N
Neemer
Guest
I've had upper back pain for approximately 15 years. I recently (FINALLY) was referred to a pain management doc. I've been frustrated over the years hearing how unlikely it is for someone to experience upper back pain (especially from their teenage years).
Anyhoo, I just wanted to share my happy story of finally receiving useful care. Not only was I referred to what I hope is GOOD physio, but I also received trigger point injections. I've reviewed many posts on this topic, and I want to allay some fears.
I, for one, did not find the injections to be particularly painful. The experience was uncomfortable, as is any sensation of someone touching my back, but the injections themselves were no more painful than any other type of injection or the experience of giving blood. I think I received about 6-8 injections, but am not sure exactly.
When I left the clinic, I felt a twinge in my back and thought, shit, the shots didn't work. But for the most part, I felt good. In about 3 hours my back pain had returned to normal (i.e. quite painful). 2 days later my pain was even greater than before the shots and I thought I was in trouble. But then the next day, it evaporated. I have been virtually (though not completely) pain free for several days. It's been less than a week, but I feel positive that continued treatment with the pain doc and physio will be helpful.
So, moral of the story is to PLEASE not be scared off by fear of treatment. Even if my pain were to return at full force tomorrow (which I'm well aware it might), I'm very grateful to have had relief for the last few days. I'd go through MUCH more than the slight discomfort I experienced, that's for sure.
Anyhoo, I just wanted to share my happy story of finally receiving useful care. Not only was I referred to what I hope is GOOD physio, but I also received trigger point injections. I've reviewed many posts on this topic, and I want to allay some fears.
I, for one, did not find the injections to be particularly painful. The experience was uncomfortable, as is any sensation of someone touching my back, but the injections themselves were no more painful than any other type of injection or the experience of giving blood. I think I received about 6-8 injections, but am not sure exactly.
When I left the clinic, I felt a twinge in my back and thought, shit, the shots didn't work. But for the most part, I felt good. In about 3 hours my back pain had returned to normal (i.e. quite painful). 2 days later my pain was even greater than before the shots and I thought I was in trouble. But then the next day, it evaporated. I have been virtually (though not completely) pain free for several days. It's been less than a week, but I feel positive that continued treatment with the pain doc and physio will be helpful.
So, moral of the story is to PLEASE not be scared off by fear of treatment. Even if my pain were to return at full force tomorrow (which I'm well aware it might), I'm very grateful to have had relief for the last few days. I'd go through MUCH more than the slight discomfort I experienced, that's for sure.