These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
[posted 08/13/1999]
Question: Hi
dear:
I have ankylosing spondylites since 1981, my age 38.
I am getting worse last month,hip joint,left side sholder,chest and heart,.
all these part pain full too much.+ eyes problem.
also i have ulcer in my stomic from induced .
please there is cure for AS.
by the way I had opermation in 1986 in my back (L5)
but no use still same.
I would like to know there is cure for AS or at leat some to reliave the
pain with out side effect .
best regards
sign : wy
Answer: Currently there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, it does seem to run in families and occurs concurrently with some autoimmune diseases. I would see a pain specialist if you have not. None of the pain medications is without side effects, but you need to find one that helps with the least problems.
Back problems [posted
1/12/99]
Question: I am suffering from a severe 24 hour constant pain in the sciatic area of
the lower back. That pain goes all the way down my hip, thigh, calf, ankle, all the way to
the toes which feel numb and the pain is almost unbearable. I have been prescribed Motrin
800 mg and Daypro 1200 mg per day, but with no relief. What options are there to relieve
this pain, and what are the corrective options for this situation.
Answer: Try acetaminophen 750 or 1000 mg plus either caffeine or an
antihistamine. Correction would depend on the cause, usually a pinched nerve in the lower
spine. You’ll need more data.
Changing Medications for Back
Problems [posted 12/10/98]
Question: I recently had a bad bout with Sciatica & ended up with a
diagnosis of “narrowing of the space between L5 & S1. I also was left with the
bottom of my left foot numb & a lot of pain. After trying Vicoden which was no help, I
saw a Neurologist who prescribed Neurontin. Up to 3, 300MG pills a day. It helps the pain.
Now I am starting to take Ultram as part of a clinical study. Question? Should I quit the
neurontin? I am trying the ultram as a last chance before 2 TKR’s. I am late 50’s, good
shape, quite active.
Answer: Why quit what works. If you check these questions, you will
see a lot of people who wish that something would work.
Back Pain & Kidney Problems
[posted 12/08/98]
Question: Can pain in your lower back that feels like
your spine (like a pinched nerve), actually be your kidneys?
Answer: Could be, especially if to one side just below the ribs. Lower
than this would not usually be the kidneys.
Chronic Back Pain [posted
12/08/98]
Question: I have had chronic back pain starting in boot camp.
The doctors I went to for treatment would give me motrin or bedrest. Through out my four
years in the marines my back problem has become increasingly worse I think it has to do
with humping 100lb packs for 20 or 30 miles every week. The doctors told me it was
mechanical low back pain. I tried motrin flexeral naproxin carisprodol, I do not like
taking any kinds of drugs and those drugs didn’t really help the pain they made me
nauseous sick to the stomach and irritated. I recently was prescribed 6 tablets of
oxycodone which I took at night before I went to bed they really helped me sleep good and
relax for the first time in a long time. My question is: is oxycodone a good drug to use
for low backpain because everything else I tried seemed to just make me sick. Are doctors
allowed to prescribe oxycodone for chronic low backpain? It seems like my doctors are real
hesitant to prescribe it to me. Thank You.
Answer: They are hesitant since it is a narcotic and you will develop
an dependence on the drug. Have you had a CT to rule out a ruptured disc? Have you tried a
TENS electrical stimulator? Massage therapy? Acupuncture? All are occasionally very
helpful.
Back Pain Suggestions [posted
12/08/98]
Question: I have chronic lower backpain especially when
sitting or standing for periods of time. most often when I try to sleep at night I have
sharp pains in my spine and cannot sleep very good at all. I currently take tylenol three
at night before I go to bed. the medicine makes my stomach fell queasy and I get irritated
when I take it. what other pain relief medicine can I take to help me relax when I try to
sleep at night?
Answer: I’d next try Elavil. This is an antidepressant used in chronic
pain due to its ability to help with sleep and decrease the severity of the pain.
Will Back Pain & Numbness
Ever Stop [posted 12/04/98]
Question: I am taking both ultran & Neuontran for severe
arthritic pain in the knees, back. I also have numbness in the left foot as a result of a
bout with sciatica. I have a narrowing of the gap between L5 7 S1. Question? Will the
numbness ever get better? Will the combination of these two drugs help the pain?
Answer: The numbness might get better, but odds are against it if it
has been for more than a few months. As to whether the meds will help, you will have to
try them. We pick good options, but it is still trial and error when it comes to pain
relief.
Post-Injury Back Pain Questions[posted
12/02/98]
Question: About two and a half months ago, I fell off a three story roof and landed
on my rearend. At the hospital they said I strained my back. Since then I’ve had more
x-rays and a ct-scan which have revealed nothing. My back still hurts a lot but now the
pain goes to my feet. I use the relafen and it doesnt make even a slight difference in the
pain. Do you have any suggestions? Why doesnt this stuff work, and why does my doctor keep
feeding it to me?
Answer: He/she is hoping that there is a degree of inflammation that
will improve over time, a useful thought;but, probably of little use after 2-3 months. I’d
see a pain specialist.
Information on
Degenerative Disc Disease [posted 11/24/98]
Question: I’m a 30 year old female . I’m currently looking
for information on “Degenerative disc disease”. My orthopedic surgeon says I
have it but I’m unfamiliar with the disease. I’d greatly appreciate any information you
may have.
