Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with pain

Why do ear plugs hurt so much?

that girl — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:05:04 -0800

I experience excruciating pain when putting in and removing foam ear plugs. Why? I never really liked ear plugs, but I find them useful in noisy hotels and on noisy airplanes. However, gradually over time, my ears have become resistant to the nice foam ear plugs. I am pretty sure I have about the softest ones available, and once they are in and fully expanded they don't really hurt.

But putting them in is like stabbing, and taking them out is even worse. I had my (not-ENT-MD) father look at them and he saw nothing particularly unusual, only perhaps a little redness.

Any suggestions as to why this might be happening or what I can do to mitigate it? Seeing a doctor is possible, but this is one of those issues where it is more of a hassle occasionally than a constant problem, so I am disinclined from trying to find a reasonable ENT I can communicate effectively with in semi-rural Japan. If I did go I'd like to have some ideas of what it might be beforehand so I can look things up and have some ideas of the appropriate vocabulary.

Oh my aching right foot that, along with its counterpart, is about to run a marathon...

holdenjordahl — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:03:09 -0800

i can't see a specialist for three weeks but i've got a marathon coming up and i need to know before that. these are the facts and i'm trying to figure out the cause...
1. i wear orthodics. the right one is the neutral one. it cracked. i noticed a few weeks before that that, below the third and forth toes, a dull sensation. i originally thought it was caused by the crack in the orthodic.
2. i went back to my prior set of orthodics. they were essentially the same orthodics as the pair i had been using.
3. now i'm noticing that EXACTLY after 75 minutes i get this sudden pain, as if i'm stepping on a marble (not a beebee, not a golf ball, a marble). it hurts like crazy. the pain doesn't radiate throughout the foot or up the leg.
4. and then, after EXACTLY 15 minutes, the pain suddenly vanishes.
5. i haven't done any sudden ramping up of mileage, i run mostly on sand, grass, or dirt. there's nothing that i've stepped on that could have wedged in my shoe, the interior of the shoe is smooth, et cetera.
6. i've looked on all the obvious running sites and can find nothing about what this could be. any suggestions, please???

Starting off on the wrong feet: what to do about waking to foot & leg pain?

moonbird — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:06:24 -0800

When I wake up, I have lately been vexed with a dull pain in my lower legs and especially feet that reminds me of a long day of walking... . ...except that on my job I don't spend much time of my feet. So, YANMP (Podiatrist), to get that out of the way. This is nothing like the descriptions of plantar fascitis or bunions, which seems to be a much higher and sharper grade pain than this, and my arches are intact. This simply feels like I've been on an all day walk, when much of my working day is spent seated or occasionally on my feet at the hospital but not for extended periods. I have sensible shoes and can't grok other potential factors. I have no coldness or numbness, just this annoying ache. I do question if it's related to the two meniscectomies I've had (both knees) over the past three years. I have a great MD to inquire to if needed but without health insurance I'm holding off for only dire situations. Thanks in advance.

I have no one. He was my life.

Anonymous — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:42:30 -0800

My partner of 8 years is thinking of leaving me. He gave notice on our apt without telling me. I'm dying inside. I don't know what to do. I don't have any family. I haven't kept in touch with my family. I just found out because the management company asked if they could show our apt and I said we weren't moving. Then they faxed me a notice to vacate in my partner's handwriting. I called and he admitted that he'd already secured an apartment.

I think I'm dying. I don't know what to do. I don't have any family. My friends are sweet, but he's been my best friend. I don't want him to leave me. He says he's 80% sure he wants me to stay with him, but there's a part of him that's unsure he wants to be with me because he thinks we might want different things. He was speaking in this disembodied tone over the phone, completely removed. In person, yesterday, he told me I was his life. We've been having so much fun.

We jut had a wonderful weekend. We've had a number of fun and great weeks. I don't know what to do. I want to run home to my family, but I've neglected them so much because my partner was my family and my mother is crazy. I live so far away from home. I only have $10,000 in the bank and I live in the DC area. I only make $36K, so I don't even think I qualify to rent any apts.

I'm shocked, confused, at work, and I feel extremely sick now. Part of me wants to beg him to please take me with him. Part of me rationally knows he should do what he wants and I should gracefully step out of his way. I love him. Deeply. I would do anything he wanted.

