Skye2

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes

Google explains it far better than me

Louise82

Oh jeez, I'm so sorry you're experiencing this Mizz. I would definitely get a second opinion. If you are going to look into the anti-inflammatory foods thing, ImperfectlyMe recommended the book "the anti-inflammatory diet" by Jessica Black on another thread.

Hawkeye13

I and several of my friends have found incredible relief through yoga.
I had always written off as a kind of "woo woo" new age exercise but I must say I have stopped going to my chiropracter since I started a year ago. I went to some classes, and now I have several videos I got from Amazon so I can practice at home when I have time which were not expensive.

I am nearly pain-free afters many years of neck and back issues. It does take time to build up and I have days I'm sore, but I've gone slowly and carefully and there really are many benefits beyond pain reduction.

DoubleDragons

I agree, Hawkeye. I LOVE yoga. It is the first type of exercise I have ever done that I really miss if I don't get to it.

Mizzuno

I looked up the TENS Unit. This may be an option. As for Yoga, I am not opposed and for a few years I practiced Anusara Yoga. I found it to be great. The only problem now is that the doctor does not want me to be bending forward and backwards. This makes Yoga almost impossible with most of the poses. However, this is only one mans opinion and due to the fact that I am in the same position that I was previously in, I am thinking his advice may become null and void.
I go in to talk this morning of the situation. I am nervous. Medications only mask the problem and the body (whether we want this to take place or not) becomes addicted to the pain relievers with time. This took place for me before the nerve alblation, and I had to get off of those things with terrible side effects to my emotions, physical being, and my overall health in general. So, the apprehension is there to use the medications for pain relief. If I could take back that day of flipping over the handle bars of a bike, I would take it back in a heart beat.
I am pain free for the most part in the mornings. Some days are better than others, and I try to not let this back issue stop me from living a productive life. After a day of working, walking, and movement, the pain is intense. Maybe this is just going to be what it is? In any case, I think I will update what the doctor has to say today on this forum. I appreciate the help, and it feels comforting to know that many of you have opened up dialogue with me about this situation.

Olive1

I am getting a little bit older now and I am a lot less bendy. I have a crazy hip issue that I can never recreate for the doctor. I have started doing 'old people' yoga and you can do it in a chair, or on the floor. Just started, but already I really like the way I feel after. Maybe it is just the mindfulness and the breathing.

Mizzuno

Hey Guys....Just needing to get this out there. I went to the doctor and the nerves could not have grown back so quickly. So, it is another issue although there is nerve pain that is related to all of this happening. My back shifts at times and things become unbearable.The doctor asked me if I would consider back surgery? My first answer is, NO. Then he said that it just depends on how sick and tired I am of the situation. So, I go in for the EMG next week, and then I will most likely have a consultation with a surgeon. I am back to the dreaded pain management medication. So, I am moving closer to the answer and I did not think it would be this way. I dont have to like it. I just have to accept it and move forward. I will have all of my options placed before me in time. Why can't it just be something simple? Ha. Nothing ever is. Thanks for reading and letting me vent.

ClearLight

Whoa- I sure hope you get a second opinion - and maybe a third.

It can really make a big difference which doctor you talk to. My sister had some surgery some years ago and the first doctor she talked to was surgery happy. My other sister dragged her to a second doctor. That first doctor would have left her leg a mess and she would have always walked with a limp.
The second doctor was able to take care of the situation with only a minor scar and absolutely no limping at all.
You're in tremendous pain right now so the natural thing would be to just "get it over with" and do the first doctor's recommendation.

I hope you'll at least get a second opinion.

Mizzuno

I hear ya. I will not be making any decisions regarding a back surgery without all of the options being on the table. The doctor that has asked if i would consider this does not perform back surgeries. They only deal with pain management and nerve alblation type stuff. So, I will be talking with a different person regarding this issue. No stone will be left unturned. Thanks CL

Mizzuno

Today is a bummer. I am not doing that well in my class right now. I was and then I was not. I still have time to make it up. Weird news from the doctor. Back on the meds Quite honestly this is the first day in a long time that I have felt defeat. Pure Defeat of a day.
My problems are only as big as my head, right? Only like 6 inches wide.

Dee74

I dunno about defeat - I didn't want to go on meds either but I have to admit it's a lot better since I did.

maybe you can focus better and make up your progress in the classes even more quickly with less pain?

D

Mizzuno

Thanks Dee. I thought I was doing well until this last assignment. In fact I had an A, and then I was dropped to a C. I will most likely get out of the class with a B if all goes well. I still have time. Yes, I think that the meds will serve a purpose. I just felt like I was hit on the head with negative. There is a positive to all of this. Thanks Dee. I am not in pain now.