Answer: The discs of the spine are between the bones of the
spine and look somewhat like a donut. They are very elastic and filled with a jelly like
material. As wear/tear/stress/weight take their toll, the donut loses its round shape and
becomes deformed. This can result in pressure on the nerve as it comes out of the spinal
bone since the disc is next to the nerve root. There is no effective way to restore the
donut to its original shape and it must be removed or occasionally transformed with
physical therapy.
Back Problem & Limb Numbness [posted
11/13/98]
Question: Lately I have experienced numbness in my arms, hands and sometimes back
of my head when I sleep. My physician prescribed 25 mgs of Elavil at bedtime for this. He
did no testing to see what is causing this. But I do have a vertebrae problem. My question
is should I try this for a month along with the other medications to see if it will work?
I’m kind of leery on the mixture of all this medications. Please submit any information
you can. Thank you.
Answer: I’d get nerve conduction tests to ensure that you aren’t putting
pressure on your cervical spinal cord or having carpal tunnel(with proximal referred
symptoms). Elavil may help;but, doesn’t get to the cause.
Options for Bulging Disc [posted
11/11/98]
Question: I have been diagnosed with a bulging disc with a bone spur at c4c5 and a
herniated disc at c5c6 with cord compression. I was given 3 options: bed rest, steroid
injections, or surgery. I opted for injections, but have since learned from several people
in the medical field that I should do injections AND bed rest. Any advice would be greatly
appreciated!
Answer: Bed rest is controversial as an adjunct to any back therapy. There was a
recent study that showed no difference in patients who ambulate and those who have back
rest. I think that some patients benefit from bed rest and some do not. But, the certainty
that bed rest helps is not as clear as two to three years ago.
Back Pain Radiating into the Leg
[posted 11/6/98]
Question: I’ve gone to 3 doctors for my back problem where I have a pain from my
back pain radiated trough my right leg, they prescribe me motrin, flexeril and darvocet,
and the pain it’s getting worse, this pain been for 3 weeks, also I have been putting some
hot pads, but it’s not working, what can I do?
Answer: Have they diagnosed it as sciatica? Have ct of your lumbar spine been
done? I need some more information.
How Long Can Back Injury Pain Last
[posted 11/4/98]
Question: If I injured my neck by holding a cabinet up while carrying it downstairs
could it cause pain for months? Also I have been getting up in the mornings with
stuffiness in my sinuses and a steady pain at the very top of my neck where the spine
meets my skull. When I blow my nose I have some blood. I am also having some light
headiness. I have an appt for a doctor, I also have fibroid tumors that I inherited from
my mother. Now I am wondering if this has to do with the cabinet or maybe some other
problem. Thanks, I know you can’t tell me much without seeing me, but I appreciate the
help anyway.
Answer: Back injuries either lower spine or cervical are notorious for lasting
long periods of time-sometimes a lifetime. The blood when you blow your nose sounds more
like a sinus infection.
Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relievers [posted
11/4/98]
Question: I am allergic to Aspirin and Advil type pain relievers. I have a bad back
that badly needs an anti-inflammatory. I suffer and only take Tylenol which does nothing.
I have taken Salflex with no luck either. I am in desperate need of something. Please help
me I can not take the pain any more.
Answer: Try ultram, potentially addicting but possibly of help. Also,
antihistamines will increase the effectiveness of tylenol. Lastly, see a pain specialist
for consideration of an injection.
Concerns About Potential for
Addiction to Back Pain Medication [posted 11/4/98]
Question: I was told I had Scheumann’s disease about 5 years ago and for about the
last six years I have had chronic back pain. The pain is situated in my lumbar area,
mainly in the muscles either side of the spine. I find sitting and standing for long
periods of time very painful and cannot get comfortable at night. I have been taking
naproxen and panadeine forte on and off for the last few years but I have now become
conditioned to them. I have tried stretching programs, swimming (which I still do),
acupuncture and chiropractic. I have spoken to orthopedic surgeons who say that the only
way I can be healed is through surgery. I am only twenty years old and I’m afraid that by
the time I reach 40 I’ll be in a wheelchair. I would just like to know what course of
treatment could you suggest. I don’t like drugs very much, but one of my friends who is a
doctor suggested Endone or Losec (Australian brand names) to treat the pain.
Answer: I’m not familiar with Endone or Losec, do you have generics? Regular use
of big doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories is the only treatment other than surgery
for most.
Concerns About Potential for
Addiction to Back Pain Medication [posted 10/30/98]
Question: I have read the FAQ for “Back Pain” and found some similar
situations, but my pain is slightly different. I have had pain in the lower back for
approximately 5 years. I caused the injury lifting a light, but bulky item. The pain seems
to be the worse after sleeping for a medium-long period of time. I cannot sleep on my
stomach, or on my back, only on my side. I have went through X-rays and an MRI. I have
visited a D.O., a few different Chiropractors, and finally a Osteopathic Surgeon (he
performed the MRI). It seems better with exercise hiking, walking, mountain biking, light
weight lifting, etc. I currently try to exercise a minimum 3-4 times a week, but the pain
is pretty persistent whether exercising or not. I am guessing it is a severe sprain to the
muscles because when I stretch the lower back it helps relieve the pain/stiffness. The MRI
did not reveal any apparent causes. Any suggestions?
