Hi, everyone. I signed up here on DS a few months ago under "Back Pain" and "Chronic Pain" groups because at the time I still did not know exactly what was wrong with me. My story, in short: over 2 years ago, I was driving back to work from doing errands on my lunch break, when the traffic on the highway started to slow to a stop--except for the driver behind me. He rear-ended my vehicle going about 60-70 mph, and that impact propelled my car into the car in front of me. So, double impact. I was taken to the trauma center and soon released with a prescription for a painkiller. The pain increased over the next few days, and the mind-boggling thing was that all of the bones in my shoulders, back, and neck were cracking. I didn't understand what had happened to me. I went to a chiro/PT and she said that my neck was probably straightened in the accident, and she then proceeded to treat me for the next 4 weeks with heat and light therapy. I knew that wouldn't help, but thought maybe time would heal my injuries. Nothing changed. I was having a very difficult time making it through work each day from the pain and pressure. I went to see a different PT and he gave me a bunch of exercises to do, but I was confused because I've always been an athlete--distance runner, gymnast, etc. and muscle strength wasn't a problem for me. I did the exercises for 12 weeks, and again, no improvement. Went to an M.D., had an MRI, and although the MRI showed a slightly herniated disk in my neck and bulging disk in my lumbar, he said it wasn't that bad and there wasn't anything wrong with me. Went to another chiro/PT. He made me hopeful by giving me some adjustments that felt kind of good and new exercises. But after months of treatment, my pain was still getting worse. Went to another MD and he said my MRI looked fine and what I have is just a nuisance--my diagnosis was "a car wacked me." I had to quit work and I have no health insurance anymore. After googling, I came upon Clair Davies' book. Enlightenment! This is what is wrong with me. I found the most horrible trigger points in my glutes and I'm sure I must have a bunch in my back and neck. I just started working on the ones in my glutes a few days ago--I already feel like I have some improvement. Less pull on my s.i. joints. Now, why couldn't any of these so-called medical professionals tell me about MPS? I've spent the last 2 1/2 years in pain not getting why. I am outraged.

I've read some of the discussions and journal entries on here during the last couple of days. My heart is breaking reading some of these, and I am fuming at our so-called healthcare system. I'm also curious as to why some people are getting better and others aren't. I am so thankful that this group is in place so that we can learn from each other and just be there for each other. Some of your journal entries have been very inspiring to me. I like reading about the idea of being proud of what the normals would consider small accomplishments--just getting out of the house for a while. I've been frustrated that I haven't been able to go to dinner often with my friends or go to the movies (I can't sit hardly at all anymore). I used to love to run, and some days, I can't even walk far. If anyone has any tips for a girl whose just realized she has a bunch of trigger points, please let me know. I welcome, "Have you tried...." God bless you all; you have already helped me so much by inspiring with your mental strength.