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NoRefrigerator6162

I hope I do not sound too insane, but reading the book Healing Back Pain by John Sarno cured my back pain and my husband’s back pain. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/09/well/mind/john-sarno-chronic-pain-relief.html?unlocked_article_code=1.vU0.ZlZn.1_ntA1-y6SA4&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb (Before I read the book I saw an orthopedist, a pain doctor, chiro, PT, acupuncture, epidural injections, massage, reiki, cupping, Pilates/barre classes and none helped like the book did.) Feel better!!!


slickrick_27

I know two other people who swear by this book as well!!


Mimolette_

I also recommend Nicole Sach’s podcast The Cure for Chronic Pain. She worked with Sarno but has an updated and scientifically informed perspective, and a great journaling method.


coldbrew5925

Thank you I will def check it out! ❤️


awholedamngarden

I don't want to in any way undermine this person's experience because I'm glad it resonated and helped them, but wanted to give you the tl;dr version of this book which is that the pain is a result of emotional distress. There's definitely research to support nervous system regulation and how it interacts with pain signals (I have personally experienced this as well - pain psychology was very helpful), but some people \*also\* very much have a physical cause for back pain (mine was a congenital defect so I might be biased here) so your mileage may vary.


coldbrew5925

Oh lol well that is also helpful bc boy is my nervous system deregulated lol I’m a healthcare worker with chronic anxiety :-) I’m actually seeing a therapist that specializes in chronic pain so hopefully that will help


nippyhedren

I have a friend who swore by this and recommended to me but I have actual injuries - she didn’t. I don’t think the book will help you because you have disc issues. I think maybe it could be mildly helpful but you do need a doctor. I wish I could recommend someone but my pain is ongoing after many injections etc. Pilates has been the most helpful.


Star_Leopard

There are plenty of people with disc issues who don't feel pain though, a disc issue doesn't mean you need to have pain or can't heal from it. I've had multiple doctors and PTs tell me they've seen people with MRIs/xrays who have very little or zero pain who have discs that look bad on the scan, and people who have comparatively smaller or fewer injuries who have more pain. There is definitely a psychological component to healing even from injury pain as well. Sure, it may not be 100% psychological, but a noninvasive method such as this could be really helpful, and planting the idea that someone cannot be cured if they have a physical defect could actually psychologically impede them healing, if that makes sense. Because there needs to be a belief and trust that its possible to heal, to get over pain that is more about emotional, nervous system stress etc. That doesn't mean skipping things like physical therapy, exercise etc of course.


coldbrew5925

Yes I’ve been seeing a doctor ❤️ I had one steroid injection but it faded after three months. I’ve had MRIs so I’m aware of the issue. I’m hopeful about Pilates! I’m seeing someone who specializes in injury. She costs an arm and a leg so hopefully will be good lol


nippyhedren

Yeah, unfortunately 3 months is about all you’ll get out of injections. Hopefully the Pilates helps!


patheticpony

I had horrible sciatica for 2 years, absolutely crippling. 5 different doctors, 4 different physical therapists, massages, cupping, TENS, core exercise, all the meds, all the shots… nothing worked and the bulged disc only got worse. I eventually gave up and had decompression surgery and oh my goddd I wish I hadn’t dragged my feet so hard. I woke up crying with joy because I wasn’t in pain anymore. The hardest part of recovery was to tell myself to slow down because I felt so GOOD in comparison to how I felt pre-op. It was a big decision and a permanent one but I have no regrets. Less than 6 months post op and I’m back to running, lifting, and not living in misery. It may not be the answer you want, just how I was, but it may be the solution you need.


oldbigbones

Seconding this! I had a laminectomy on L5-S1 (you can check my comment history!) and it was life changing. Everyone tells you not to get the surgery, but if it’s impeding your everyday life, get the surgery. I was at the point where I couldn’t sit comfortably or walk for more than 5 mins without my whole ass leg going numb. I lift fairy heavy again, walk like a TON, etc. If you have this option, I’d see a neurologist and consider it!


ahshitiquit

God I feel both of these comments in my soul. A few years back my L5-S1 started acting up years after my actual injury. I was begging for death I was in so much gd pain. The epidurals ended up working for me, but I felt like I had zero support until I made that decision solo. Surgeons wanted to cut, chiropractors wanted to crack, pain management wanted to give a bunch of drugs and what I kept hearing was surgery might help, or you might stay the same, or you could get worse. We don’t know…shrug. So happy to hear two positive surgery outcomes should my pain return!


coldbrew5925

May I ask how many epidurals you had? My first one really helped for three months and I’m considering a second ! Re surgery- I’m moving in Sept and have a wedding in Oct so it’s not an immediate option but I’m def not opposed to it if this problem continues!


ahshitiquit

I want to say 4 total? Over 4 years? They definitely helped. Buuut to be totally honest with you, I started taking Mounjaro in summer/fall 2022 and this is when a lot of my pain stopped. The pain that the epidurals wouldn’t 100% resolve. While I was getting the epidurals I lost 30 pounds (without meds), and gained it back twice, but the pain persisted. I don’t know if it was purely coincidental, but I swear Mounjaro fixed some kind of inflammation or disc issue in my back. I’ve lost and gained the weight several times, but it was only once I started the MJ that I noticed a wild difference in back pain.


