(I would like to thank the awesome and inspirational Jamie Dubinsky for offering to sit down and write her own answer to the question about how Schwannoma pain is different than normal back pain. Below is her story, and her answer to the question...Neil)
In regard to how back pain arising from a spinal cord tumor
differs than the usual everyday aches and pains, my story begins November 2011. Although I have experienced back spasms here
and there, they were episodes that usually subsided after a few days. The pain I began experiencing last November
is almost indescribable.
I am a professional figure competitor and as I was preparing
for the final show of the year I noticed I had the sensation I could not hold
my bladder, which I attributed to the gallon of water I was drinking daily
although it never bothered me in the past.
The sensation of bladder control dissipated after a few months and I
competed in my final figure competition for the year. Approximately one week following the event I
began to experience unbearable back pain.
I could not think of anything I may have done out of my ordinary
exercise routine.
The only way I can define the pain I am experiencing, it
feels as though something is eating away my body from the inside. The pain is not alleviated through stretching
and yoga exercises I practice every day.
I took heavy dose pain relievers and received no positive effect from
the medication so I decided to forgo the meds.
I am unable to define the pin point of my pain as it engulfs my entire
left lower back, around to the front of my body encompassing each hip and
radiates down my left thigh just above my knee.
Nights are the worst as I sometimes cry in bed not being
able to find a comfortable position to fall asleep. Lying on my back is not an option, sleeping
with my leg elevated did not work and for some period of time sleeping in an
upright position seemed to work.
Eventually, sleeping upright on a mound of pillows did not work.
The pain is so severe at times I am nauseated from the
overwhelming sensation. Being a fitness
business owner I have utilized some of my fellow chiropractors and physical
therapists as a resolve to what was happening within my body. In conclusion neither of those outlets led to
any pain relief.
As of July 2012 an MRI revealed a schwannoma located near
the L2 vertebrae. I am currently in the
process of finding a surgeon to remove the tumor in ultimate relief of my pain.
In conclusion – My Symptoms
1.
Bladder control
2.
Frequent urination
3.
Overwhelming, consistent and nauseating pain
4.
Pain most severe when lying down or sitting
5.
Cannot detect the origin of the pain
6.
No relief from stretching/yoga and medication
7.
No relief from physical therapy and chiropractic
care
8.
Joint Instability and Weakness
(Disclaimer: advice shared on this blog or on our related Facebook page cannot be a replacement for proper medical treatment by a trained physician. Speak with a Doctor before making any medical decisions.)
(Disclaimer: advice shared on this blog or on our related Facebook page cannot be a replacement for proper medical treatment by a trained physician. Speak with a Doctor before making any medical decisions.)