Answer: Well, you have a common problem. Chronic back pain without any obvious
relief. Sometimes a pain specialist can inject the spine with relief. Occasionally, a TENS
unit will help. I have also had patients respond to acupuncture and massage therapy. Good
luck.
Concerns About Potential for
Addiction to Back Pain Medication [posted 10/30/98]
Question: I was prescribed vicodin for sciatica and eventually had a laminectomy
and partial discectomy at my L5-S1 level. The pain was reduced somewhat but still lingers.
I was referred to a chronic pain program and still have been getting prescribed vicodin
for pain. I have been taking the medication for approximately 18 months with an average of
three tablets daily. My doctor wants me to get off the medication altogether but right now
it seems to be the only thing that helps my pain. I’m afraid once I go off the medication
I will have terrible withdrawal symptoms. I have already tried going with out the
medication for a few days and it was hell. I experienced insomnia and restlessness. What’s
the best way of dealing with the withdrawal? Based on my daily dosage and time on the
medication what’s your impression on my addiction and dependency towards this medication?
Is this something I might have to deal with via a drug rehab program like Brett Favre or
Chevy Chase? I’m 29 years old, I don’t have a history of chemical dependency in my family,
and I rarely drink. My doctor said pain can be dealt with four ways: surgery,
pharmacologically, physical therapy, or cortisone-type injections. I’ve tried them all. Is
there any other pain medications that might work in my situation that don’t have the
potential for “addiction” like vicodin and hydrocodone?
Answer: Well, all the narcotics eventually will result in dependence. This is
different from addiction. That is, you aren’t indulging in anti-social behavior to get
your drugs. If you are going to have chronic pain and have tried the other alternatives
why not stay on the narcotics? You need a physician who understands chronic pain and isn’t
stuck on right wing drug dependence messages.
Bulging Disc Affecting Bladder
Control [posted 10/30/98]
Question: I am a 35 year old female diagnosed with bulging disc @ c4 w/bone spur
and ruptured disc c5 and also cord compression. This has been going on since April. I have
stopped working this week, physical therapy 3x week. My internist thinks I should call the
neurosurgeon immediately as I am having balance problems and not one pain free day since
April. Also, when asked if I have bladder problems, I’m not sure how to respond. The only
difference I have noticed is I have to race to the restroom at the first sign or I do not
make it. I’m talking not even waiting 5 minutes. Is this what they mean? I assumed they
meant losing control completely. Should I seek another opinion? My neurosurgeon wanted to
try to do w/o surgery and I agreed until I finally decided that physical therapy and rest
wasn’t going to fix it. I have times that I feel I’m just going to lose it. The pain is
constant but it’s not to the point of keeping me down. I can function, just not nearly at
my normal capacity.
Answer: They are asking about bladder control to see if any downstream nerves
are affected by the disc. However, it would be very unusual to have only bladder problems.
If you do, this can be documented by a urologist. I would do this prior to surgery unless
the pain is intractable.
Suggestions for Chronic Back Pain
[posted 10/28/98]
Question: I have had a history of back problems, while delivering a foal the mare
backed me into a wall and set down on me. This would not of been so bad if it wasn’t for
the fact that I had my right arm completely inside the mare adjusting the foal. Since this
time I have endured traction, rest and two operations over twelve years. The operations
were a great success for about three days and after that the pain increased and numbness
has taken over the back and fingertips of my right arm, also the top and tips of my right
leg. My treatment so far has been: a root block attempt, 3 steroid injections, two months
of enduring the torture of a place called the pain clinic. My current medication is 75 Mg
of effexor and 160 mg of oxycontin daily. All the doctors I have seen say the same thing,
“get used to it as it’s going to stay this bad and possibly worse latter on. I an a
42 year old white male with hopefully a few more good years left in me. This thought is
what keeps me going at this point I don’t sleep with any regularity and always hurt.
I need a ray of sunshine but will settle for some reinforced hope. Is there any new
medications that will end the discomfort and let me get on with my life? I currently lay
aprox. 18 to 22 hrs. a day. I have a good day every now and then and spend all this time
trying to get some exercise in the form of walking. I’d walk more if it didn’t hurt so bad
but I can’t seem to find the right combination of medication to allow me to strengthen my
muscles. My question is what would you recommend be my next step?
Answer: Acupuncture, massage therapy might be a start. Also, have you tried a
TENS unit, sometimes very effective. Some of the nontraditional chinese exercise problems
could be helpful.
Compression Fracture [posted
10/16/98]
Question: My father has just been diagnosed with a compession fracture in his
middle back. The doctors are talking surgery. He has been in extreme pain for three weeks
and nothing is helping. He has been on prescription pain pills,muscle relaxers,heat and
cold treatment. I can not find any information on back compression fractures, the causes,
and the treatment. He was warned that the surgery could result in loss of movement. He is
75 years old and has not fallen recently.