He's in his late 30s and I'm in my early 30s. God, I'm so confused. My sense of well-being is fading fast. What do I do? Can someone please give me a list of steps of what I need to do? I think I'm going to be a zombie for a few months at least.

Sudden intense back/rib cage pain?

Taft — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:13:15 -0800

Medical question: I'm a 17 year old male and last night my rib cage and upper back began to hurt like never before. I thought a night of sleep of help, but it hasn't. Should I be worried? By 'hurt' I mean my movement is extremely constricted. turning my body to the left or right causes intense pain in my back, bending down or up causes the same pain in my chest and back. I have never had pains like this before and they started almost abruptly last night.

Should I see a doctor? Is this normal at all?

Also, I was dancing at a party last night, if that helps. Thank you, DoctorFilter.

Why does my knee hurt at night?

sarajane — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:09:33 -0800

Yet another knee pain question. This time while sleeping. I've had pain in my right knee for a couple of months now. Finally went to the orthopedist last month, who basically told me that I weigh too much (yes, I do, at 300 lbs) and it would continue to hurt until I lost some weight and to take Aleve and glucosamine. He did take xrays and I do have a small arthritic spur in that area. The pain seems to emanate from just below the kneecap on the inside of my knee and that area is quite tender when pressed upon. Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled at the prognosis of having to wait a few months for relief, while I lost some weight.

I am fully willing accept 85% of the pain is due to my excess weight and I am working on that, however the pain continues at night when I am sleeping, often waking me up. I do sleep with a big pillow between my knees to cushion the inner knee area.

Anyone had anything similar? Should I get a second opinion? Yes, I do know YANMD.

oh yea, oh yea, oh, OW?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:59:50 -0800

Yet another pain-during-intercourse question for girls. With my last 2 partners (neither which are the biggest I've ever been with) I've experienced pain during sex. It's caused by the penis rubbing the 'taint' right where the 'back' entrance to the vagina is, usually happens after a few minutes, depending on position and wetness. It is much worse for from-behind positions, because of the constant rubbing, and even when I am really wet it starts hurting after a while because of the friction and the pressure on that part. I'm thinking it's more pressure than friction, because water doesn't sting, so it doesn't feel like it was rubbed into a rash, but feels more like a bruise, in a way.

After having sex twice in one day, it usually hurts even when I barely touch it (as in the shower), and I need about 2 days before I can have pain-free sex again.

This is annoying, because I like sex and would love to do it if not twice a day, then at least once a day without any pain to follow, and sadly, with this problem, any sex lasting more than 15 minutes is impossible. I never had this problem with the guy I was with before (who was slightly bigger than the current guy), we were doing it 3x/day and there was no pain. The only difference is that this is 2 years later (I'm 25). Aside from this problem, everything feels good and the way it should, I have enough natural lubrication, no STDs.

The reason I'm not going to the gyno for this is because what's she gonna tell me - try positions that don't hurt (missionary only? no thanks!), more lube (I'm OK there), and don't have sex too often (blah)?

Has anyone experienced this and figured out a good solution?

throwawaymetafilter@gmail.com

OW! My ribs!

Thorzdad — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:44:46 -0800

How long does a rib injury take to heal? A couple of days before Thanksgiving, I fell. Hard. I landed with my full weight on the legs of a wood coat rack with the right side of my ribcage. OW!

I have no problems breathing...no painful catches as I breathe in as deeply as I can. No pain when I move my arms around (though, the first time I tried checking my mobility there were a few distinct "pops". None since.)

Right now, roughly a week later, I am very sore, very tender and very stiff along my left ribcage. Coughing is painful. Sneezing is very painful. Sleeping is uncomfortable at times. Otherwise, I am mobile, can lift, bend, etc. with little issue. Everyone I've spoken with (not doctors, of course) have been pretty universal with the comment "If you aren't obviously in danger, there really isn't anything they can do for you even if you've cracked or broken a rib." I don't know how true this is, but it seems to be a fairly universal response.

So, to those of you who may have sustained a rib injury, just how long does the pain, tenderness and stiffness last? When can I no longer fear a sneeze?

As for why I haven't been to the doctor yet...well...if it's true that there's really nothing they can do, I'd really rather avoid paying out-of-pocket for the imaging my doctor would invariably order. Crappy insurance, y'know.

