Hey guys, I just signed up after reading through a ton of info, thanks a lot to all for posting such helpful information.

Little about myself, I am 24, male, and have back issues that don't even begin to compare with what some of what you are going through, until recently I didn't really understand chronic pain but after 3 car accidents and a couple of falls on a motorcycle I hurt a lot of the time.

I finally bit the bullet after nothing I could get OTC was helping anymore and went to my family Dr., got a prescription for Ultram which makes at least a dent in the pain, and a sample box of Flextra which he said might help with the muscle tension that is causing the pain, but in reality just barely takes the edge off.

I'm going to see how much the Ultram helps and go from there, I have a TENS I got through my chiropractor which helps a good bit, but only while I have it on.

Anyway, :wave: HI! To everyone and my prayers are certainly with you for relief!
--Chad

Hi Chad and welcome. Have you seen an Ortho or Neurosurgeon? If not, I think you should at this time. Sounds like you have a lot of pain. You should get a MRI and EMG to see if it is more than just muscle spasms. These doctors can also refer you to Pain Management Specialist and get you into PT and get you some meds that will reduce the pain.
Good Luck and let us know. Hopefully it is only muscle spasms and they can get it fixed up right away.

Welcome Chad
When I first started with chronic pain I too did not know much about it or how to deal with it. This board is great everyone is very supportive and I have found that they have alot of ideas that I would never have thought of.

Someone is usually on here night and day because chronic pain does a number on sleeping thru the night.

Again welcome and come back and post often. I also agree you should have further studies done as that kind of pain may be associated with a back injury.

:wave: Chad! I agree with everyone you probably need to have an MRI done to rule out or diagnosis problems. I would also back off on that chiropractor as well. Spine manipulation can be very dangerous if you have certain back conditions and we would hate for you to end up with permanent damage.

Welcome, take care, and may you soon find a diagnosis for your pain.

Thanks for all the words of advice guys!

I didn't mention before, but I don't have any health insurance, and can't really afford a $1500+ MRI :( Not to mention ortopedic/neuro drs.

What is an EMG though? I have never heard of that...

The chiro has helped before now...I don't even know what made it worse, maybe I just got tired of trying to "deal with" the pain...

Can you qualify for state insurance by chance. Sometimes with a serious problem and no insurance they will qualify you. Just a thought.

Ouch!! No insurance - do you qualify for medicaid??

A EMG is an Electromyography. A Nerve conduction test usually goes along with it. The Nerve conduction test is usually done with patch electrodes stuck on the skin. It test how long it takes for the impulse to go from one point on the nerve to another. The EMG uses needle electrodes inserted into the muscles to determine the muscle health and the health of the nerve controlling that muscle. I have had these test three times. I have nerve damage from a herniated disc. The fusion surgery came a little bit to late.

Chad
I edited my post I meant Welcome Chad not Chris I apologize I guess it was the meds.

Sorry but welcome and I sure hope that you can get some relief somehow.

Hello, I just wanted to welcome you to the boards.
Rachel:blob_fire :blob_fire

Hi, Chad. I agree that finding a way to get an MRI would be really useful. I didn't do it for a long time and I think I went through lots of wasted money (chiro, PT, meds, etc.) and time before a clear diagnosis was available. Maybe there are some resources in your community to help you find access to health care. In that vein, I'd probably be careful about explaining how much back pain you're in when you're enrolling - you know - the "pre-existing condition" thing...

Best of luck and keep the faith,
Margaret