I know that some of the pain in my back is from the metal work that was done in my pack. I'm a T-12 to L-2 injury with complete severance. I had a cage built around my spine to stabilize it and since then I get pain from it. A few days ago I managed to prove that cold makes it hurt since I accidentally left an ice pack against my lower back while I was having some spasms. Since I can't actually feel sensations on my skin on my lower back I accidentally left it there for a lot longer than I should have. It probably would have been enough to make the metal react, but regardless, it began aching like nothing I've felt in a while when it got really cold. The only reason I was prompted to remove it was because of the pain.

However, the pain persists regardless of the cold being gone. Most of the time I can ignore the pain, but moments like now just make me want to cry in frustration because it wont go away. I try muscle relaxants and just about everything I can next to just going to sleep.

Any ideas as to whats up? I've heard people who had pins in their knees and legs also get similar pain.

-Any- input is appreciated.

I get persistent pain from an artificial knee joint, the level of which has stayed the same from the time of recuperation from surgery. It is not influenced by movement. Cold definitely intensifies the level of discomfort, as do changes in air pressure. Oral analgesics usually keep it at an acceptable level, but topical pain relieving gel (ketoprofen) helps with flair-ups.

So stuff like Biofreeze and Bengay can help it?

I'm not a great believer in Biofreeze. As far as I can tell it just makes the area feel cold. This might be good for treating a muscle strain, but if the cold is causing the problem, I can't see how making it feel even colder would help. I've never heard of Bengay.

Ketoprofen gel is a prescribed treatment in the UK. It's a stronger version of Ibuprofen gels, I believe. It certainly helps me - more than ibuprofen did.

Oh ok. I think I know what your talking about though I can't think of any names to go with it. Bengay's the same thing as Biofreeze, so it probably wouldn't help either.

Next time I'm at the doctor's I'll ask about it.