Achy breaky hip flexor

Rudy Gerner — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:31:55 -0800

Hey, runners (and anyone else): can you help my achy breaky hip flexor? I am training for a 15k and run about 13 miles per week slowly (~11:20 mile) and increase mileage by 10% per week. I have been running for about a year and a half. I have really good running sneakers that do not need to be replaced. I do my long runs on a trail that is a mix of packed dirt and asphalt. I do shorter runs on the sidewalk.

Two problems plague me--my right knee and my right hip flexor. My knee problems are on and off--I seem to have learned through research and physical therapy what kinds of things I can do to avoid knee pain (stretching, etc.) and I also am pretty sure it's a psychosomatic type of injury (whole 'nother story). However, my right hip flexor almost always hurts after a run of more than 40 minutes or so. Then, it stays achy for a couple days. Every now and again it "pops" and feels a little better temporarily. Currently I stretch before and after I run, mindful that stretching cold muscles is a no-no. I do some basic butterfly type stuff for my hip flexor. I want to keep running for years because I love it and other than when I first started running, this has not been a problem for me.

My question is: What can I do pre, during or post run and on rest and cross-training days to help this? Are their exercises I should do? Specific stretches? Something to wear? Ideas for running form/gait? Tonics or elixirs to apply topically or consume? Seriously: whatever your thoughts are, I am open to it. I am a big believer in the mind-body connection, nutrition, good energy, strong vibes, and other crunchy stuff like that. Also, I am open to suggestions on what not to do and what to avoid.

I realize that opinions on exercise habits such as stretching are fairly controversial and that some studies show, for example, you should not stretch too much and others that you can never stretch enough. I realize that some people think that running barefoot is the only way to avoid injury and others swear by their trusty Nikes to keep them strong and healthy. I know that there are no definitive answers, just ideas of what might work for me because it's worked for you or your friend in the past. I know, MMMV.

Thank you in advance.

Related bonus: I want to do something with no/limited impact for crosstraining and because I have no access to a pool, riding the bike at the gym seemed great. However, it seems like that would only inflame my hip flexor problem (unless I use a recumbent, maybe). Does this sound right? If so, any other crosstraining exercises that will keep me aerobically active but not in pain?

Notes: Unfortunately, physical therapy isn't an option. I am an Alexander Technique student when I can afford it. I've tried yoga but not recently.

Oral sex and jaw pain.

Anonymous — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:46:11 -0800

How on earth can I give a blowjob to completion without my jaw recoiling in pain? Over the years I've come in contact with a variety of penises of all shapes and sizes that I love to suck. I really really like giving head, and I've been told that I'm pretty good at it. But I cannot, for the life of me, go longer than five minutes or so, so I never get the chance to finish my men off that way, and I would like to be able to every once in a while.

Yes, I take breaks where I continue to use my hand(s) and I'll do some licking or other non-jaw-oriented moves. But if my jaw was hurting before I took a break, as soon as I continue with the mouth in-and-out the pain immediately returns, so breaks don't really help much.

I know the first thing you want to scream is "TMJ!", but I have never had any other symptoms and I really don't think that's the problem.

I also have given head from pretty much every imaginable angle, and none are better than any other.

Lastly, please don't say "oh he's just happy that he's got someone down there to begin with, don't worry about it" or "finish him off with your hand, he'll just be happy to orgasm", etc, etc. I just really want to do this for my own satisfaction.

So, I'm looking for possible exercises, stretches, or techniques that you have used to overcome this problem, or any other suggestions you may have.

Thanks!

Why do my lungs hurt?

Salieri — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:01:42 -0800

Lung pain brought on by sudden exercise - possible causes/solutions? A number of years ago, when I used to jog frequently, I got sick with a bad cold right around a time when it was cold outside and I was jogging almost every day. My lungs took quite a beating, and to this day they burn whenever I exert myself outside in weather that's a bit on the cooler side. Not a big deal - the weather around here is nasty enough that I switched to exercising indoors.

Today at work I had the same burning feeling show up when they emptied the building for a drill (and I snuck back inside to get my stuff). My upper lungs were burning pretty badly, but I feel like I barely exerted myself enough to warrant it - just a little brisk walking and a flight of stairs. The burning got worse as I took deeper breaths, and I could hear a bit of wheeziness in my breaths. It seemed to peak a few minutes after I stopped moving and then went away entirely about fifteen or twenty minutes later. All better now, except that my upper lungs still feel a tad sensitive when I breathe deeply. Normally I'd think it was my usual cold sensitivity, but it was quite warm outside today - warmer than the room I was in, in fact.