Answer: Compression fractures occur when the supportive strength of the spine is
insufficient to support the downward forces of the spine. Young people get these falling
off horses and buildings, as ones bones become thinner something as simple as a sneeze or
stepping off a curb can cause the compression. First is the diagnosis. That is what caused
the bone weakening? There are several potential causes in men. They can and do get
osteoporosis, especially if there is a deficiency of testosterone. Other potential causes
include hypothyroidism,hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, multiple myeloma,
osteomalacia(vitamin D deficiency). While diagnosing his problem won’t fix his back, it
could prevent further fractures in the future. Treatment of compression fractures is
difficult and braces tend to be more helpful than surgery. Sometimes use of calcitonin
will help the pain and should be attempted for 4-6 weeks.
Head and Neck Problems [posted
10/16/98]
Question: I have a hurting(sometimes it even feels like it is burning) in the back
of my head, just below the crown of the head and going across. Also with this I have neck
problem. Every time I turn my head it pops and cracks. I also hurt down both my arms, down
to my elbows. Please give me some info on this. I also burn in may shoulders blades and a
little below.
Answer: Most likely a pinched nerve as it exits your spine to your arms and
lower neck. This will need xrays-probably a CT to determine the severity of the problem.
History of Back Pain & Injuries [posted
10/15/98]
Question: I injured my back when I was about 8 yrs old due to a fall on stairs,
falling unconscious for a time. I was not X-rayed at the time, and I was too afraid of the
doc to admit it hurt. A year later I fell and jarred my back. I was x-rayed at that time
and was told I had aggravated an old injury and that that injury was 2 crushed discs in my
back, and advised it would heal with time. That seemed to be the case,and I had no further
problems until I experienced pain when I was about 12-14 yrs old; I was told then that I
had aggravated an old injury (now told there were “3” crushed discs) and was
sent for some physical therapy. Everything seemed fine after that until about 5 or 6 yrs
ago ( now about 37-38 yrs old ) when I was helping my hubby put in a driveway. This
involved a lot of heavy lifting and overall exertion on my part. Anyway I started to have
ALOT of pain in my back after that and I went to my family doctor for help. He told me I
had again aggravated the old injury and gave me some anti-inflamitories. That seemed to do
the trick for a time, but ever since then so many things I do cause me to suffer pain in
my back (vaccuming, cleaning etc.) Is there nothing I can do to strengthen my back or ways
to learn to do these things that won’t cause me so much pain all the time? I’d appreciate
any info you can give me. Thank you in advance.
Answer: Usually, physical therapy to teach protective exercises is proscribed
along with the anti-inflammatories. I’d see a back specialist with your history,
preferably one that doesn’t do surgery.
Nerve Block Procedure [posted
10/8/98]
Question: My doctor wants to do a nerve block @L4-5.L5-S1 with sensorcaine
injection. Is there an advantage to this type of procedure vs. having an ESI with solu
medrol? I’m a Radiologic Tech. and need to know how long this type of procedure(s) can be
effective. I don’t want surgery if I can help it as I don’t want to be out of work.
Answer; Usually we combine the anesthetic and follow it with steroids when it is
demonstrated to work on the pain. Uncommon to use one or the other.
Disc Problem Without Pain [posted
10/6/98]
Question: I have been on dialysis for over 6 years. I have , in the past 6 months
started to feel tingling and numbness in my feet. I have been to a orthopedic doctor who
ordered a CT and found a disk that was severely out of place, but I experienced no back
pain. My neurologist ordered an MRI to better see the disc problem,and an EMG. The EMG
show severe loss of conductivity in both feet, so I was placed on NEURONTIN 300mg, 1xD.
This is my first day and i already started to feel reduced pain in both feet. However, I
feel dizzy, lightheaded and very tired. I also have an increased hunger and have eaten
much more than usual. Can you tell me if this is normal and will the dizziness and fatigue
ever go away. thank you
Answer: The dizziness and fatigue tend to persist in most patients, so does the
change in appetite.
Chymo-Papain Injection Surgery [posted
10/6/98]
Question: In 1983 I had chymo-papain injection surgery for a prolapsed disk in the
L-4 L-5 region of the spine. Out of curiosity I am wondering why they discontinued it. Was
there long term side effects or didn’t it work for most people. It worked just fine for
me.
Answer: Didn’t seem to work in controlled studies and there were a few severe
allergic reactions.
Back Pain [posted 8/12/98]
Question: I have had pain in my middle back that starts on the left side and then
moves to my lower abdomen. I have several small cyst on my ovaries. The pain does subside
for one week after my period.
Answer: Possibly kidney or ovary – you’ll need an ultrasound and a urinalysis.
Mid-Back Pain [posted 8/12/98]
Question: Could kidney problems be a cause of long lasting pain in mid-lower back
region? I want to rule out spinal damage as the region is sore to touch or when lying on
my back.
Answer: Kidney problems, particularly stones, or obstruction could cause chronic
pain. If the pain is over the kidney (about 3 inches away from center) it is probably the
kidney (or muscle). If over the spine probably spinal in origin – where is the tenderness?
