Finding the right treatment

Disclaimer: the following case study has been written by a medical doctor, designed for illustrative purposes based on research and is not representative of an actual patient.

Carl is 42 years old, married and a father of three. He used to work as a builder, but 10 years ago pain in his lower back forced him to retrain and he now works as an account manager for an insurance company. Although Carl’s change in career allows him to remain still for much of the day, he continues to suffer from back pain which makes it difficult for him to play with his young sons. Carl takes painkillers to reduce his symptoms but still feels daily electric shock-like pains in his back.

Over the past 10 years Carl tried a variety of remedies for his back pain. He discussed it with friends and family and tried visiting his doctor, pharmacists and even alternative therapists such as chiropractitioners and acupuncturists. Although he felt some relief, he continued to experience the electric shock-like pains. After repeated visits to his doctor Carl was referred to a back pain specialist who carried out his own examinations and tried several treatment regimens. During this time Carl became very frustrated because even though he was seeking treatment he felt that the professionals were not helping him.

Eventually, when his regular doctor was on holiday, Carl consulted with a replacement doctor who suggested that Carl’s back pain could have a component of neuropathic pain, caused by damage to nerves over a long period of time. The doctor prescribed Carl with a medication regimen complementary to his other painkillers in order to target the neuropathic pain component. Over the next few weeks Carl found that his back pain improved considerably, to the point where he could play football with his sons in the back garden. His doctors explained to him that he will never be fully clear of his pain, but for Carl the improvement in his quality of life has been significant. He is now a member of a neuropathic pain patient organization and finds that it helps him to discuss his pain with others. He is also involved in raising public awareness of neuropathic pain.

Your mystery pain could have a name. Don’t give in to frustration - visit your doctor and describe your pain in full. If we can name it, we can fight it.