So, have I somehow irreparably fucked up my lungs? Is it a mild exercise-induced asthma? I figure I'll ask my NP next time I go, but I'd like some possible explanations as well as suggestions for what I can do to avoid this kind of thing in the future. (I'll be visiting a cold climate next month, and I'm not looking forward to the lung-burning there.)

If it helps matters: I'm pretty badly out of shape at the moment, but working on it. I exercise (when I manage to go) in a gym - elliptical, bike, treadmill - at a moderate pace, and haven't had any breathing problems there. I'm a nonsmoker with no allergies that I'm aware of. I live in a warm, humid climate, so that's the kind of air I'm used to breathing.

The Subway vs. My Back

airguitar2 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:29:12 -0800

Is the subway causing my body to hurt? I've been riding the NYC subway twice a day for the last few months, and I'm noticing an overall body/back ache that I haven't felt before. I've looked around for research on this, but all I can find is a study showing that a test group of subway operators suffer more back and neck pain than a control group. Apparently total-body-vibration is not such a good thing in large doses.

Is the subway causing minute but detectable bodily injury?
Have others noticed this?
What can I do about it, other than walk three hours to work every day?

Thanks, Mefites!

(It's also possible that my teaching job, what with its stress and being on my feet all day, is also contributing.)

Rear ended by a drunk driver then effed in the rear by the medical system.

pmaxwell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:09:51 -0800

Bone graft gone wrong. Testicle swollen, major pain, difficulty walking, Doctors not helping. Need advice. I am trying to get some information for a friend. Below is as much info as I have. Any help would be appreciated.
--------------------------------------------

Jan 2003
My friend Kin was stopped at a light in Philadelphia, PA when he was hit from behind. The drunk who hit him had 9 prior DUI’s. Not surprisingly, he carried no insurance, had no registration or license. He was driving with stolen plates.

Kin was treated by a Dr. K at a hospital and diagnosed with a sever neck issue (don’t know exact diagnosis). He was told surgery would not help his condition. He was in severe pain. The Dr recommend a Morphine pump to help manage the pain. Kin begged the dr to “go back in” and fix the issue. The Dr refused.

2004: Eventually, Dr. K referred Kin to Dr. F for a Discgram. Dr. F decided surgery would be beneficial and recommended replacing two vertebrates (C5, C6) with titanium.

While awaiting surgery, Kin worked with pain management specialists. They prescribed Oxycontin (20mg then increased to 60mg). Here is where Kin began his addiction to Oxicontin.

Aug 2005: Dr. B from a Philly hospital performed surgery. Disc was replaced with piece of titanium that was to fuse. After the procedure, Kin’s condition worsened. For the next 18 months Kin repeatedly told the Dr B he was not right – could feel pieces of titanium move. Pain increased significantly. Kin was now taking 6 or so Percocets daily to manage after weaning himself off Oxycontin.

September 2007: Kin was referred to Dr. G (orthepedic surgeon at HHS in New York). Dr. G immediately recommended surgery. He suggested removing the titanium vertebrates and replacing with bone (with from a bone graft from Kin’s hip) . Kin agreed.

After the procedure, The Dr. G said the screws securing the titanium vertebrates (from the original surgery) we so loose, he was able to take them out by hand. Thats what was causing Kins pain – loose screws! Dr. said his neck should heal well and he should experience a vast reduction in pain.

Over the coming months, Kins neck felt 90% better. Occasional flare ups but nothing compared to what it was. Kin was ecstatic, he was fixed. – so he thought.

Prior to the neck surgery, they removed a piece of bone from his hip to use as the material to replace titanium vertebrates. Kins hip was not healing. He was back in severe pain. The Dr said it would take time to heal. Kin waited. He was now back up to 6-8 Percocets daily.

By Feb 2008 pain was so severe, Kin had trouble walking and was taking copious amounts of Percocet to function. His testicles swelled. He reported everything to Dr. G. Numerous tests were done: MRIs, bone scans, cat scans, and xrays. No Diagnosis or prognosis was given.

Kin moved to CA – he needed better weather. Every cloudy day in Philly amped up the pain in his hip (his neck was now a non-issue).
Even though he alerted his insurance company he was going to move, they waited until he was moved in to tell him they would not cover him in CA. Disability insurance dropped him as well b/c they secretly video taped him directing the moving truck into his driveway.

