Thank you Andrea. Are your compressed nerves due to some kind of stuctural
instability? Weakened discs or anything like that? I think I mentioned it
before, but prolotherapy is often a good option if weak tendons or ligaments or
muscles have something to do with the compression. My dad also has noticed that
his symptoms relate to how he physically orients himself. Certain chairs
aggravate him. Rubbing his thigh helps. When I see that, I can't help but
wonder if there is a muskuloskeletal component that is allowing nerves to be
irritated. That's the reason I think prolo may be helpful in people who notice
a mechanical component to their problem.

FYI, I heard somewhere that DMSO may help with nerve inflammation.

My dad tried Neurontin and gave it up. The problem is he is so stubborn to do
anything to help himself. That would be find with me, if he didn't make social
relations miserable around the house do to his sleep deprivation, and
understandably irritated mood. For him, and for my family, I am collecting
ideas, and waiting for the right time to suggest one thing or another to him.

~David

--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, Andrea Lemire <rdulvr@...> wrote:
>
> David,
>
> First off, I commend you for wanting to do whatever you can for your dad ie.
helping him alleviate his nerve pain.  You are a good son, that is evident.  My
mom had trigeminal neuralgia and I used to comb the internet, make calls, talk
to people and read books and do whatever I could to try to help her.  The bottom
line though is, we all can only do so much.  Sometimes it takes a skilled
surgeon to make things better.
>
> My problem is cervical but I do have compressed nerves at two levels and the
pain and electrical sensations, as you described them, are indescribable. I have
them in my arms and now starting in one leg. I have found ice to be helpful at
times with the idea being it helps with inflammation and hence the nerve not
being as inflamed won't have the pain and tingling.  Sometimes it is of no help,
especially when I have a flare-up that gets too far gone and it doesn't take
much.  I also have tried Zostrix in the past which has capsaicin in it.  That is
a topical cream and has limited help.  There are also meds like Neurontin and
Lyrica, both used for neuropathy.  I couldn't take the Neurontin due to
dizziness but do take the Lyrica. Unfortunately there are side effects as with
most meds but there is some relief with the Lyrica.  I take a low dose at
bedtime which could be the answer for your dad when he sleeps.  Lastly, I have
tried just about
> everything to alleviate my pain and tingling and sometimes, admittedly
rarely, I can actually find a position using pillows to pull the nerves back
away from the area where they are being squeezed or compressed.  (I know this
sounds bizarre.)  With the low back there are all sorts of positions you can get
yourself into using pillows so this may be worth a shot if he hasn't already
tried it.  Also, laying down is not always good even though the body just wants
to do that because any pressure on those nerves is what perpetuates this
problem.  I have literally stood many a night because even sitting is sometimes
unbearable. 
>
> I feel for your dad as I do anyone who has this.  There is just no way anyone
can understand unless they have been there.  It  truly is miserable.  With the
cervical problem I have, I get horrible headaches that would bring a person to
their knees.   Please tell your dad to hang in there.  He isn't alone.  As you
can see, there is a whole community of fellow sufferers out there.  Hope my info
was of some help to you.
>
> Andrea
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: davidraubu <davidraubu@...>
> To: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 8:44:21 PM
> Subject: [Cervical_Spondylosis] My First Post
>
>  
> My dad has nerve damage from a ruptured lumbar disc. He gets shooting
electrical sensations in his foot, and has lost partial use of his legs. The
electrical sensations keep him from sleeping. I want to hear any ideas people
may have (no matter how whacked out crazy! =P) about nerve degeneration. I am
currently interested in topical DMSO, as it has had cases of repairing nerve
damage.
>
> Any ideas?
>