I feel the same way you do, the pain everyday is just ridiculous and I really don't know what to do either.I've been unable to work for a while now and I'm tired of being financially dependent on my parents, it's getting a bit much and it doesn't help at all with my anxiety because I constantly wonder how people see me. A man stuck at home living under his parent's roof is all that some people see. They don't see the inside, the pain I go through both physically and mentally, constantly wishing I could find a solution. Tired of explaining to people why I am this way and how it all happened and being told to just "cheer up"
I might not know exactly how to cope with it well, but I just spend time on websites like this, and talk to my parents and my friends and spend time exercising and doing other things to try to keep my mind off it as much as I can. As you can see though you are clearly not alone with this. Always know that there's other people out there with similar problems and there's always gonna be someone that does care. Those are things I try to keep in mind and tell others as well.

I know what you mean. I had to stop weight lifting as it caused more pain. I'm bummed because I really like the pump and the strength it gives me. So instead I'm walking a lot, use a pedometer app to track., and yoga helps a lot too. I ordered a DVD of yoga for scoliosis and have integrated some of those exersises into my routine. Swimming is good too, but I don't really like the chlorine in the water and the hassle of going to a pool. I've been to several body workers and that can help, but gets expensive. I pretty much live with level 2 or 3 pain or discomfort on a scale of 1-10.

At times I feel that "regular" people are really clueless about us daily sufferers. I have actually felt anger from people because I'm not "better yet." Also it's so frustrating to be unable to afford relief like massage or ozone therapy, since insurance only covers knives, drugs, and the usual useless P.T.

I understand what you mean, I often feel very angry as well about how much it hurts. It makes other people think that I'm angry at them, but they don't seem to understand that it's just really hard trying to be in a good mood when you're suffering.

Even the people closest to you can be clueless, such as your spouse or grown children. That is hurtful because you are forced to depend on them.
Because I look "normal" and I don't have a PAIN tattoo on my forehead, what could be wrong?

Well I'm thinking about you and hoping you'll have an OK day.

I have scoliosis which is secondary to Cerebral Palsy and although I don't have pain in my back, I can understand because I have problems with spasms in my leg. I have Spastic Hemiparesis. There is no set rule about pain. It's about finding what works for you. I tend to take nutritional supplements and find those work. I also look at my nutrition and try to eat foods that are healthy. I find that when my diet is good, my health is better and that has a positive effect on what I deal with.

Hi Amanda, I am here to support your feelings and tell you that you are definitely not alone. I cannot do all the things I would like to do daily but I manage to practice meditation and some strength training of my back using the rubber ball. What about using a pain patch through out the day? Also using the spice called Turmeric maybe could help you. God Bless You Sweetheart.