Kin repeatedly contacted Dr. G to tell him about the incredible pain in his hip. He was getting very limited attention. He was falling thru the cracks. They finally referred him to a Dr in CA (a 5 hour drive – and he needed to go back twice). The Dr saw Kin, took various MRI’s CAT’s and other tests and then NEVER SPOKE TO Kin AGAIN!. The Drs Assistant simply told Kin they could not help him.

June 2009: Eventually, HHS agreed to see Kin again, Kin flew to NY for 8 days of pre-arranged tests and procedures. Once there, they totally changed the itinerary they had agreed to. They sent Kin for a RFD(S) treatment. A Dr W did this non-surgical procedure. After, Kins pain amped up 20 fold. Again, they said to give it time. That was over a 4 months ago. The pain has not subsided. He is up to 12-15 Percocets a day. He has gone to the local emergency room in CA for help. They were astonished at the films of his hip– a large arrowhead shaped growth with spurs on the bone. It seems like the bone and nerve grew back in such a way as to cause the pain. They said they had no one at their hospital who can help him.

These days he has limited contact with HSS, they rarely return his calls/emails. In the last call, they advised him to go off Perocet and to try Subutex, which he is trying. And they also advise him to get a dorsal column stimulator (installed in his body) to help mitigate the pain, he will not. There is no longer any discussion on how to heal Kin, only how to manage the pain. When Kin asked if there was a way to kill the nerve, they said that’s what they tried with the RFD(S) procedure and it did not work.

Kin has ballooned up to about 250 pounds. His blood pressure is way high. Although I have been very concerned and distantly involved over the 4 years this has been going on, I am now more concerned than ever, As the hope of getting fixed gets more and more remote, Kin is spiraling into a very dark place.

So I am looking for any recommendations, referrals, advice on what Kin can do.
> Has anyone experienced this kind of bone/nerve issue?
> are the any Dr’s or programs that are specialists in this field (west coast)?
> Does anybody know of a service that can function as a health advocate?
> What about this dorsal column stimulator? What are the real percentage of people who have significant pain reduction?
> malpractice suit? know any lawyers in NY?

Ah hurt mah knee. Please hope.

the littlest brussels sprout — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:52:39 -0800

Yesterday I started having sudden sharp pain and stiffness in my left knee, above and around the kneecap. I suspect I injured it doing squats and lunges (with bad form) the night before. Could it get better on its own, if I rest for a few days? Or should I see a doctor (and what kind)? Details:
- It only hurts when I bend it, e.g., if I am sitting in a chair or walking down stairs. It does not hurt when I walk, or go up stairs.
- I had exercised around 5 pm, but my knee seemed normal until around 10 am the next day.
- I'm in my mid-twenties and otherwise healthy.
- I'm a dedicated exerciser. I have worked out 30 - 60 mins on most days for the past decade. Normally I do not do lunges or squats because of tight quads, but I have been incorporating them into my routine over the past month or so. I don't think I know how to do them properly; no matter how I try, it always feels wrong.
- Right now I am wearing an ace bandage, icing it frequently, and trying to keep it elevated as much as possible. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation -- right?)

My big question is:

1) What's the likelihood this will clear up on its own if I baby it for a few days or a week? How long can I wait before seeing a doctor, and what kind?

My auxiliary question is:

2) Since it doesn't hurt when I walk, is it okay to walk as my primary exercise routine while healing? Or will that prevent healing, and why?

I know you are not my doctor. And I have browsed previous AskMes, but feel a little overwhelmed. Please hope me.

hurts so good...wait, not good

teragram — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:20:24 -0800

Sex, ouch. Endometriosis? What kind of pain? I know, I know, I should ask my doctor. I have asked my doctor, and I will ask again. Maybe I should have asked anonymously (do any real life people know teragram? show yourselves!)...but, here goes.

24 year old female here. Been on the pill/the ring for about 5 years, with two or three short breaks. I have been having minor but interfering pain during sex, probably for a month or so. Inside my vagina, but closer to the outside than deep inside, if that makes sense. We tried more lube and more wine, we tried no sex for 10 days, but it still hurts. Not terrible pain, but enough that we have to stop. I am having my period now, and it is uncomfortable to remove a tampon, never had that trouble before. It's sort of an "ooo this hurts, better remove quickly like a bandaid" kind of thing. It also hurts when I remove or insert the NuvaRing, which is new pain.

