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What Causes Chronic Back, Arms And Legs Pain?
Posted on
Thu, 9 Jul 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 9 Jul 2015
Answered on
Wed, 29 Jul 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi
I am a forty eight year old female. I have disorders at every level of my spine....however the doctors I have seen say there is no surgical solutions. I am being treated at a pain clinic with opiates and an anti depressive. I have chronic pain in my back and my arms and legs feel like I am wearing a suit of honor....also I am so very tired and have days where I have trouble concentrating on anything ,,,,just want to sleep. Also I have some days where I function pretty well. I have reduced my opiate use from over 50 mgs. per day down to 18 mgs per day. I want to get off these meds completely because I think they may be part of my problems, but I don't know how that will was ork with my pain....Honestly at this point I am just as concerned about my lack of motivation and sheer exhaustion.... I feel like I have a bad flu or something. I want my life back and I want to know what the heck is wrong with me...I feel guilty but I also know there is something wrong,,, I have had my thyroid checked and that is not the problem. My doctor says it is due to chronic pain and fibromyalgia. I don't know if I believe that there is not something else going on.
Thank you! XXXXXXX
I am a forty eight year old female. I have disorders at every level of my spine....however the doctors I have seen say there is no surgical solutions. I am being treated at a pain clinic with opiates and an anti depressive. I have chronic pain in my back and my arms and legs feel like I am wearing a suit of honor....also I am so very tired and have days where I have trouble concentrating on anything ,,,,just want to sleep. Also I have some days where I function pretty well. I have reduced my opiate use from over 50 mgs. per day down to 18 mgs per day. I want to get off these meds completely because I think they may be part of my problems, but I don't know how that will was ork with my pain....Honestly at this point I am just as concerned about my lack of motivation and sheer exhaustion.... I feel like I have a bad flu or something. I want my life back and I want to know what the heck is wrong with me...I feel guilty but I also know there is something wrong,,, I have had my thyroid checked and that is not the problem. My doctor says it is due to chronic pain and fibromyalgia. I don't know if I believe that there is not something else going on.
Thank you! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Fibromyalgia seems likely.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about the distress you are experiencing.
In terms of the cause to your symptoms I must say I do agree with your doctor about the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Of course that diagnosis is reached after excluding similar conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, but they usually other evident signs on exam so I am confident the doctors have excluded those. Fibromyalgia does explain every element of your description including your mood alteration.
Regarding treatment I agree with use of antidepresive like Citalopram as well as Vitamins, while on the other hand I do not agree with using opiates, so it is good that you are trying to wean them off, it won't be easy, should be done gradually, but I think it's the right step.
What I think you should try and incorporate in your treatment are non medication measures. Such measures are physical therapy in the form of light exercise like aerobics, walking, stretching, avoiding heavy exertion. Local heat, accupuncture, massage can help as well.
Psychological and behavioral therapy with a mental health counselor are an important part of treatment as well, just as vital as medication.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, minerals (selenium, zinc) can be helpful as well. Try to eat food rich in fibers, vegetables and fish, avoid stimulants like caffeine, junk food, food containing aspartame or other chemicals.
I hope to have been of help.
Fibromyalgia seems likely.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about the distress you are experiencing.
In terms of the cause to your symptoms I must say I do agree with your doctor about the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Of course that diagnosis is reached after excluding similar conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, but they usually other evident signs on exam so I am confident the doctors have excluded those. Fibromyalgia does explain every element of your description including your mood alteration.
Regarding treatment I agree with use of antidepresive like Citalopram as well as Vitamins, while on the other hand I do not agree with using opiates, so it is good that you are trying to wean them off, it won't be easy, should be done gradually, but I think it's the right step.
What I think you should try and incorporate in your treatment are non medication measures. Such measures are physical therapy in the form of light exercise like aerobics, walking, stretching, avoiding heavy exertion. Local heat, accupuncture, massage can help as well.
Psychological and behavioral therapy with a mental health counselor are an important part of treatment as well, just as vital as medication.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, minerals (selenium, zinc) can be helpful as well. Try to eat food rich in fibers, vegetables and fish, avoid stimulants like caffeine, junk food, food containing aspartame or other chemicals.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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