Chronic back pain

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Peebum444
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Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2013 4:24 pm
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by Peebum444 on Thu Oct 06, 2016 4:39 pm

Chronic back pain

I'm writing this on behalf of a brother of mine, who has been suffering from pain, in general, as a result from the problems with his back. Over the years he has had 7 operations on his spine, having 2 discs removed in the process and has crumbling vertebrae. Numerous visits to pain clinics, physio and the like, haven't helped and he takes over 30 tablets a day, for pain, nerves and other related complications. The fact he's on so much medication is a worry in itself. He is not sure there is any help out there and is resigned, almost, to getting worse and not being able to walk at all ( he now has a motorised wheelchair ). He tries to remain active, occasionally goes fishing ( a passion he won't give up ), but is struggling more and more.
Does anyone have any suggestions ?
SteveC

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Arthritis Action
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Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:27 pm
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by Arthritis Action on Sun Oct 09, 2016 3:57 pm

Re: Chronic back pain

Hello,

Severe chronic pain is a terrible problem and can be extremely disabling as your brother has found. As far as medication is concerned, many painkillers and other medicines often do not work very well for chronic pain so probably should be reduced or stopped although definitely not without medical supervision. Several hospital departments run inpatient pain-management programmes where participants stay for several weeks to learn how to better manage their pain and all the emotional aspects that are common in people with chronic pain. There is obviously not an easy answer, but perhaps your brother could try to arrange a referral to one of these programmes? They are reserved for those with the most severe pain and disability and can be accessed via pain-management departments, but they are a very scarce resource and waiting times can be very long. If your brother has not spoken to a clinical psychologist, they can be very helpful as well and again can be found attached to chronic pain teams in local hospitals.

Wendy

Wendy

Dr Wendy Holden
Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action and Consultant Rheumatologist
www.arthritisaction.org.uk /
info@arthritisaction.org /

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Arthritis Care
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by Arthritis Care on Mon Oct 10, 2016 12:51 pm

Re: Chronic back pain

Hi SteveC,

I just wondered whether some general information about managing pain might be helpful?

https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/managi ... -with-pain

and making contact with local arthritis groups, and self-management programmes is often really worth considering

https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/help-a ... and-groups

Do feel free to ring us for some support if you would like.

Kind regards

Guy

Arthritis Care Helpline
Tel 0808 800 4050 10am - 4pm weekdays

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