Unfortunately, the timing is such that it seems to be coinciding with a general need for slower sex anyway: been with my (wonderful) boyfriend for about 8 months, which is around the time when arousal requires more than a kiss or a look. So, we have to slightly change the way we are having sex anyway, complicating the issue. Could be that's all it is.

The problem with pain during sex, other than the fact that SEX HURTS, is that it is a very stressful pain. And you wonder if it's in your head, and you think that maybe the boyfriend or doctor thinks it's in your head. But, the tampon/NuvaRing pain has convinced me that I'm not making this up.

I knew that I was conceived on fertility drugs, but I just found out today that the cause for my mother's infertility was caused by endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. I did go to the doctor, she had a look and said she didn't see anything that looked strange. I didn't mention my family history of endometriosis, because I didn't know about it at the time. She said if the pain persisted, she would have me see a GYN.

My plan is to monitor this for a few more weeks, and then ask for are referral to a GYN. I know there are a lot of questions about pain during sex and about endometriosis in particular. I have perused them, but as always I feel my question is a special special snowflake. Please point me to other questions if you feel I missed something that would be helpful.

My question is, for those of you who have endometriosis or perhaps have a partner with it, what sort of pain during sex do you have? How does it hurt? I definitely welcome any suggestions, either on the pain front, or the endometriosis/pain front? I guess I am just stressed out and want some information sooner than I can get a doctor appointment. Thanks!

Blue air in, Brown air out

Secret Life of Gravy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:22:31 -0800

Do you ever use visualization techniques such as imaginary trepanation? I use a number of visualizations (such as imagining your pelvis has an elevator when you do kegal exercises: 1st floor, second floor, 3rd floor and up to the penthouse and back down again to the sub-basement) and my family find it...eccentric. Actually my 16-year-old finds it weird. I ask for two reasons: to find out how odd it is and to find out if I am missing any good tricks.

I started as a child by performing imaginary trepanation when I had a headache. I would lie with my head on one side, imagine a hole on the side touching the pillow, and allow the poison to drip out. Sometimes I would also imagine a corresponding hole on the top side and pour cold water through the top hole so that it would wash away the poison on its way out through the bottom hole.

I still do that. I also visualize the air in color when I am doing deep breathing exercises: clear, blue, invigorating air, with a hint of mint going in, dusty, greenish-brown air going out.

When I am stretching, I imagine Spiderman-type silk webs shooting out from my fingers, toes, and top of my head which fasten to the ceilings and walls and pull slightly.

When I am tired/achy during exercise, I imagine myself a robot which can perform more smoothly and for longer periods of time than a mere mortal.

I'm sure there are others but these are the ones I use daily (except that I use the headache one only when I have a headache.)

Do you do any of these? Something different?

Finger Pain & Nail Biting

Draccy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:43:33 -0800

Fingernail Filter: I know its been asked many times how to quit this compulsion. While that is a concern of mine, I need to know what to do to alleviate pain in the fingers from excessive fingernail biting. What do you recommend? I've heard people say that chewing fingernails is a bad habit, and can be stopped with strong will. I don't subscribe to that, in that I've tried so hard to stop. When I'm in the car during my hour commute, I can't help but chew. I do it beyond the point of pain, and continue. I have horrible nails, and the skin under them is torn up and bloody. I've tried clipping my nails so close down, and it makes no difference. I've tried the bad tasting fingernail polish and found it didn't deter me.

I've got so much pain in my fingertips today because I bit them way down. How can I relive the pain?

Also, what extreme remedies can you recommend for stopping this horrible compulsion?

Please help me alleviate my sore throat pain

katemcd — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:28:36 -0800

What do you do to help your sore throat feel better? You are not my doctor, and I am not looking for a cure or any sort of diagnosis. I am having chronic sore throats (every 2-4 weeks since May), have been to an Ear, Nose, & Throat doctor, and will be having a tonsillectomy in January/February 2010. In the meantime, however, I need to cope with the pain and discomfort associated with swollen glands, tonsilitis, and throat pain. Basically, I hydrate constantly which helps, but I have the feeling there are other things I could be trying that might make this more bearable. What do you do to feel better when you have a sore throat?

