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Yes, I have a pain management specialist. He has been very helpful. It sounds like the doctor you saw was a complete idiot. Mine has never asked me to do anything other than bend from the waist.
I do have degenerative disc disease which, as it turns out, was contributing to pain in my legs and hips. I would complain to whoever runs that clinic. And, you probably should have screamed at the doctor. I'm sorry it was such a negative experience. When I am asked to do things I know will cause me more discomfort afterwards, I refuse. Especially when it isn't necessary as in your case. Part of managing FMS is being your own best adovcate. If you won't speak up, many doctors will simply run all over you. I'm really sorry that your appointment went so badly. I hope you are feeling a bit better now. Happy Christmas and take care.

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I mentioned going to a pain specialist with my rheumy and he said it wouldn't be a good idea. What he didn't tell me is why. I still going back and forth on whether to see one. I'm grateful the meds seem to be doing their job (I recently switched from lyrica to cymbalta) but I still have a lot of neck, arm and back pain. Pain meds are just like candy to me. They don't work. I'd appreciate any other suggestions.

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tnichel - I can't imagine why your rheumotologist doesn't want you to see a pain specialist. Maybe he thinks the pain specialist will hand out pain meds in an irresponsible manner.

I have one and let me tell you they document every prescription and when it can be filled. If you think you should see one, than do it. Mine sorted out some of the pain I am having in my legs. It was actually coming from a diseased disc and radiating into my hips. That alone made the visit worth it to me.

I keep a log on my computer of all of my meds. When I go to any doctor, I make sure the list is up to date and give them a copy. That way, there is no confusion about what I am taking and who prescribed it. I think a lot of us are on multiple prescriptions. My system seems to keep it all pretty simple and nothing is forgotten.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Take care and Happy Holidays!

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I see a Pain Management specialist, and a Physical Therapist, who basically work in conjunction with one another.

The PM doctor practices a technique called dry needling, which basically involves her taking a needle, sticking it into the knotted, spasming muscles in my back and neck (where it's the worst), and essentially breaking up the patches of horribly knotted, damaged muscle tissue, forcing them to relax. The target spots are usually sore for a few days afterwards, and that's where the physical therapy comes in. Comprehensive stretching, heating pads, and electro-stim therapy tend to negate the extra pain from the needling, and increase the effectiveness of the first treatment.

Maybe two days after each needling treatment, the pain in the target areas is much less, I have greater mobility (I remember the first time I could look over my shoulder when backing my car out of the driveway was an absolute joy), and my muscles actually feel... well, human again, and not like some rock hard, ridged, messed up something or other.

So I don't know how many dry needling practitioners there are around the country or the world, but I highly recommend the treatment, in conjunction with physical therapy. I've tried it without the phys-therapy and it's not as effective. A family friend with FM recommended the dual treatment to me, and she has her life back now. For years, her hip was totally locked up, she could hardly walk, wore a hip brace at all times, was overweight due to forced inactivity, and couldn't leave the house. Now she says she's in, "remission" - she gets regular exercise, is slim and trim, full of energy, has very little pain, basically, she has her life back.

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I have heard of trigger point injections and have had many. Is this the same as dry needling?

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