Daughter has FM for almost one year. No response to meds. Chronic back pain. I could use some advise
Well I dont know very much about it but what kind of advise were you hoping for?
Hi Stuart and welcome! It's great of you to come here and ask for help for your daughter.
Here are some none-medical approaches: physical therapy (didn't help me,) chiropractor (ditto), massage, accupuncture, water therapy and tai chi. I have arthritis causing the fibro to scream in my back, so i get my nerves BURNED back there and it helps for several months. I totally can understand your poor daughter's deep frustration on the matter because my GOSH it hurts so badly back there! There is one more thing I can think of - some sort of device that you can have implanted in that vibrates enough so that you don't notice the pain. I think that's how it goes. My doctor said it was too drastic for me to use and advised against it. I use ICE to help with the back pain. Also use Salon-Pas over the counter pain pads, same area as Ben Gay is found in. Others have soaked in baths with Epsom salts.
Has your daughter used Lyrica or Cymbalta? I know they are for the nerve pain that we suffer from. other types of meds don't seem to help.
I wish I could help more. Maybe she could come here and talk to others. They might have ideas on calming the pain a bit more.
Hugs,
Petunia
Hello Stuart
How old is your daughter? I do aquatherapy and it really helps. I also do massages and those have also helped. Depression is very bad for us has she seen a therapist? Physical therapy can show her some things to do at home that can also help.
Hi Stuart,
That is so caring of you to join this site to get help for your daughter. You have received some very good advice here so far, but I definitely think starting with a good doctor who is well versed with Fibromyalgia is very important. I am from Canada so I did see a Rheumatologist, but she told me to continue with my chronic pain specialist. He started me out on Lyrica and pain medication combined. At one point I did try Cymbalta, but I did not find it effective for me...but what my doctor told me, I will never totally be out of pain. Not everyone is the same and what might work for one person does not for another...so you have to be patient and it is through trial and error to get to a combination of medications that manage her pain in conjunction with mild exercise if she is able to. As one member mentioned depression is also a factor and should be considered. We are all so desperate to have relief in the beginning that we try all sorts of things and one I did try was acupunture it was costly and didn't help at all with my pain. Stress is a huge factor which make the pain worse and it is kind of a vicious circle as when your in that much pain, you do stress. So relaxing or finding ways to relax and rest is very important too. I feel for your daughter and you as it is in the beginning stages which is the most difficult to find what will help with her back pain. Aqua exercise seems like it would be a good idea...I haven't tried it myself, but if she is up to it...that may be another way to relax as well. Take good care of you and your daughter and remember this is only advice...always check with her doctor first.
Sue
Hi how are you im sorry to here your daughter suffering what meds has she tried, Iive found hot baths and muscle rubs can help for short time relif. I take gabapentin and it seems to make it bearable. Hydrotherapy could help to hope you find answers soon x