Things I have tried include Chloraseptic (helps for about 20 minutes and then konks out), Advil (seems to dull the pain slightly), Vicks (the ointment seems to relax the muscles a little), lots of seltzer water (the carbonation feels good in my throat), and some ice cream and tea (definitely helps, but not long lasting by any means). Do you have any other ideas? I am happy to try anything that sounds safe. Thank you!

Where can I try out fancy office chairs in California's Bay Area (SF, Alameda, Solano, Contra Costa, Napa, Marin, or Sonoma Counties)?

unclezeb — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:57:11 -0800

California - Bay Area: where can I try out crazy good office chairs? All the advice posts/asks say to test a chair out before buying and I want to try the Think, Leap, Freedom, Aeron, or your other suggestions before my office buys a new chair for me ... but where (from SF to Oakland to Sonoma to Napa) can I go to get test these chairs out? My office offered to replace my current chair and I noticed several of my co-workers have the Freedom chair which is not cheap! ($1099 on Sitforless.com).

I want to try out a few chairs before asking my office to lay out any money, but I cannot think of the right place to go for a test run?

I work in the North Bay and live in the East Bay - Can you think of anywhere to try out several of these chairs (Think, Leap, Freedom, Aeron, or your other suggestions!) nearby?

As for "other suggestions" here are my preferences if it matters:
Comfortable for someone who's "big boned"
Adjustable head rest preferred
Deep seat preferred
Fabric > leather

Thanks everyone!

Help me find useful yoga and/or pilates DVDs.

rosethorn — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:23:37 -0800

Can you tell me about your experiences with pilates or yoga in regards to lower back pain? DVD or CD recommendations especially helpful. I have chronic lower back pain that I'm hoping can be diminished by starting to regularly practice yoga or pilates. Mostly, I'm hoping somebody can point me towards a DVD or CD that I can practice with. I took classes in college that introduced me to both pilates and yoga at a beginner's level, so I'm fairly comfortable with most of the terminology, but I would still consider myself to be no more than a beginner.

I'm also looking for experiences people have that would help me to decide which would be the best for me. What do you like about yoga? What do you like about pilates? Do you have back pain and one of the two really helped you? Right now, I'm leaning towards pilates, as I remember some of the exercises making my spine feel really good, and also because I perceive it as being easier to practice without an instructor present (I have no idea if this is true. Any responses regarding this are also welcome!). I can't afford to go to classes. No, not even the low cost ones.

I really enjoyed the few moments we would spend at the end of class, being mindful of our bodies. I am interested in any stress relief either exercise can bring, but I would probably be turned off by anything that feels too over the top hokey. I am also turned off by a focus on weight loss. I don't want to slim down or sculpt anything or lose inches in only ten minutes a day, just move and feel good about my body and possibly lessen my back pain. I am not very flexible, so something that gives alternate ways to practice moves that require more flexibility would be welcome.

Do the benefits of a cortisone injection outweigh the risks?

gypseefire — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:06:34 -0800

I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis a year ago. I am on Enbrel and it has helped a great deal with the pain I experienced in my arms and joints but I am still having really bad pain upon walking or standing in my low back, sacral joint areas...I swim and do a variety of stretches but it is not allowing me the recovery I long for. I use to walk a few miles everyday, hike on the weekends and I haven't been able to do that in a couple of years. I miss it! I have been reading up on Epidural Cortisone injections and I am curious about personal results people have had. I am interested in the good as well as the bad stories, so I can decide, after meeting with my Doctors, if I want to go through with it. In other words if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Help me unlock my knees, please.

sarajane — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:19:20 -0800

Help me unlock my knees, please. I've been having knee pain off and on for the last 6 months. It gets much worse during seasonal changes, like right now. Yes, I am overweight and losing that weight and exercise will certainly help that, but I need some help right now.

I find that due to the pain, combined with my general klutziness, I tend to walk and stand with my knee locked. If I concentrate, say, while walking the dogs, I can manage to remember to unlock my knee, during my stride, when I walk, but I'm having a hard time remembering to unlock it while I stand and perform other tasks, like cooking, laundry, etc.

Any suggestions? Yes, of course, I know YANMD.

