and everything should be ok.  It's been 2 years and I still do these excercises 3 times a week.  Yes, the pain is gone, but my range of motion or reaching ability is not like it use to be.  What else can I do to improve this.

Any suggestion on exercises to do at home? My insurance is very limited and doesn't cover any type of therapy or DMEs.

You need to at least get an exercise program from a Physical Therapist, so that you are doing the RIGHT exercises for your condition.  These programs are specific to your injury.  I would ask your doctor to ask for a Prior Approval for at least a consult with a Physical Therapist

I have a book of non medical pills that I have read and I have tried a few of them.

Do you recall what the name of the book is?

I've been being treated with whole food vitamins and diet changes....went to a place that checks you out via muscle response testing (I think they call it) and can help with all sorts of things.  Was going potty 2 or 3 times a night and started a vitamin that has now helped me to not get up at night at all....it's great, can't wait to go camping now since I won't have to venture out in the creepy night to tinkle!

What vitamin are you taking for the nighttime bathroom trips?  I have a close friend whoo deals with that all the time.  I used to until I quit taking HRT.  Now it is usually once or not at all.

I beleive the one for the bathroom trips is cholocal, it's a Standard Practices Vitamin and you have to go to specialty places like the Nutritional Healing Center that I go to get it.  They are whole food vitamins.

I was recently diagnosed with severe arthritis in my knee (bone rubbing on bone).  I was wondering if there was any nonprescription medications that could help with the pain.

oh my goodness, that just has to hurt..

Severe pain comes and goes.  Usually it is an ache that I can try to ignore.  However, when my other knee starts hurting I know that I have been overcompensating and they I have to take it easy.

My father has that in one of his kness as well.

I have had physical therapy in the past it helped some but I still have pein.

Is there some home remedies, supplements and treatments that will help my pain?

I have tried Valerian Root Extract it helps my pian and helps me to sleep. I bought it at Walmart

Ill have toi give that a try Thanks Shaunee

Hi everyone, sorry I'm late.

So now I use my 10s Unit and do a few exersises to she if it helps. They hurt so bad I can't stand for anyone tp pat me on the shoulder.

You need to at least get an exercise program from a Physical Therapist, so that you are doing the RIGHT exercises for your condition.  These programs are specific to your injury.

what is a 10s Unit?

a TENS unit is a battery operated device that sends pulses to the affected area, effectively changing the pain impulses to the brain, as best as I can understand it