Back Pain Community

hi marieh9 - I remember you from your posts from several months ago -

Dr. Minchew has been very busy and has not had a chance to respond to posts.

from reading all that you have had done it would appear that you do have myofascial pain -

I too have myofascial pain - have tried PT, Chiropractic care and these have made it worse - I've also tried trigger point injections and did not have good results. your injury is originally quite old and I'm not sure the trigger point injections would do any good. most times, it's best to start these at the point of injury - waiting over a year or so may not be beneficial.

it would benefit you to find the right type of pt - they can work on the muscles and get those relaxed - they can also show you the right kind of strengthening exercises to do -

I have found that aquatic therapy is really good for me - I can go at my own pace and work on the muscle areas that I need to. so you may want to check into this.

I'm not sure what other doctors you have seen - you may want to see either an Orthopedic Spine Specialist or a Neurosurgeon Spine Specialist - they are the best at reading the MRI's, X-rays, etc. reports - also, as far as pain management - you may want to be referred to a PHYSIATRIST Pain Management - they are really good at going deeper into pain management than regular pain management clinics.

I hope this helps - keep us posted - take care - ^ Joy ^

marieh9, you can find all your previous posts and their replies by clicking on your user name.

Here is a link to a similar post from several months ago: http://forums.webmd.com/3/back-pain-exchange/forum/3061?@guest@

It appears that Dr. Miinchew is no longer actively participating as the Health Expert for this WebMD Back Pain Community.

I pray the advice we have given you based on our experiences will help you in finding the right doctor to treat your condition.

Hi BJ1208,
Yes I remember you as well. Well I keep getting reinjured and it is in the same place so I hope trigger points or myofascial massage will help. I have been seen by an orthopedic surgeon and he said my MRI looked normal and my problem is not spinal. Also saw a physiatrist and she said she had no clue what I had and referred me to a neurologist to make sure I didn't have any problem there. The neurologist said my reflexes and other tests were normal and gave me a muscle relaxant and referred me to the center for integrative medicine. so I have seen that doctor and he switched the muscle relaxant to Flexeril and gave me a plant based NSAID that doesn't hurt your stomach (Limbrel 500) though the insurance won't pay for it. I get it at Costco a lot cheaper and have a coupon for it. Those two meds lowered my pain a lot after two weeks but then I reinjured myself. So my pain has gone back up. I have had 5 sesssions of accupunture since and that didn't help. So, I see the doc again next week. He may send me to their PT's he said they were better. I probably will try the trigger point or massage if they will let me just because I have to. I was told not to do strenghthening yet until my pain drops. I don't know what else he has in mind. i can't get into a pool, legs not strong enough now to get up steps. Although the YMCA has a ramp here. So, I think I have the right diagnosis but not sure what will be next. I would love to get back to aquatic therapy. I did do that for a couple of weeks last year. Then the PT injured me and I couldn't do anything and got weak. So, anyway that is where I am and thanks for listening.
marieh9

Davedsel57,
thanks, I'll take a look. I thought I would try and send Dr. Minchew another email but since apparently he is not helping with this I will rely on everyones experience and give an update since I have seen more doctors and so forth since then. I also need moral support. I appreciate all the help everyone has given me.
Marieh9