What is my next step?

I have had my pain for months, been treated by my family doctor and I am still in pain. What now?

This is very difficult. First, make sure your diagnosis is well established. Then develop a good pain management program to match your particular diagnosis. Such a plan might include any or all of the following:

• Stretching and strengthening your muscles and ligaments including Physical Therapy (PT)
• Low impact aerobics such as walking, swimming, stair-climbing machine or stationary bicycle
• Carefully monitored use of narcotic, non-narcotic and anti-inflammatory medicines
• Vitamins
• Spine support such as lumbar roll for sitting and driving, cervical pillow, magnet therapy, support furniture (ergonomic chair/desk/computer/ etc.)
• Physician performed injection therapy such as Trigger Point Injections or Epidural Steroid Injections
• Biofeedback
• Heat and Ice as appropriate
• Church or spiritual support

You must consider that your pain could be permanent and that like high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes you will need to learn to live day by day to the best of your abilities. Pain management will help you to live with chronic pain but may not necessarily eliminate it.