I am a 46 yr old, healthy female with kyphoscoliosis. I've had it since a teen. I've suffered with upper back, shoulder and neck pain for years. It has gotten worse and now I can barely stand the pain. I describe it as my spine hurting (I'm sure its all the muscles around the spine). The left shoulder burns unbelievably and my neck and shoulders have severe pain. I am not a candidate for surgery, nor do I want that. Has anyone been prescribed any medication that helps the pain? I take LOTS of Advil, which I know is not good for my stomach. I have been given a prescription for Skelaxin (muscle relaxer) which really doesn't do any good. A deep tissue massage works wonders for me, but is fairly expensive, so I only go once a month. I always do stretching exercises of my upper back also. Even with doing all that, I'm having horrible pain on a more frequent basis. Any help would be appreciated.
Hello, I have co codamol tramadol and gabapentin which is a nerve damage tablet.
My GP got me an appointment with a pain specialist who found the gapapentin for me
And also referred me for physio and also got me a tens machine which is quite good to
Along the same lines as Stacey, you may try picking up a TENS machine from the chemist (usually only around £30). That way on top of the medication and stretches and massage treatments that you are using already you can use the TENS machine at home to help with the muscle spasm and pain. It is not an unpleasant feeling, more like a pins and needles or tingling sensation. There is idea that it helps reduce muscle spasm, and also reduce pain by stimulating the healthy tissue. In any case, worth a try to see if it works well for you. Failing that, I would try a hot water bottle or microwaveable wheat bag, as heat packs can help with muscular pain as well, it is very soothing for achy backs.
I have been using LYRICA successfully for about 6 years and have a deep tissue massage every 6 weeks.