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 Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 4:29 pm
Hey, i know i don't think i have ever posted here before... I've mostly been lurking here for a very long time, trying to learn more, and whatnot.
But now i have a problem, and i need some advice. I usually don't like to ask for help either, because i feel guilty about telling people what i'm having trouble with, so this is a really big deal.
But before i get myself totally off topic with why i need this help, i'll get into it.
I have been in chronic pain in my right shoulder for almost two years, starting as a sports injury and eventually developing into something unexplainable that limits my ability to function on a day to day basis. At first my doctor thought i had bursitis, then maybe i tore a muscle in my rotator cuff, then maybe my joint was just loose and my shoulder was dislocating. Then maybe it was just swollen... I have been to chiropractors, accupuncturists, massage therapists, orthopedic doctors, i've had X-rays and MRI's and shots of cortisone and physical therapy...
And nothing that i have tried so far has worked.
So, here i am, asking if anyone has any suggestions for me. Anti-Inflamatory stuff, muscle and joint pain... Anything you guys can give me i will accept. I'm already using meditation to try and manage the pain, and i'm doing some energy work and crystal work on my own, but i am curious to see if people have herbal remedies too.
I don't mean to sound desperate, but i really am. I will try almost anything if it will mean that i will not have to live in this level of pain for the rest of my life. Because when you are 17, the rest of your life is a very long time...
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Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 4:49 pm
There's no reason at all to feel guilty or ashamed of pain. I spent three years and way too much money going to five different doctors to find out the cause behind my problems, before we finally solved it. I totally understand what it's like.
As for the pain, it sounds like you've tried everything I have to suggest by way of therapy- massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, and modern medicine.
Maybe a compress of ginger or cayanne? Heat is usually good for relaxation of muscle tension. Tiger Balm and Icy Hot can be good, too... *chews her lip* Comfrey compresses can help with muscle and joint pain, and glucosamine and chondriton supplements can help a lot. My husband takes them for arthritis.
Other than that, I'm not terribly sure... if you have the money or your parent's insurance covers it, maybe you could try a holistic doctor? An herbalist or a homeo or naturopath?
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Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 4:59 pm
We are actually trying to find herbalists and other alternative doctors in my area, but there don't seem to be many, unless i am totally missing them.
I know there is a support group for people in chronic pain about an hour or so away from my house, and i'm sure i could get some information from them... It is just the fact that it is an hour away.
There is a pain clinic about 20 minutes from my house, but you have to be 18, and the only thing they do is give people injections of cortisone. and the cortisone injection i had made the problem worse for some reason.
But i will definately try those ideas. I've been using icy hot for almost a year, but i can't use it very often anymore because the more often you use it, the less it will do. I've also tried Capsazin, but it is basically a more expensive icy hot. Therma care patches are also really good, and i've been doing a therapy of 10 minutes heat, 10 minutes cold for a hour. It confuses the body enough to make pain almost non-existant for a while.
Thank you again for the help you are giving me... It means a lot to me...
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Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 2:29 pm
NiveditaVidula We are actually trying to find herbalists and other alternative doctors in my area, but there don't seem to be many, unless i am totally missing them. I know there is a support group for people in chronic pain about an hour or so away from my house, and i'm sure i could get some information from them... It is just the fact that it is an hour away. There is a pain clinic about 20 minutes from my house, but you have to be 18, and the only thing they do is give people injections of cortisone. and the cortisone injection i had made the problem worse for some reason. But i will definately try those ideas. I've been using icy hot for almost a year, but i can't use it very often anymore because the more often you use it, the less it will do. I've also tried Capsazin, but it is basically a more expensive icy hot. Therma care patches are also really good, and i've been doing a therapy of 10 minutes heat, 10 minutes cold for a hour. It confuses the body enough to make pain almost non-existant for a while. Thank you again for the help you are giving me... It means a lot to me... No problem, that's what we're here for. *thinks* You know... how is your diet? I'm trying to look at this from a holistic point of view, and sometimes pain is caused by an imbalance in the body, like a lack or overdose of a certain mineral or vitamin. Do you eat balanced? Are you vegan or vegetarian? Do you have a high salt intake?
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Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:10 pm
i'd suggest trying Devil's Claw 3nodding Quote: Native to southern Africa, devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is named for the miniature hooks that cover its fruit. For thousands of years, the Khoisan peoples of the Kalahari Desert have used devil's claw root in remedies to treat pain and complications of pregnancy and in topical ointments to heal sores, boils, and other skin problems. Since its introduction to Europe from Africa in the early 1900s, dried roots have been used to restore appetite, relieve heartburn, and reduce pain and inflammation. In fact, mounting evidence suggests that devil's claw root may help relieve pain and inflammation in people with arthritis and other painful disorders, although the mechanism of action (in other words, how it reduces pain and swelling) is not well understood yet. Osteoarthritis Several studies have found that taking devil's claw for several months substantially reduces pain and improves physical functioning in people with osteoarthritis. In a large, well-designed 4-month study including 122 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis, devil's claw root powder reduced pain and improved functional ability as effectively as standard doses of a leading European medication for osteoarthritis. Additionally, those who received devil's claw experienced fewer side effects and required fewer pain-reducing medications throughout the study. Back and Neck Pain Although study results have been somewhat conflicting, evidence also suggests that devil's claw may provide relief from low back and neck pain. In a small study including 63 people with mild to moderate back, neck, and/or shoulder pain, four weeks of treatment with a standardized extract of devil's claw root provided moderate relief from muscle pain. In a larger study including 197 men and women with chronic low back pain, those who received daily doses of a commercialized devil's claw extract every day for a month reported experiencing less pain and needing fewer pain-killing medications than those who received placebo. Other In addition to the treatment of these and other painful disorders, many professional herbalists consider devil's claw to be useful for upset stomach, loss of appetite, headaches, allergies, and fever. Topical preparations of devil's claw are also applied to the surface of the skin to heal sores, ulcers, boils, and skin lesions. Plant Description Devil's claw does not have an odor, but it contains substances that make it taste bitter. It is a leafy perennial with branching roots and shoots. It has secondary roots, or tubers, that grow out of the main roots. The roots and tubers are used for medicinal purposes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What's It Made Of? Devil's claw contains iridoid glycosides, substances believed to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Harpagoside (one type of iridoid) is highly concentrated in devil's claw root and has been shown in some laboratory studies to have potent pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Available Forms Whole or ground devil's claw roots are available as well as capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and topical ointments. Teas (infusions) can be made from dried devil's claw root.
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Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:45 pm
I hadn't known that about devils claw! Very nice!
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Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 8:18 am
A gentleman i work with used Devil's Claw when he had problems with his hands and said it was very effective, i'd always be willing to give something a fair go if it's an ancient cure that tribal communities have been using forever before the lazy western world discovered it
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Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 4:26 pm
jellysundae A gentleman i work with used Devil's Claw when he had problems with his hands and said it was very effective, i'd always be willing to give something a fair go if it's an ancient cure that tribal communities have been using forever before the lazy western world discovered it
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Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:24 am
oh very much so!
if it's not a neat little pill that costs the earth people are most definitely put off rolleyes
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Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 12:08 pm
jellysundae oh very much so!
if it's not a neat little pill that costs the earth people are most definitely put off rolleyes People are more inclined towards alternative medicine when it's been monitered and regulated by the FDA, too. In a way, that's good... it's got down sides, but it's got up sides too
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