Is it possible that the PTSD is making the pain worse and not vice versa? Either way I am sorry to hear it is troubling you.

When I would have a flare up with my back pain and had no insurance for pain meds I would do gentle stretching and focus on :moving: the pain out of my body. Probably very similar to meditation. I would imagine the pain as a red ball and focus on rolling it down my legs and out my toes. Sometimes I would focus on changing the red to a calming blue.

Is massage an option?

I wish I could offer more.

Try some of the tia chi, I have been doing in now for a few week, it does seem to help. As a Diabetic the the reflexology on my hands hand feet have also help. Especially with the nerve damage from my broken arm surgery, I still have numbness and some pain, but not as intense pain now. The breathing, helps oxygen get to limbs and nerves helps.

I may have hated the emotional duress of the class, but the lessons are helpful. Watch your diet for inflammatory foods. Some can effect glycemic index levels. I will be working o this, not just for the weight loss, but also the diebetic neuropathy, that is part of my own symptoms.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/glycemic-index-diet

I don't know will this helps you any, if you want you can try rubbing pain reliever creams and some walking outside helps also, acupuncture can be helpful too

there is also guided meditations called white light and that one is supposed to get pain out through your body, there is many on youtube

sorry that you are in pain, hope it will get better

I use the stretching (tai chi) Cecil and Jewells suggested. Chewing herbs also helps me. I don't know where you are, so I don't know if fresh herbs are available for you in December, but here in the south they are available all year. I scout wild herbs in addition to my herb garden. I know which herb will help by the smell. If it fits my need it will smell irresistible to me.

Feel better soon, Muji. Don't much care which is cause and which is effect, but physical pain and PTSD are definitely connected in my book. Treating one treats the other.

Sigh.

I'm so sorry, Muji.

Sadly, I have a fair amount of experience with this one, having gone nearly 1.5yrs with nothing to treat pain.

As always, good advice above.

For me, nothing has done a better job than:

a) Meditation, and

b) Distraction.

By "distraction," I mean nothing more complicated than doing things that bring you joy -- writing, reading, playing guitar, going for walks, watching a good movie.

I participated in several chronic pain support groups. They taught, and we agreed, that letting the pain keep you from pleasurable activities was inherently bad.

Engaging IN those pleasurable activities -- while most of didn't find 'relief --' DID seem to make it easier to handle, or simply relegated the pain to the back seat, allowing us to focus on those happier, more productive, joyous pursuits.

As an example, not applicable in my case, and likely not yours: a few women with chronic back pain and fibromyalgia ... were able to be truly happy when playing with their grand-kids, even when lifting UP the little tykes ... made their pain worse.

Pain sucks. I'm sorry. I hope it's brief, and that -- as you bring a greater sense of calm to your entire body -- it fades quickly.

As an aside ... I'm on about day 13 with Methadone. I don't like it. I FEEL "doped-up." It's also a long-acting drug (half life of 18 to 55 hours), meaning: I awaken VERY "doped up" every morning.

It makes a small DENT in the pain, but I'm not sure the trade-off is worth it.

Hugs.

My pain is due to my past abuse and yes as a Cecil stated PTSD can and will effect your pain. When I think about how I received my many injuries, I can feel the various muscle groups tightening up.
As Jewells said reflexology works very well. You can even do it on your own feet, but having it done by someone else so you can relax is better. All your nerve endings are at your feet, so often stimulating those with pressure can improve the various organs and muscle group associated with each nerve. Often the painful spots on the bottom of your feet are the area in your body that needs work. Just press on those spots until you feel them release. The release is very subtle, but in time you feel it very easily. You can find charts online which will show you what spots effect which areas in your body. This along with many other ancient techniques, aids in restoring proper energy flow throughout the body, thus promoting healing and balancing the body, mind and spirit. These techniques are usually discredited simply because they don't line big pharma's pockets. Heaven forbid if people realized they could help heal themselves, very bad for profit margins. Sorry, just had to vent that. Hope this helped, Blaine

I forgot to say a very hot bath with epsom salts helps too. While your in there may as well add bubbles and boats to let out that inner child! lol Having fun/humour has certainly keep me sane (well...some may argue that point)...

Bubbles and boats... sounds so good. One thing my new place has is one of those old clawfoot tubs! I am looking forward to my chin deep soak in the bubbles.

Grab your guitar and play a bit, Muji.

Thanks, everybody. I know we call hurt, and I felt sheepish complaining when I know how David's eyes hurt and Jen's neck--and that's just for starters. But I'm glad I said something, because the advice is terrific. From bubble baths to Tai Chi, both of which I plan to indulge in. I really think a month of so of Tai Chi stretching might help and yet without risking pulling something.

Pain is pain, Muji. It exists to let us know something is wrong. Pay attention to what is in you and resist the temptation to compare.

Thanks, arfie. The pain is less today. 1 week left to the semester's end and some restful days!