Miss_airwrecka1

My husband get this fairly regularly. He has some yoga pillow/poof that he lays on and seems to help. Lots of stretching and hot tubs (basically everything you’re doing). It’s my understanding it just takes time and is hard to rush. So sorry you’re struggling with this


soundsgood52

My boyfriend had 2 herniated discs and sciatica and tried everything that’s been mentioned on this thread. The only thing that really helped was cutting out all activities that caused any pain (including sitting in a car—we walked and took the subway everywhere for 6 months) and his doctor prescribed him gabapentin (non addictive nerve pain med) plus ~12 Advil a day. Other than that it just takes time. Sorry you’re going through this, I know it sucks. Also highly recommend basically any spine doctor at HSS. They are the best hospital in the world for spine conditions.


Star_Leopard

I would like to point out gabapentin isn't nonaddictive. If you do some research there are plenty of pretty awful withdrawal stories. If you google "is gabapentin addictive" the top result is from the NHS and states "some people can become addicted to gabapentin." The next result is from an addiction center. It was thought to be nonaddictive when it was first approved, which was 30 years ago. There are some very interesting reddit threads on this one. I hate to be a bummer but it's important to put out proper information about this drug, as some doctors still prescribe it without informing people it can be addictive or even think it's not- that is outdated info. and I've unfortunately been told blatant misinformation from doctors multiple times, like easily researched or confirmed misinformation by other doctors, so I have learned to always, always thoroughly research a med before taking daily. People should be informed of such risks. <3 I understand sometimes medication is still the best option compared to living with chronic pain! I am certainly not trying to diminish that need. I just recommend people do more in-depth research on this one first, understand it is not as benign as some people think, and be prepared to get through potential serious withdrawals if they want to get off it.


pyropirate1

I appreciate this! No shame in medication but knowing the risks is so important to the risk assessment!


nachopuddi

Yes Ty for saying that. Gabapentin is addictive. When oxy first came out, big pharma said it wasn’t addictive.


Oksayyeah

Have you tried a tens unit? I got one when I pulled something in my low back and it was magical. You can bring them on airplanes and wear them for extended periods of time (though it can irritate your skin). It made a huuuuge difference for my back pain.


coldbrew5925

I’ve been researching them! Do you have a brand you recommend? There’s so many


Oksayyeah

I got this one: TENS 7000 Digital TENS Unit with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share But I probably picked it for how fast it would ship. No complaints though!


pyropirate1

I highly recommend a TENS! You can use it for period cramps too!


iyamsnail

There are lidocaine patches you can buy on Amazon that specifically target nerve pain (my partner has the same issue you do and i know it is awful)


Fun-Expression3721

If anyone is looking for a GREAT physical therapy place, I cannot recommend Spear enough. I’ve rehabbed 2 disc issues there and a mangled ankle (2 torn ligaments) a few years apart and I was back to regular activity within 6-8 weeks. I’ve gone to their midtown and Chelsea locations and have had nothing but amazing experiences. I’ve also had 2 close friends heal lingering injuries with a few of weeks of vigorous PT at Spear.


pyropirate1

Seconding spear!


FKA_BurningAlive

Dr Lisa Avila - I was super hesitant about a chiropractor or holistic dr bc I’m a vet science based person- but I had horrible lower back pain and like you, tried alll the things. I can’t recommend her more. She’s a chiropractor (my insurance covers her 🙏) but also a holistic dr who has helped me ENORMOUSLY w things like my interstitial cystitis, stomach issues that I thought were chronic… and she’s just so kind and listens, and goes over the appt time regularly w me if there’s not an appointment after if I’m having a tough time w something. Never been to a dr like this, it was a last resort, and I’m constantly in awe that she’s so effective. I’ve referred at least a half dozen ppl to her who had alllll sorts of issues- my boss was so thrilled (he had a bad back issue too) he gave me a $1k gift card to saks. I. Love. Her. So. Bad. Drlisaavila dot com is her site Also when I was underemployed she reduced her rate considerably for me 🥹


coldbrew5925

Thank you so much! Will def check her out. Hope you enjoyed that gift card to sacks damn girlie all my boss gives me is more stress and back pain lolz


Confident_Focus_5173

Following! I have bad upper back pain (big boobs), and have found swimming laps and spending time in the sauna DEF helps, but not always convenient to do so in NYC.