Chronic Low Back Pain [posted
8/11/98]
Question: I have been suffering for 5 years with chronic back pain. Some of the
back pain has been alleviated. The low back pain was thought to be originating at L4-5,
but was not corrected through PT nor surgery. An EMG shows significant nerve damage, but
as of yet it is still undetermined as to the specific cause. What procedures or tests can
be performed to help clarify the problem? I will talk over all suggestions with my
orthopedic doctor. Your input will be greatly appreciated. I’m very frustrated and need to
find some relief in order to return to some form of my former life.
Answer: Clearly this is from a disc or some pressure necrosis on the L4-5 nerve
root. The surgery was to remove any pressure on the nerve and prevent further
deterioration. However, often the damage can be permanent after sufficient pressure/time.
The question is whether any further surgery would be of any help. This is a difficult
decision and you will need to get a 2nd opinion. This is because the first surgeon either
did not see the problem or did not fix it correctly. It may be that there is no fixable
problem, but if I were in your position, I would find a national level expert in spinal
surgery. You might check “Best Doctors in the ______”. This is a publication
found in different regions: Northeast, Southeast, etc. This is a good place to start to
find a doctor in your locale who can give you a second opinion.
Back Inplant – Epidural Catheter
[posted 8/6/98]
Question: What is the procedure in which a back implant for extreme pain with a
tube injects morphine directly into the spinal column?
Answer: I think you are thinking about an epidural catheter. This is implanted
in the spinal cord and used to treat severe pain. Often used after surgical procedures,
but is usually not left for long periods due to the risk of infection. The tube is
implanted by an anesthesiologist usually in an operating room.
Lower Back Pain [posted 8/5/98]
Question: I was having pain in my left side around my hip and the P.A.C. said it
was probably bricitus. She put me on naproxen 500 mg 2 times a day. I played basketball,
which I haven’t played in a couple months and now I have some lower back pain along with
numbness in the back of my legs and foot, also my butt and private area. Is this serious?
Answer: Two possibilities – one that it is bursitis in which case stop doing
athletic things until the hip heals. Two, it was misdiagnosed and is really involving the
lower spinal nerves. The treatment of naproxen would still be the same for this condition,
but it might require low back x-rays. The other advice still holds – stop doing exercising
while your joints are less than 100%.
Chronic Back Pain [posted
7/27/98]
Question: I have had 5 back operations and still suffer chronic pain. At the moment
I am taking 5 mg Palfium tablets, 3 hourly. I regularly have to have 5 mg Pethodine
injections. It appears that the surgeon has erred in fusing L5-S1, and is now wanting to
fuse both sacroiliac joints. Is their some other options for pain relief as these drugs
are becoming less effective. I also take valium for muscle spasms, but find this makes me
depressed. Your help would be appreciated if there is a way to avoid further surgery.
Answer: I’d see a pain specialist if you haven’t already. Using other
non-addicting medications to enhance the Palfium is the usual tact. Steroid injections are
also of help in occasional patients.
Back Pain [posted 7/21/98]
Question: I have severe back pain. What would be the best medicine to relieve the
pain? Is Darvocet a good one?
Answer: Darvocet is fine, but will be mildly addicting if taken long term.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (like Motrin) are the usual starting point. Then,
tylenol is added to these, lastly, narcotics like Darvon.
Lower Back Pain [posted 7/17/98]
Question: For two weeks now I have had some slight back ache. Three days ago the
ache turned into severe pain. The doctor prescribed Flexeril 10 mg 3 times a day. All this
has done is made me light headed and sleepy. The pain is still there. Could I be treating
a misdiagnosed problem or should I be doing something else along with this medication to
relieve the pain.
Answer: Did you see your doctor? Did he/she do a neurological exam? Severe back
pain usually indicates a ruptured disc-especially after a mild prodrome. Other
possibilities are kidney stones, etc. Re-check with your doctor.
Chronic Back Pain [posted
7/17/98]
Question: In September 1996, I had a laminectomy for a ruptured disk. At first, the
MRI indicated two ruptures, but then it was determined that one disk was just extremely
deteriorated. Since then I have had chronic pain due to spinal compression with two very
thin lower disks. The spine specialist says that my disks continue to deteriorate (I am 42
and ruptured the disk putting in a deck around my pool). His only suggestion is to have
four hollow screw-like devices placed where the bad disks are via surgery through the
abdomen. I am currently on vicodin (1 pill per day after work and 2-3 on the weekends). He
stated that this surgery is much dangerous than my laminectomy and would require a
vascular surgeon because of the veins and arteries in this area. I am in pain without the
vicodin even with a back brace and ibuprofen about 80% of the time. Are there any
alternatives? I don’t want to spend the rest of my life either in pain or on narcotics.
Answer: Back problems are unfortunately usually chronic. By the time one gets to
surgery it is only as a last resort. Even then pain is not relieved in 30% and in 10% of
back surgery is worse after the surgery than before. I’m not familiar with the procedure
you are describing unless he/she is attempting to fuse the spine. I would get a second
opinion. Go to a national level person prior to the surgery. However, if the pain is not
relieved by the first surgery the options are always limited and the relief less than
100%.
Back Problems
Question: I have been having muscle spasms in my back only at night when I’m going
to sleep. Sometimes they are on one side of lower back, sometimes on the other. I am not
experiencing real pain, but the spasming actually causes my back to “jump” from
the mattress for a second, and then it usually subsides for a few minutes and happens
again. It seems to only happen when I am going to sleep. Do you know what this is
symptomatic of, and should I be concerned?
