Taking control...

Went out for a much welcomed girlie lunch yesterday. The conversation got around to our aches and pains and as my girlfriend is having serious problems with her neck, shoulder and left arm our conversation turned to managing pain.

Now there's no doubt that at the beginning my pain was controlling my life - all I did was stuff myself with drugs, try absolutely anything and everthing that was suggested and generally feel sorry for myself. I didn't for one minute actually listen to my body - I continued with drugs and therapies that weren't helping or worse, hurt and when I did find something that worked I set myself unachievable goals (because that's just me) that invariably set me back weeks!!! Luckily , it all started to change when I met my physio. Apart from being a wonderful person, she is a voice of reason and downright common sense, who advised me from the outset to listen to my body.

For those of you out there who are still struggling to manage your pain, I thought I would document what works for me. We're all different though and this is by no means a "you must try list" just my personal account of how I manage my problem, which is predominantly structural rather than neurological.

• Meds - 2x50 mg Naproxen (anti-inflammatory), 8x50mg Tramadol (morphine based pain killer), 8x30/500mg Co-codamol (pain killer added to the mix during severe episodes). For depression, Amitriptyline (anti-depresssant) which also helps reduce pain thus aiding sleep during the night. The bad stuff: constipation, altered behaviour and memory loss if you drink a lot. Suffice to say, the worst episode (as it's been relayed to me) involved lashings of wine and zambucca, my soon-to-be in-laws and a full moon, not the planet you understand, rising!!!!
• TENs - can be purchased at any large pharmacy such as Boots or Lloyd's. Helps relieve pain but fiddly and a bit hit-and-miss when no-one is helping me.
• Pilates - strengthening of the core, upper back, glutes and hamstrings - a real turning point for me. I have one session a week with my physio and try to do 20 mins every day. Look for classes that specialise in Back Control Pilates or are for people with disability or injury. Check out http://www.bodycontrol.co.uk/index.html - the Back Book is a worthy buy. For music to do your Pilates to - check out http://newworldmusic.com/uk/ .
• McKenzie and Alexander Techniques - some of these exercises have been useful - particulary for bouts of sciatica. See Robin McKenzie's book, Treat Your Own Back and Secrets of Alexander Technique by Robert MacDonald and Caro Ness.
• Hydrotherapy and Swimming (backstroke) - daily if I can manage it.
• Reflexology and Bowen - although didn't specifically help with my back pain was beneficial in treatment of my depression and constipation.
• Physio - Maitlands mobilising techniques, manipulation, electrotherapy/interferential, MET, craniosacral therapy and massage.
• Meditation - took me a while to get my head around this and I still don't get the whole chakra bit but I wouldn't be without these CDs now as a means of relaxation - my favourite is Empowering the Spirit by Ian Welch, available from New World Music as detailed above. This can lift my spirit and aid a deeper, rested sleep even when I am in the worst pain.
• MBTs - these shoes keep my posture and 'core' in check when I'm wearing them.
• Saying No - it's hard but you have to learn to put your back first.
• Consequential thinking! If I do this today, what state will I be in tomorrow?

I've deliberately omitted the things that haven't worked for me, for the simple fact that I want this blog to be a positive reflection of my journey to-date. Besides they might just work for you, and if they do, that's just great!!!