Well, That Was Different

[nailit]

Just had an appointment at my GP surgery to discuss my meds.
Saw a young Indian doctor, was discussing my Tramadol script. Told me that he wants to reduce my Tramadol and advised me to take up Yoga and meditation and said that pain is all in the mind and could be overcome with mindfulness.
Cant see myself being in the Lotus position anytime soon!

[nailit]

Apart from extreme situations like cancer or gunshot/knife wounds, I do wonder if he may have a point. Just how much 'pain' is actually in the mind? As per jno's vid, do we sometimes experience pain because we expect it? (the nocebo effect)

[nailit]

I certainly 'believe' that my backs in tatters after a day of humping heavy crates around at work....but is it actually?

[Arksided]

You seem a good man nailit, humping crates all day can't be good for you.. no doubt (Spilled beans/fish) and everything.. I know little about the prescription drugs reduction... but Yoga may well be worth a proper look.

[agchristie]

No Arky, just me being daft!

[Arksided]

It whooshed over my head being the God of the little people ;-)
[i] You're in my sights now Ag.. ;-) no harm done Xx

[ummmm]

I'm amazed you've been on them for several years without a meds review. I was on my meds for a year before I was called in for a review and none of mine are addictive!

[nailit]

//You seem a good man nailit//
That might be pushing it a bit Arky ;-)
But as regards things like Yoga etc, its all things that Ive looked into before. I posted sometime ago about the current fad for 'mindfulness' while under the psychiatric services. And it seems as if you find no benefit from it then the fault is yours for not trying hard enough, not theirs for realising that one size does not fit all.
Ive tried this mindfulness lark a million times (along with acupuncture, homeopathy etc) but sometimes an actual chemical (prescription pill) does the trick far more effectively.
I don't know,

[agchristie]

Arky, I'm doing a runner ;-)

[nailit]

//I'm amazed you've been on them for several years without a meds review.//
Just been trying to work out how long Ive been on them ummmm.
Its at least 8 years. Seen my GP's numerous times since then, just keep repeating the script. The GP tonight is the first one Ive seen who has questioned it (albeit with Yoga as an alternative).
I questioned it myself a couple of years ago when I was in the funny farm but got told not to worry about it and they kept on prescribing it.
I know that Im addicted to it and try not to take it if possible but I need something to control my back pain as it gets unbearable at times (and no, I don't have a glass back ;-) )

[gness]

I know you’ll poo-poo this, Nailit.....but anyone who has sever back pain and doesn’t find themselves a good acupuncturist is a numpty...... :-)

[ummmm]

Yoga, Palates etc are suppose to be good for the back

[calmck]

I have just gone through 6 weeks of back pain, probably from lying on an operating table for 5 hours. Went to my local osteopath and he did some “dry needling”, not acupuncture, and applied kinetic tape. 3 sessions and great improvement. Also “walking” in swimming pool with feet off the floor and very gentle yoga. Brufen 500mgs every 8 hours. Do not cold turkey of the tramadol but reduce very slowly. Ask this doctor, who sounds excellently sensible, to advise on best way to do it. Trust you are doing heavy lifting with bent knees and not bent back. Good luck

[Hopkirk]

I used to have terrible back pain, and was convinced it was due to a problem in my body.

It turned out it was due to poor posture and seating.

You could probably do with being referred to a physiotherapist, Nailit.

It might be that you attend classes to educate you on exercises to strengthen muscles, and you might get one to one advice on posture.

I can manage the problems now simply by ensuring I sit with decent lumbar support and don't slouch in comfy chairs.
You also need good training on lifting in your job (manual handling in the jargon)
Your employers should be ensuring you receive such training.

[retrocop]

I recall one PTI who regularly gave us a beasting used to say,'Pain is mind over matter boys. I don't mind and you don't matter'.
Straight into the boxing ring and didn't leave it till the PTI saw blood.