New user/ Questions about chronic pain symptoms and quality of life

So I'm a 30 year old male. I play soccer 2 nights a week, work out regularly, take vitamins/supplements, eat healthy, don't drink, don't smoke, and I have been suffering with chronic pain for a few years now.

My question is what kind of doctor should I see to address this issue? I've been to a GP, psychiatrist, ortho, pain management, dentist, and physical therapist with not much help. I've been diagnosed with with TMJ, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Degenerative Disc Disease, have 2 impacted wisdom teeth, 4 cavities, and the beginning of periodontal disease. I know that the obvious is to at least get the wisdom teeth out and the cavities filled but my main problem is financial. I've spent a large sum of money in the past year on several doctors. I've been through 2 GP's who didn't really seem to be very interested in doing anything more than a blood test and ct scan. My ortho told me to "suck it up" and work out more, which I did, and just gives me some tramadol and sends me on my way. I'm a full time student and my quality of life is deteriorating. I can't concentrate, I go through bouts of depression, I intermittently have body wide pain that keeps me in bed, and my mood is dependent on how I feel. The only doctor I see who seems to really care and see that there's a problem is my psychiatrist. I'm really just trying to use my resources wisely by seeing only the most essential doctors for now. As soon as school is over I'll be able to afford to get my dental work done but for now I need to figure out a way to get through school.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm not sure if a neurologist, physiatrist, rheumatologist, pain doc, or something else is a step in the right direction. I saw a pain doc awhile ago and he did a quick reflex test and told me there's nothing he can do. I was infuriated to say the least. I know that with such little information it will be hard to give me very solid suggestions but I will elaborate if need be. Thanks in advance.

Hi Matt,

Pain doctors are often divided into two groups: interventionists and pain management physicians. The first focuses on or limit their practice to injections, ablations and other procedures. The second focuses on pharmaceuticals: opioids, anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, etc..

It sounds to me like you went to the former. Perhaps your GP or psychiatrist can help you find the latter.
Regarding the dental issues, one option is to go to a dental school where students "practice" on people who need care but can't afford it. That may sound gruesome, but one way or another, you should address your dental issues. Unlike your spinal problems, there is a very reliable solution. To help you fight the periodontal disease, add mouthwash to your daily routine as well as find a type of floss that works for you. I hate putting my hands in my mouth so I buy these flossing sticks that are quite cheap at Walmart.

You should also consider whether your exercise routine may be exacerbating your spinal issues or pain. Weight lifting, distance running, etc. can cause further damage to your spine or joints.


Welcome and I hope you find some helpful suggestions.

Hi Matt, I am nini/Kathy, I say go straight to a Pm doctor, sadly that could get costly unless the guardian angels shine on you and you get a good one right off the bench, since you are an athlete, thought I would use that term, lol.  I am sorry, I am not making fun or being silly, but I think maybe you can us a little lightening up.  Believe me, I know all to well the importance of getting the right doctor.

I have not much use for neurosurgeons, they tend to have god complexes.  Of course alot of pm doctors are getting that same complex, as they know all to well how much they are needed.  Have you had an MRI?  If not, and again, I realize the expense involved with them, but it could be helpful for a good diagnosis.  So, I still recommend a pm doctor, do stay away from the "block jocks" they are very expensive and usually do not give meds if there main thing is "blocks, of any kind, faucet, epidurals, etc.", of course I am sure there are exceptions.

Good luck to you, and I would look at all the responses you have gotten and will get, weigh in on them and choose the one you feel best would do you good and suit your needs.

Again, good luck, take care,

Kathy

Another idea that could help financially is to use your college/university student health clinic, if you're this is the type of school you're at. Nursing & med schools (mostly nursing) typically have faculty who provide free care at community free care clinics. If you don't know where at free care clinic is, you can call your public health dept, or nursing school.

I recognize this won't help with your clinical 'specialist' needs, but wanted to mention it as a means for accessing quality care for free/low-cost to handle general health issues, and possibly for blood & diagnostic tests.