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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Port Washington, WI

I'm at a stage in life where I am at strongest dose of NSAID. On bad pain days I'll add in arthritis strength Tylenol. And cannabis strains noted for pain relief... I am just today coming off a few days of more extreme pain; which has had me limiting myself to light activity.

Over the years I have been prescribed opioids but they just never agreed with me. I hated how I felt and frankly, while they essentially made me not care about the pain; it occurs to me that there might be ways to… read more

September 11, 2025
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A myHIVteam Member

Thanks Brian! I'll check out that book.

Like you I have stenosis, both lumbar and cervical. That I'm sure has advanced some since 2018. I've been trying to stay within the health system I am primarily in now for PCP and HIV doc. But honestly I am finding myself pretty disappointed with the spine docs who obviously haven't looked at my medical history. So I suspect this Fall I'll head back to my 2018 guy and revisit that.

My health care plan denied coverage for Pain Management. And maybe that's for the best if all they can offer is nerve ablation. There has to be a saner approach...

September 11, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

Maybe a accupuncture or massage therapy ?

September 12, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

Thanks Michael. Yes I don't like how I feel with narcotics

September 14, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

I have been dealing with bad osteoarthritis all over my body. The worst is in my spine. I have severe stenosis in my lumbar spine and it causes severe pain every day. I've had 2 surgeries already and I'm told that I need to have another surgery. I've been seeing a surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery for a year. We agreed to try other remedies before surgery. I've been doing physical therapy and working out on my own. It has helped a little, but I'm still in pain. I am seeing a new pain management doctor who does not prescribe opioids. He has given me Lyrica and I take Acetaminophen every day. He recommended a book entitled "Back in Control " by David Hanscom, MD. I've started reading it and practicing the advice. I'm still reading it and hope that I get some relief. I do not want to have another surgery. I'm doing all that I can think of to alleviate some of the pain and avoid surgery.
I wish you well with your quest for pain relief and if you find something that works, please share it.
Best regards, Brian

September 11, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

I am probably the last person to give advice on this topic because my solution has been high yield narcotics so - I hope things get better for you.

September 14, 2025

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