DJEvelEd - Unfortunately, the bulk of my disability is related to my back and the sequala of 5 spinal surgeries.
You wrote that you have chronic back pain for years and that it imobilizes you (for how long?) twice a year. You describe the pain as paralyzing causing you to fall to your knees in pain.
You further wrote that the doctors (plural) "say it's muscular." I take that to mean that you've been to at least 2 doctors for an opinion. I'll further assume that the doctors ordered diagnostic tests such as an MRI and/or CT scan.
You didn't indicate the results of these studies. You also didn't indicate if the back pain was truamatically induced or has always been a part of your life.
A "pinched nerve" or herniated or bulging disk, is actually a diagnostic term that is used when the CT or MRI studies show this. (Conventional X rays can show degenerative disc disease but not a pinched nerve.) A positive study will typically show disc material protruding from between the vertebrae and impinging upon the nerve. It's compresses the nerve, or "pinches" it, hence the term. I've found that chiropractors prefer the term pinched nerve, while orthopedists and nuerologists prefer the term herniated disc with or without spinal impingement.
The clinical symptoms of a pinched nerve (in the lumbar spine) is the presence of radicular pain going into your lower buttocks or legs. This can feel like a jolt of electricity into the area. Often an EMG/NCV (another test) is ordered in the presence of radiculapathy.
You don't indicate if this test was done. You also don't indicate (and I find this most puzzling) why you disagree with your doctors diagnosis. If you don't feel they're competent go to other doctors. At the very least see an orthopedist and nuerologist. Of course it would be most helpful to see them when the symptoms are active.
I'd advise against seeing chiropractors. I tried several courses, which didn't help at all but more importantly, over the course of 10 years I've taken testimony from (or cross examined) many doctors who say that chiropractors can actually worsen whatever condition you have. Nonetheless, it is clear that chiropractors do help some people some of the time. I would definitely see the doctors first.
My muscular spasms and spinal tremors occasionally call me to fall and always cause pain 24/7. Occasionally, the spasms are so severe, I can't drive or function in a meaningful way. I have some very powerful muscle relaxants as well as narcotics, but I try to stay away from the heavy duty stuff, b/c in order to obtain a theraputic dose (where it makes a difference that you're taking the medicine) it impairs cognitive functioning and I'd rather take the pain.
Many American's develop back pain at some point in their life. I recall reading that back pain was responsible for more sick days than any other cause.
On the very bright side, over 80% of back pain disappears completely over time. For the remaining people, it can usually be controlled by medication. (Anti-spasmotics used to treat epilepsy - which I also have) is one new trend in controlling pain. There are of course more drastic measures, such as surgery, pain pumps, electrodes, zapping the disk with heat etc.
But you can't do any of that or make any kind of informed decision unless you know what's going on, and you can't do that until you see the right doctors.
Please feel better and try not to panic during this severe flair up. You'll find out what's going on and then consult your doctors as to what you should do. Needless to say, always get a second opinon.
BTW have you tried epidural steriod injections, or a TENS unit?
<center><img border=1 src="http://members.aol.com/rnfpantera/hking1"></center>