MS and Pain Management

I have been grappling with severe neck pain and headaches for the past couple of years. I had seen several doctors to no avail until my new primary care physician recommended that I go to the Boston Pain Clinic. In retrospect, it was a life altering decision and one that has led me to negotiate my pain at an acceptable level every day. I am keeping my pain medication to a minimum and using a number of other pain management options that have proved very effective.

I should back-up for a minute and describe how the Clinic works. They have on-site physical therapy, medication management with a full nursing staff, an in-house neurologist, a sleep lab and a number of other services. In particular, I am using a traction device that helps to stretch out my neck, a freezing gel that's called Bio Freeze (an excellent scentless gel that can be bought on Amazon...see link to buy it below), and a TENS unit (subcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). I just have to note that the tens unit is an excellent way of getting immediate pain relief. It has worked wonders on my upper back and neck. Once the insurance company approves the unit they will also approve monthly supplies for the unit. The unit is small and light and can be on without anyone taking notice. I sometimes leave mine on for several hours at a time depending on my level of pain.

What is particularly helpful about a pain management clinic is not only that they address the problem from a 360° perspective but also that they wield a lot of influence with the insurance companies and are able to get things approved very quickly. They were also able to get approval for a three-month extension on my physical therapy which was quite impressive. All this to say that if you have chronic pain, you may want to consider linking up with a local pain clinic. It has definitely changed my life for the better.

Happy New Year's, Limitless Lizzie

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