I just wanted to let you know that there are cases of spinal damage that is hereditary and can come on you for no apparent reason.  Work with your doctors and if you find that one particular doctor is not doing much for you, ask for a second opinion, that is a life saver.  I have found that x-rays really don't show much if it's a soft tissue disruption, such as a disc herniation.  This will call for an MRI or CT scan.  Good luck and keep your chin up.   If pain medication doesn't seem to be working, let your doctor know and ask him to adjust it.  Good Luck.

Vickie

Karen

It's good to meet you, but I wish it were not in a chronic pain site.

My original breakdown in pain came from a simple sneeze, heard a crack in my spine, dropped to my knees in the bedroom and could not get back up without my husbands help and he took me into emergency.

I had lumbar pain on & off for years, but since that day the pain has never left.  so I can relate to your pain and the sudden breakdown, even though I did have a small event, that seems to be the defining pain breakdown.

My first x-ray did not show anything at all, so don't be disappointed if you have to go for further testing.  I've had ct-scans and they have shown all the issues in my spine, but unfortunately along the way, I seem to have come down with FM too?  So I'm living in a broken body too.

I hope your able to find out what your problems are and get some treatment process going.  The sooner the better. Dont give up if they don't find anything on the x-ray, persue a diagnosis and you'll get some treatment.  I should have gotten treatment a lot earlier for my spinal isues and maybe I would have gone this far.

Take Care, and Welcome to the Chronic Pain Connection

Betty

i am so sorry to hear about your chronic back pain but i can really relate with it. last summer i had two surgeries on my back. they removed two cysts, one on my neck and one on my lower back. i was really hoping that it would relieve my lower back pain. well it didnt. i still have it. the doctor said that he saw arthritus in every vertebre in my back. not good. the best thing i can advise you to do is to stay active. i know that it hurts. my doctor has me on celebrex, lidoderm patches and ultram and now is letting me take some pain meds. but i only take them when needed. if you let it get you down it will get worse. i try to stay positive,, this is probably due to my overall attitude i have a strong relationship with God and try to help others and get my mind off of myself. but thats what works for me. everyone is different. my pain scale is often from 8-10. you do need to get the proper rest but need to exercise you body so that it doesnt get stiff.  the celebrex as made me more agile. and lots of prayer. i dont know if you are a religous person but sometimes thats all that helps me. seems simple but sometimes thats all i got.  ill be praying for you.  be blessed   theresa