Answer: Both painful and painless muscle “twitches”, or spasms, are
not uncommon symptoms. The causes are quite varied, and range from simple spasms due to
excess stimulants in the body, such as nicotine from cigarettes, or caffeine in coffee, to
conditions of the nerves that supply the muscle involved, to conditions that affect the
spinal cord of higher nerve centers in the brain. There are other, more widespread
system-wide diseases as well, that although usually present with spasms of many different
muscle groups, can on occasion just affect one specific area. “Restless leg
syndrome” is a disorder of frequent painless muscle spasms that typically affects the
leg and may extend to the lower back, but does not usually involve the back alone. In the
back, a common cause for your symptom is that of muscular strain. Either due to recent
physical injury or exertion. A problem with the disc or bones in the spine at the level of
the nerve roots that supply the affected area of your back may also be at work. The key to
determining the cause, is a thorough history and physical examination by your health care
provider. Often this alone can give you the answer, as the presence or absence of certain
key facts on history, or findings on examination, can lead to the diagnosis. Your health
care provider can also determine if further testing is needed.
Low Back pain
Question: I have been experiencing low back pain in the right pelvis. I tried
taking tylenol, motrin, and soaking in tub only to achieve minimal relief. I walk three
miles 5 days a week, in 45 minutes. The pain is not felt in walking and not bothersome in
standing. It is most noticeable in sitting and lying on my stomach (my favorite sleeping
position). I am a 58 year old female and am taking fosamax (for 14 months) and Vitamin D
(800 mg) daily.
Answer: There are some very simple rules in medicine – if it causes pain, stop
doing it. I’d recommend a rest from your walking regimen (try swimming, or cycling to keep
muscle tone). Add non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (double the over the counter dose is
nearly prescription strength). Once the pain is gone in 4-5 days, don’t stop the NSAIDS.
Start your walking at 1/4 your present regimen. If the pain is not better in one week of
NSAIDS it is time to see a physician.
Back pain
Question: I had a laminectomy on my lower back 14 years ago and I am now 36 years
old. I’ve battled low back pain for 4 to 5 years now. I also have had pain down the back
of my left leg into my foot. If I have surgery it has been recommended I have a fusion
because I have two degenerated discs next to each other. My doctor says because of my age
I should put it off as long as I can and I tend to agree. However, the pain is really
bothering me. It effects my work, makes me irritable, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve
tried multiple treatments- i.e. physical therapy, chiropractors, etc. What can I do to
relieve the pain? When is surgery no longer an option, and a necessity? My leg still feels
strong and I have no problem with my balance.
Answer: When the pain is no longer bearable, it is time for surgery. Be advised
that the pain may persist. Have you seen a pain specialist (usually anesthesia)?
Injections of steroids in the epidural area may be effective. Have you tried a TENS unit?
This is an electrical stimulator that is occasionally of major help.
Back Pain
Question: I have been suffering from a back pain for about two weeks now. I can
hardly get up and the extreme pain forces me to walk totally erect with little or no
bending all the time. I feel like it may be a slipped disc, but I am not sure. I have been
looking around for information on a remedy and most offer massage therapy. Is this the
only answer? I was also wondering if I could take any antibiotics to relieve the extreme
pain.
Answer: Back pain is extremely common and fairly difficult to prevent. That is
because the human back was not designed for its current posture. Lifting, turning, and
other strains all produce pressure on the disc interspaces that tend to damage discs. Once
ruptured or inflammed, these dics tend to put pressure on the local nerve roots, producing
a “pinched” nerve and its subsequent pain. However, the most common source of
back pain cannot be demonstrated to be due to a ruptured disc. Treatment of common low
back pain or a ruptured disc in the initial stages is the same. Heat, anti-inflammatory
drugs, massage, and bedrest. Antibiotics are of no use. NSAIDS like advil, motrin, aleve,
etc., are the mainstay. Whether bedrest helps is controversial, but usually recommended.
If there is any loss of strength, bladder, orbowel control, a physician should be
contacted immediately. In general, physicians avoid any surgical approach to back pain
unless there is loss of neurologic ability or function.
Back Pain
Question: I am taking drugs for lower back pain, due to a worn disk. I have been
advised to have an epidural for longer term relief. What are the risks of the epidural?
Answer: Epidural steroid injection of the back is a relatively recent
development in treatment of low back pain. The side-effects are usually short-term and
involve pain, infection, and ongoing leakage of spinal fluid. Long-term side effects
appear fairly rare if any.
Question: Is Soma a muscle relaxer for the back? Is it sold over the counter for a
consumer to purchase? Is this a medication that an individual who suffers from back pain
could take? The pain is more noticeable when it rains or is damp.
Answer: There are several traditional methods of treating back pain. These
include 1) anti- intlammatories 2)muscle relaxants(especially if muscle spasm is present)
3)heat and occasionally ice 4) physical therapy or chiropractic manipulation
5)rest(although this is used less frequently after some recent research). Most muscle
relaxants like Soma, Flexeril, etc are prescription. I’m not aware of any sold currently
over the counter. Sometimes antihistamines achieve the same effect. These are sold over
the counter as Benadril, Chlortrimeton etc.
