Exactly 2 years ago I was diagnosed with what ultimately turned out to be a birth defect. Long, long story short, after many tests doctors/specialists discovered I should have been born with Spina Bifida. By some miracle, the skin grew over my spine, but my lower spine and pelvis did not fuse - rather, my body shot out incredible amounts of cartilage to fill in the defective areas. As we age, cartilage breaks down. My time has come and many areas of my back are bone on bone. There is no surgery to repair my body. This is a lot of information to share out in the open... Anyone here also suffer from terrible chronic back pain? Is there a forum for those dealing with chronic back pain?

LaDidah- Not to make a bad pun, but I feel your pain. I have degenerative disc disease in my back (I have part of 2 discs left). I wish that I could say that it'll be fine for you, but the reality is that you will have to learn to live with it.

What I have found, though, is that I need to stay thin. Any extra weight makes my back issues 10 times worse.

PM me if you want to chat.

I have had back pain for over 5 years and feel that I have tried so many Dr's, treatments and procedures and I am just not feeling like there is any hope for me. My problem started in my lower back and has spread to my upper back, shoulder, neck, groin, and chest. All the compensation and muscle pain and nerve pain over the years has almost gotten the best of me. I have tried physical therap, acupuncture, rolfing, trigger point shots the list goes not. I have 3 buldge discs in my back that are not operable adn really have not been 100% diagnosed as being directly related to my pain, some do and some don't. It is a very frustrating. My pain has many different levels and I cannot for the life of me figure out what triggers it. I have pain medication that simply takes the edge off but I do not like what it does to my emotions, I think sometimes it makes me more depressed. I live with chronic pain every day and wanted to reach out to see if there is anyone to share my story with and perhaps find new treatments or Dr's to try.

thank you

Dear LaDiah

I am sorry to hear your problem. Though I am not a spina bifida victim, I had severe back pain 17 years ago. After many diagnostics, it was found that my L4-L5 was prolapsed to a minimal degree. I was put under many painkillers, acupuncture, physiotherapy, but no cure. Finally, one fine day I met a Homeopathy Doctor who gave treatment for my back pain. I continued for 2 years. Then step by step the pain got reduced.

Now am suffering from Multiple sclerosis for the past 3 years. I had 3 strokes sequentially. Besides the primary problem, I have been again started with severe dorsal and lumbar pain. It is unexplainable. Daily I am suffering from such a terrible chronic pain. Still under painkillers, muscle relaxants, physiotherapy, but no remedy at all.

In your case, if the cause of pain is found, it can be corrected. Oral NSAIDs, intravenous medications, Occupational therapy, natural treatments, Anti-stress therapy, you may try out. Speak to your Doctor about pain management since the surgery is not possible in your case. I pray God to alleviate your pain as early as possible. Take care dear.

Hi everybody. I also have problems with chronic back pain and with lack of energy. I've tried everything - painkillers, walking, swimming, creams, but nothing really helped. I've recently read an article at Beauty-tips-and-tricks.com/ about Massage Cupping Therapy. I've read that this therapy has helped many people. Has anyone tried this before? Thanks