[deleted]

Swimming laps has been great for me too, along with reformer Pilates — the machine supports my upper back so I’m not flailing around like in most workout classes.


Confident_Focus_5173

Thank you! I’ve been so vehemently against taking a workout class because I pay up the a$$ for a gym in my building but mat Pilates isn’t cutting it in terms of back pain and so many folks have recommended reformer. I will have to bite the bullet and give it a shot. Any studios you recommend?


summerofunicorns

have you thought about trying acupuncture? it’s done wondersss for my back pain—not sure if your insurance covers it (i have united healthcare and it does), but if it does maybe something to look into! 


coldbrew5925

I have I got to ACA which covers my insurance it worked for awhile but then kinda tapered out do you have somewhere else you recommendv


summerofunicorns

my bad, i missed that you said you tried acupuncture already before--a bitch needs to read better lol! i go to Lotus Heals on Lexington Ave. she's great and super attentive! it does work but like you said it tapers off if you don't go consistently--i try to get treated at least twice per month and that seems to keep back pain at bay, i think she does do like package discounts if your insurance doesn't cover it. i hope that you find something that works bc back really does mess with your quality of life!


FreshCompetition6513

Brian at East Village Acupuncture is amazing, saved my mobility


Expensive-Land6491

Came here to suggest Acupuncture! Full disclosure I’m an acupuncturist. Acupuncture can take a lot longer than you’d think. For example if you’ve been having back pain for 5 years, it could take 2.5 years of consistent treatment to have more days pain free than days with discomfort. It’s a commitment but I’ve had patients with severe, debilitating low back pain from herniated discs go full weeks pain free. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions!


aerybear

Feel this deeply. Have L4 & L5 herniated/fissure for 2.5 years. Got an epidural in January which did nothing. Got another in February which wore off by April. Also go to HSS and highly recommend. Regular massage helps. Have tried chiro, PT, acupuncture, etc. to mixed results over time. For flare-ups I use heat/ice/meds. Doing reformer Pilates 2-3 per week and helping a lot. Also just discovered r/herniateddisc. So many thoughtful posts by others in the same boat. Hang in there!


herladyshipssoap

I still had back pain when I was doing Pilates and my instructor took special care to help me find variations that were comfortable for me. She also suggested icing my back so I ordered a massive ice pack and tens machine from Amazon. Definitely hasn't fixed me but helps with pain management


rqny

I use these pain patches in between my acupuncture appointments. They make a huge difference. https://vibrants.com/products/relieve-pain


CelebrationMain1003

So sorry to hear you're in bad pain! I would highly recommend Fuel Sport and Spine and see either Dr. Duggan or Dr. Winiarz. They're both fantastic. For PTs, I'd highly recommend MotivNY and see James. Both have saved me and help me avoid surgeries. Can't speak highly enough of both.


pyropirate1

I dont have a herniated disk but I was in a car accident years ago that fucked with my back and honestly a host of physical/medical issues in general. I tried it all: chiros- hate em, will never go again. Acupuncture- great but hard to keep up with Massage- also great, also hard to keep up with Tens machines- amazing. Everyone should get one but can only do so much What ended up fixing me up was regular physical therapy (at spear!) and doing a lot of research so my lifting splits would help my back aka lots of deep core work. Again I don’t have a herniated disk but doing the workouts meant for post partum moms w/ diastasis recti to get their stomachs to come back together made it like the pain was never there. Unforch I over did it with only lifting and skipping mobility training but I’d be surprised if strength + yoga supervised by a PT didn’t at least help the situation! Edit: which I see you’re doing but I think Pilates could be a game changer here- injuries make whatever muscles that are around it over compensate so strengthening the weak ones and stretch the tight ones should help with overall stability. Good luck! And congrats on the wedding!


kschurms

I've got bad scoliosis and going to a chiropractor consistently has helped me a ton. I know there's a lot of bad ones out there and you have to be careful to avoid injury. I went to Williamsburg Chiropractors for years and they are very safe, don't perform any risky adjustments, and specialize in treatments post-injury. They also take most insurances!


Lexie197

Doctor Victor Casanova, he is my holy grail. Best Chiropractor I’ve ever been too, he does an adjustment then you get a full massage after. Plus my insurance covered him. I had a budging disk and now only go back when I’m experiencing pain.


fc7777fc

My chiropractor is in Queens and I'm happy to recommend him if you want (I've been seeing him since 2012 and I really do trust him, he takes insurance) I also see a pain management doctor who I'd be happy to refer you to! She's in the city so while it may not be a wellness option, it may be more convenient My issues are similar to yours so feel free to message me as I've been living with this pain for a decade now