Epidural Risks
Question: I am taking Brufen Retard for lower back pain, due to a worn disk. I have
been advised to have an epidural for longer term relief, as I am considering starting a
family. What are the risks of the epidural ?
Answer: Low back pain is a common problem and unfortunately, has few good
treatment options. Initially, anti-inflammatories and physical therapy are used to relieve
the pain. If these regimens are insufficient, surgery or injection is the next line of
treatment. Usually, surgery is a last resort and only used with clear pressure of the disc
on the nerve or nerve root. In the absence of an x-ray showing this I would recommend a
trial of an injection. In my experience, this is only a temporary relief and will buy 6-9
months of relief at best. Long term side effects appear minimal if there are only a couple
of injections. There is always a risk of infection, leakage of spinal fluid from the
injection site and trauma to other nerve roots causing more severe pain.
Rehabilitation
Question: I injured my back 6 months ago lifting a 23 lb. child from floor level
while sitting on my bed. Since then I’ve had 6 chiropractic treatments to get re-aligned.
I’m normally a very active person: cardio exercise, weight training, roller blading. At
this point my lower back and hamstrings are still very stiff. My lower back is still sore
at times, although not as bad as before. OK, here’s my question! What activities are OK
and won’t cause further injury but will help to strengthen my back?
Answer: Back injuries and back pain is one of the more common and unrelenting
problems in medicine. Realistically, if your back doesn’t improve in four to six weeks
after an injury, it probably won’t get better. Like many things in medicine, the more
different treatments that are available-the less likely that any one will work. I always
suggest that if one approach doesn’t work that different treatment regimens be tried-that
is physical therapy, acupuncture, tai chi, rolfing. Like most things check with several
different sources to determine who in your community is good at their trade. I will tell
you that different physical therapists or chiropractors will produce markedly different
results with the same patients. So, I would try a different chiropractor or go to a
physical therapist. If the pain persists you should get a cat scan or MRI to ensure that
you don’t have a ruptured disc. Realistically, even if you have a ruptured disc and the
pain improves or goes away you are not going to consider surgery. Surgery is the last
option for a ruptured disc that is unrelenting, loss of muscle strength or unbearable
pain. Pain centers can inject your spine;but, I haven’t been impressed with the duration
of relief.
Lower Back Pain
Question: What do you do for occasional severe lower back pain?
Answer:Rest, heat, Non-steroidal antiinflammatories(like Advil, Motrin, Aleve,).
Avoid lifting. After it clears get a list of exercises to strengthen your lower back and
do these 2-3 times a week to avoid further problems.
Neck and Back Pain
Question: I have chronic neck and back pain. Can you recommend any natural
remedies?
Answer:Aspirin is technically natural coming from herbal ingredients initially.
Stretching exercises like yoga are helpful and strengthening exercises for the upper
neck/back and abdominal muscles are time tested to help.
Neck Pain
Question: What’s the best way to get rid of a pain in the neck that was acquired
during the middle of the night?
Answer: Heat, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories(aleve, motrin, etc.) local
analgesia(Ben-Gay, etc.) Finally, get a cervical pillow if this becomes a recurring
problem. Also, exercises on the upper torso to strengthen the neck muscles will help over
time.
Lower Back Pain
Question: I am 48yrs old and my lower back has been hurting. I also have an upper
resp. infection. My Dr. has been treating me and I have been having lower back pain for a
couple of weeks and urinating frequently. I am 49. My family doctor prescribed Hytrin and
antibiotics, I also have an upper resp. infection. Now I am getting full of fluid in my
body. He didn’t check anything on me but my urine. I don’t have HBP. Any
suggestions?
Answer: Hard to tell how much of your problem started with your prostate in
which case it may be perfect treatment. Hytrin is to treat prostate problems as well as
hypertension and I suspect that is why you are on both. You will not be able to eliminate
the urinary infection if you cannot completely empty your bladder-hence, the Hytrin.
Back Spasms
Question: I have been suffering back spasms for a number of years. It first began
when I was 16 and began weight lifting. The pain would go away after some time. My
question is that, recently my lower back has been hurting me and I sleep on a motionless
water bed. Should I be sleeping on a more firmer bed? Also, when do I go see a doctor
about the pain?
Answer: You might try a firmer bed. Waterbeds either make your back lots better
or lots worse-depending on whether you would benefit from flexion or extension exercises.
I’d start with a Family Practice or Internist you may need x-rays; but, certainly an
exercise regimen and physical therapy. The real question is whether you ruptured a disc
lifting. This will need a CT scan usually. However, in general we avoid surgery even if
you have a ruptured disc unless there is intractable pain or loss of muscle
strength/neurologic control of bladder or bowels.
Toradol & Alcohol
Question: My brother Paul has a very bad back condition with extreme pain. He
unfortunately needs to put off a much needed surgery and in the interim was given a
prescription for Toradol 10mg to help with the pain. My family and I have observed weird
behavior from my brother Paul: depression, hallucinations, forgetfulness, and he’s short
tempered to name a few. Please note that my family has witnessed on occasion that he was
drinking beer. My question to you is: Is this drug habit forming, and in your professional
opinion what would you prescribe as opposed to Toradol and what would be the risks with
the drug you selected?
