kyledavey95 - Chronic back pain

kyledavey95

I have suffered with the same back problems for 9 years, initially I hurt this in work holding up something heavy above my head when I was 16.

The pain has now persisted into chronic pain and is every day.

My disc at level T9/T10 thoracic has collapsed which is causing nerve impingement, joint inflammation, ligament pain and muscle spasms. 

It took the doctors 4 years to finally give me an MRI scan, I was then told my scan had ‘no significant findings’ and my back was fine. I was told the pain was ‘phantom limb pain’ and my brain remembers the pain. For 5 more years after this I have being suffering thinking the pain was just in my head. But I have since found from multiple professionals (privately) that the collapsed disc is actually the root cause to my symptoms and I have developed kyphosis.

I am young with my life ahead of me, so I am still searching for a medical solution. I have seen there is stem cell therapy, which can be expensive. I believe this can help but I’m unsure if my disc is past the point of repair. I am also looking into hydrogel (DiscoGel) options to regain the fluid in the disc. But I am still struggling to find someone who can help.
I have also seen Artificial Disc Replacement but this is only available for Cervical and Lumbar, not in the Thoracic spine, as the thoracic spine is much more complex to operate on with the main organs in that area.

I am self managing my condition currently and looking for a solution. If I can find something to help me I will also share with others to see if I can help them. If anyone can give me any further advice that would also be appreciated.

In order to control my pain I stay on the ketogenic diet with has proven studies of reducing pain perception and inflammation. I also take herbal medications such as: turmeric, CBD, Boswellia, vitamin d3 and glucosamine. This helps me manage my condition. 

Sandy_123

Hi @kyledavey95 welcome to the forum and telling us about your problem. Good to see that you can self manage your pain and these remedies work for you. 

Cher_Alumni

Hi @kyledavey95 and a warm welcome to our community.  How are you doing today?

I'm sorry you've experienced chronic pain from a young age and I understand how frustrating it must have been to come up against barriers to accessing treatment.  Unfortunately we aren't medical professionals so are unable to offer clinical advice, however I did wonder if you'd spoke to your GP in light of the new diagnosis provided by the private medics you've seen?  If not, this could prompt a referral for a second opinion at your hospital, or alternatively you could explore being referred to a local pain clinic.

As we're a pan-disability charity, you might also benefit from visiting websites dedicated to pain management.  These include:

• Action on Pain
  
• British Pain Society
• Pain Concern
• PainSupport

I'm moved your thread to our 'Dealing with chronic pain' category and hope you have some progress and pain-relief in the not too distant future.  Best wishes.

Caz_Alumni

Hi @kyledavey95

Just wanted to say hello and welcome you along! 

Thanks for telling us a bit more about yourself. How are you doing today? And how are you getting on in terms of finding you way around the community? Have you had chance to take a look around yet?

I also thought it might be helpful to suggest a few ways for you to get involved and start chatting to some of our other members. So, for example, you might want to have a look at some of our more Recent discussions, or get involved in some of the activities that we've got going on in the Coffee lounge? 

Hope that's a helpful starting-point for you. And do please give us a shout if you would like any help with anything.