I was prescribed Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin) after my spinal surgery. It's an anticonvulsant, not a traditional pain killer, and it helps with neuropathic pain.
Fortunately, this seems localized to the back. No sciatica or other bad stuff. Hopefully, it will not get worse. Not necessary. I'm familiar with long-term chronic pain. This is starting to ease a bit too. Damn, I forgot to spray for spammers again. **kicks self, then kicks spammer.** This is a big machine at PT. Not a TENS unit, which I think are hand-held. Today was a better day. At PT, I had two minor exercises. I, uh, did some light housework too. I know...but I hate doing nothing. I'm hoping that things will get better from here on out. I'm going to see if I can drive tomorrow - just a short drive over to Weight Watchers and back (2 minutes each way). Trying to reclaim my life!
*waves* Things are improving finally. I guess getting into the doctor's office and then PT rather quickly helped a lot. Usually with herniations, it took me a few days to get an appointment.
Glad you are getting some relief. When I have had the pain, I have gotten the electric stim. The doctor was able to order a home unit for me. It is small and runs off a battery. You could ask to see if that would be appropriate. The doctor showed me how to use it and gave me strict instructions on when. It helps if I cannot get to the dr and have issues.
I have a twisting pelvis right now...and it's obviously affected the lower spine and the pubic bone. I finally start physio next week, but I've dealt with it by using T3's, ibuprofen and doing minor back stretches. They don't really help and it's a little bit different than a slipped disc but probably around the same pain. My mom's partner has problems with a slipped disc. She just started Yoga. She's had the problem for years though and goes pretty frequently to get her back worked on.
My mom was in an accident and got nasty whiplash. She ended up having surgery to fix it, but she did get a TENs unit. She liked it because she didn't have to rely on pain pills constantly and it was portable, she loved to walk and it helped her get back to her 5 mile power walks where the pain pills hampered her there. Although she liked the TENs unit she was super happy when she was able to get rid of it We were glad, too since it was a bi*ch to get through airport security even before 9/11 My brother broke his tailbone way back in the 70's. He had surgery, but he swore by his donut pillow for when he had to sit for fairly long periods, esp in the car since he had to go 60 miles for his doctor and the hospital where he had his surgery. And not the usual round one, but an oval shaped one. Hope the PT helps out and no surgery is needed. I never had that problem, but I have had back pain. I agree with the pillow between the legs if you are a side sleeper. I've tried both a body pillow and using just a regular pillow and for me the regular pillow works just fine and it does help. Also I was given an exercise by my doctor to do, but check with your PT. I get on all fours then let my stomach drop towards the floor letting my back stretch a bit, usually holding for a count of 8. Then I slowly arch my back, like a cat, and hold it for an 8 count. Slowly alternate and remember to breath slowly in and out. My kids snicker when they see me doing it, but, Man!, does it feel good when I'm done.
Take the pain pills when you need them. I am famous for "grinning and bearing it". I HATE the way those pills take away my clarity of thought. However, after being yelled out by several nurses in the hospital, and others, I began taking them. It was explained to me this way: If you don't take the pills, the pain will get worse. Then you end up "chasing the pain", trying to get a hold of it. At this point, the pills aren't as effective. Of course, I still don't take my pain pills, even though I need to. Do as I say, not as I do. Feel better. And the pillow between the knees trick works wonders, along with lying on your back, and putting something under your knees to put them at a 45ยบ angle. It aligns the spine.