Hey all.

Just curious as to how many folks here have some form of chronic back pain or back condition... I've had some chronic back problems myself over the last year, and just happened across some very, very interesting and useful information regarding anxiety/back pain combinations.

It set me wondering how pervasive the combo is.

Wade in with your vote! Soon as I get some time, and if there's interest, I'll post a little more 'bout the subject.

-Waystone

Let me tell you, my friend. You are not alone. I have had 3 back surgeries in the past (all within 5 years), and definitely, depression goes along with chronic back pain, any chronic pain for that matter. I was recently going to go through the 4th, this time with parts put in, and the whole surgical plan was radical, until a disc-a-gram revealed that I now have 3 herniated disc and the surgeons said the percentage was too great of me coming out of it in worse condition. I've talked to many doctors and they ALL have said that it's a proven fact connecting depression and chronic pain. Just wanted you to know that I know exactly how you feel. Hope you feel better soon!

I used to have a lot of back pain and general stiffness. Using orthotics helped a great deal, and so did a hot tub in the morning before getting ready for work.

I learned that a lot of tendons had shortened on me from non-use.

I would recommend a physical therapist (or a swiss massage which is a deep massage), rather than a chiropractor any time. I've ended up with more problems whenever I tried a chiropractor.

If you would like to add the information regarding anxiety/back pain, I'd be interested in it!

"Knowledge is Power"

Hi all,
I had back pain since 2000 off and on. It seems every time I get it I get panic and anxiety attackes. I become afraid drive to far and stand to long on cement floors. I know that anxiety makes it worse some times than it really is. So get better soon.

Hi,

I thought I was the only one with back pain! I get terrible left side lower pain. When I was in high school it got so bad I was vomitting and admitted to the hospital. They found nothing. I think as my anxiety gets worse, the pain is greater. Love to hear more on this relationship between the two.

Jodi- 5 mopars

I've also been reading about the link between back problems and anxiety/depression. I just herniated my first disc after a few anxious days and tension. I've been doing yoga and taking it easy. Don't have much more to offer.

I have back pain also. Chiropractor helped me but now I have moved and cant find one who can "crack" me. I believe me is from constant stress that I hold in my back by way of tightning the muscles which in turn pulls your spine out of alignment and can cause many symtoms through your nerves being pinched etc. I also have bad posture prob from balling my body up in fear when I am anxious. If I could afford weekly massages I'd get them they really help!
Dina

I also have back pain from a car accident 11 years ago. I'm on disability, lost everything in a nasty divorce and my living conditions aren't the best. I'm having a really hard time living with the pain and feeling like I have no options in my life. I feel worthless and unable to help myself. Any suggestions?

I am now 5 weeks out from having surgery on my spine. They had to fuse to vertabrae because there was no disc left. It has helped. I have the same problem in my lower back beginning. I have been in a bad car accident which did not help matters. I do believe I hold alot of emotions in my back. If I am having a tough time with stress or anxious I hurt and am in bed. I need to break this cycle but it is hard to excercise when in pain. I also have narcolepsy so my brain just wants to sleep expecially if my neck hurts. FRUSTRATING

yes, i would be interested in the info. my injury resurfaced and i am pregnant causing panic attacks, scarey negative thoughts.
emmerheidi@yahoo.com

I have had problems with back pain also. I am a part-time art teacher and on days I work I am bending over a lot to help kids and carrying supplies around since I don't have a "Room". Some days were excrutiating and I was crying all the way home and spent the whole evening trying to ease the pain. Usually I'm good until noon and then it starts in. I went to the Dr. and a chiropractor. The Chiropractor made things much worse. I went to a different Dr. who mentioned the link between depression and back pain and put me on Effexor. I couldn't believe it- in about 3 days my pain was gone. He had me on 75 mg. After a time I developed a tremor in my left hand which can be a side effect and I found it really annoying. I decided to go off Effexor and after a few weeks of being off, the back pain and depression returned with a vengence. I tried switching to 37.5 mg and that seems to keep everything in check and minimizes the tremor. I am also working on weight training to strengthen my back. Hope this info helps someone else.

I blew out L-4, L-5, S-1, I also suffer from fibromyalga and was born with spina bifida, I am in pain all the time which has affected my ability to work, I recently started getting some relief from a product called Flexcin. My wife died in June 2002 which has also caused a lot of depression fo me, the holidays are not much fun for me.

Has anyone read the book Mind Over Back Pain by John Sarno? It helped me.

Tammy

Hi all i have been dealing with back pain sence 1998 i've had three roundsof surgeries and i mow where more money inside of me than i have in my bank account Each time i went under the knike i got more depressed and i didn't see it. i live in pain everyday. My depression and all that goes with it lost me my marriage and a hole lot more. I would be very interested in any info you could post from the book or any other sujestions. I have just started a very light yoga/ tai chi class that uses a ball that you sit on for most of the class and it has offered some releas and is slowly letting my tendons leangthon as i go more to this class. It still kicks my backside though if you know what i mean. Keep you chins up we are all in this together. Youall have a great day.

del,

try to find the book at the library...I think the main idea is that our body is the catchall of our brain...just like the program teaches.

If you can't get the book at the library, it is available through Amazon.com and not expensive.

best to you, c.