I want my regular arm back

molecicco — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:30:17 -0800

What is happening with my arm? Suddenly the bicep feels really tight and is sensitive and painful to touch. I looked around on Google and here, and think it may be a pinched nerve in my neck, but I have no cold sensation, and no numbness. Just a really, really sensitive bicep (I think that's the muscle.. it is sore from the inside/back of the elbow, all the way up to the inside front of my armpit). No other muscles are sore. Just the one. No spasms.

It started last night and feels like it has gotten worse over the last 12 hours.

You are not my doctor, I know. And yes, if it is still painful by tomorrow I will go to the hospital.

Does Norton offer a human anti-virus?

Kippersoft — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:51:36 -0800

My mom has been in constant pain for the past two months (likely from a virus). I'm hoping someone may have a suggestion to help her get back to a normal life. Details to follow... Two months ago my mom (early 50s and always reasonably healthy) began coming down with a fever. It wasn't anything too serious, but it lasted about two weeks before dropping down to a relatively normal temperature. However, during this time, her entire body began to feel sore. It was a aching pain mostly in her arms, shoulders, neck, back, and sometimes spreading (although only faintly) into her legs and sides. This pain continues today and is only showing slight promises of receding -- two months in constant pain is not fun.

Some days are better than others, but many days she is mostly restricted to sitting on the couch the entire day to avoid any unnecessary movement which causes pain. It's not a strong pain, but (from what I can understand) more like a lasting ache or soreness; like you just ran two marathons and lifted weights for 8 hours straight. This lasts 24 hours a day and has made sleeping difficult as well.

She has been to a couple different doctors during these two months, but none know what the problem is. She has had a bunch of blood tests for west nile, flu, arthritis, infections, and others I can't recall, but all came back negative. However, two different doctors believe it might be a virus. This is our best lead right now.

She has also been going to the chiropractor once a week (she has had some back problems throughout her life) which has helped somewhat. The chiropractor has said it is possible that all of this is caused by her neck being out of place (which it was), but it's starting to seem like this is not the main cause.

I hate seeing her just sit around being sore and she hates not being able to get out of the house and do anything. I know you're not a doctor, but any insight or experience with anything similar would be appreciated. Does anyone know of any treatments for a virus? All the doctors have been able to suggest is taking Tylenol and waiting it out. But how long will we be waiting?

(In case it's of any use, she had a fairly routine operation to fix a twisted intestine about 6 months ago which was 100% successful. As far as we [and the doctors] know, the operation should not be a factor here, but it's worth noting.)

What type of massage should I try... if any?

cheapskatebay — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:55:04 -0800

What type of massage should I try... if any? I'm mustering up the courage to schedule a massage, and, given my quirks described below, I'd appreciate any recommendations as to the kind of massage I should have, if any, and the type of questions or requests I should ask of the therapist.

I'll be running a half-marathon in a little over a week and I may have an opportunity to schedule a massage two days after that race. This would be partially a reward for finishing the race, but primarily an attempt to get over my fear of having a massage. I'm a mediocre but dedicated runner. I'm not experiencing any particular running-related pain or injuries; this just happens to be when I have a window of time to schedule a massage.

I'm scared of getting a massage, even though I suspect it would be helpful and would ultimately feel good. I am very inflexible and I find the little stretching I am able to do to be painful and difficult. (I find it painful to use "The Stick" on my legs, for instance, for any other runners who are familiar with that device.) I've had substantial reconstructive surgeries on both of my shoulders, too, and I tend to flinch when anyone touches my shoulders or upper back. In general, I find it very difficult to relax, either mentally or physically. I'm nearly always "tight" and I often experience mild discomfort and, rarely, some pain in my neck and shoulders as a result.

I'm not particularly concerned about post-massage pain (this question was helpful in that regard); I'm more concerned about discomfort and pain, and the inability to relax, during the massage.

It may be that I'm the sort of neurotic, stiff, physically sensitive person for whom massage just doesn't "work." Since everyone I know who's had a massage has liked it, though, and since it just might do me a world of good, I'm willing to try a massage to see if I'll benefit... with a lot of trepidation!

Is there a particular type of massage that might be appropriate? Swedish massage is what some have recommended, as it is apparently more gentle than deep tissue massage.

I assume I will need to explain my concerns to the therapist, and I'm fine with that. I'm sure that trying to relax ahead of time, arriving early to get acclimated, and doing what I can to maintain a positive mental attitude will be helpful, too. Are there any particular questions you think I should ask, given my specific concerns?