Liz/Trish:
Just some thoughts. I had broken my ankle in 3 places during Airborne training (one of those "career enhancement" potentials for the military), but what I didn't realize (nor did the Drs catch it) was the extensive jarring that impacted on my spine/body - which eventually resulted in 5 herniated discs in my neck (after not being diagnosed for 15 yrs - and yes, I did have CAT scans, MRI's, etc - just never any neurological workups). I barely could turn my neck in any direction (Ortho said it was "consistent with someone my age"), which made driving, in particular, a real problem. Anyway - I had surgery - which relieved some of the problems, but was still having all sorts of numbness (sometimes severe) in my hands/arms & now feet. (Working with Drs on those). But what gave me the greatest relief was seeing an Acupuncturist (of the Chinese methodology) - (I've also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia). I was able to cut down drastically on my medications, and the stiffness/soreness/mobility/pain was alleviated (granted, for only a period of time, but after several treatments, it would disappear for quite a while). Mine is also the worst in the morning - after an evening positioning dilemna!! I was very skeptical at first - but after hearing from my close friends about this certain Acupuncturist who had done wonders for the most unique of problems, I decided to try it, and am I ever glad I did. He's given me a "quasi-quality" of life I have not had for over 10 years - unfortunately, he's in Wash DC - and I'm in Texas (I travel there quite often now!!) It's worth a shot - and it took a couple of visits - but what a difference!! My biggest regret was that I didn't go sooner, a lot sooner :mecry: (for I was one of those who didn't appreciate alternative methods!!) Good luck - it's a Pain having Pain!!