Answer: Toradol is a narcotic which like all narcotics is potentially addicting.
Unfortunately, if there is marked pain there are few options. Ultram may be a long term
option. Currently, this is advertised as non-addicting and has similar efficacy to
narcotics. I don’t use this narcotic a lot in my practice; but, other narcotics are
potentially as much trouble. I usually start with Tylenol; then Tylenol #3 or Ultram.
Finally, narcotics.
Ruptured Disc
Question: I need as much information as possible on ruptured disc in the L4 L5
area, because I have heard that a rupture in this area can cause the loss of control in
the bladder , I’m 33 years old, and am experiencing some problems in controlling this.
I’d like to know if this is a related problem or are the two separate issues.
Answer: Probably related. If the disc is the cause, you will need surgery. A
urologist can perform tests on the sphincter(muscle) which controls your bladder and see
if it is neurologically impaired. This is usually a reason to proceed with surgery.
Back Surgery
Question: I had back surgery two years ago which included repair of a disc space,
removal of a mutant ligament. I am still having sciatica down the left leg and into the
hip and my activities have to be monitored because if I do too much I have to be in bed
for two days after, I have not had one day since surgery that I have not had some pain,
but most of the time it is manageable. Is this as good as its going to get? I cant face
all those mri, cat scans and mylograms again. I do take some pain medication, such as
naprosyn, soma and loratabs when necessary. As I get older will this get worse?
Answer: Unfortunately, it sounds like you have been dealing with low back
symptoms for quite a long time. Although surgery on the lower back can relieve the
symptoms for which it was performed, there can be some residual symptoms which persist
after surgery. Perhaps a visit to your physician is in order. Although you mentioned that
you are not in favor of further imaging with myelography, MRI or CT scans, a discussion
with your physician may provide some insight into how you can manage your symptoms more
effectively. In addition, he or she can provide information on support groups that exist
to help patients with chronic low back symptoms, which are suffered by a great many
individuals. You describe your symptoms as manageable on most occasions, which should be
reassuring. Perhaps, with help from your physician, there are other modalities of therapy
you can pursue to improve symptom control even further. Even basic exercises, designed
with the low back pain patient in mind, can prove beneficial. See if your physician would
recommend these for you, and what other treatments, if any, would be of benefit in your
particular case.
Back Pain & Vomiting
Question: I’ve had severe back pain once or twice a year accompanied by bloating
and gas since about age 20. However, in the last 4 months the frequency, pain and gas
problem has increased significantly. Now, instead of just gas, I experience vomiting, and
diarrhea which is very obviously directly related to the back pain. I’ve learned to ward
off the most severe effects by laying on the floor with my knees raised for about two
hours. If this problem continues to worsen, what are some possible options?
Answer: You don’t tell me where the back pain is;that is lower, middle, or upper
back. If in the middle this suggests either an ulcer or gall bladder dysfunction. In any
case, vomiting with back pain is highly unusual. You really need to see your doctor before
this progresses. Possibly, taking an H2 blocker like Tagamet or Pepcid would fix the
problem. But, the vomiting suggests either an obstruction or an ulcer-see your doctor.
Numbness in Arms & Legs
Question: Five years ago I injured my back in an accident. I had to have
micro-surgery, followed by a repair. As a result I developed a serious infection and was
laid up for over a year. Since then I recovered almost completely and was able to resume a
normal life. Recently I slipped on a wet floor and am now in extreme pain. My back has
serious constant sharp pain, and radiating pain in both legs, with numbness in my toes. I
also experience occasional numbness in my right arm. What the is going on and how do I get
my doctor to quit considering it a strained muscle?
Answer: Ask for a 2nd opinion with a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Oxycodone
Question: I’m being treated for a chronic low back problem and currently
taking 240 tablets of oxycodone per month. Is this medication going to cause addiction
problems for me and how long will this therapy be effective.
Answer: You’ll probably already addicted if this has persisted for greater than
three months. Addiction is the only option if you cannot relieve the pain in any other
manner. But, I would not persist with this course unless you have exhausted all
options(pain clinic, neurosurgeon/back surgeon, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage
therapy are some). The drug will continue to relieve the pain, but, you may require higher
doses due to tolerance acquired by your body.
Accolate
Question: I am 48 yrs. Old, can this be the cause of headaches, sinus, allergies? Is this fixable in todays society? I heard of inserting a metal rod in your spine, is this possible?
Answer: “Curvature of the spine” can have several meanings, each associated with varying significance. In brief, health care providers break down the spine into four parts extending from the head to the lower back. The “cervical” spine is in the neck, below which is the “thoracic” spine in the mid-and upper back. Below this is the “lumbar” spine in the lower back, and then in the region just below this, there is the “sacrum”. Curvature of the spine has a different meaning, and poses
different problems to the patient and health care provider, depending on where in the spine it occurs, and to what extent. Furthermore, the direction of the curvature is also important, as several portions of the spine are a supposed to have a mild front to back curvature. Certain types of headaches, particularly those that affect the back of the head and upper neck (“occipital headaches”) can be caused by disease of the cervical spine (but not all headaches of this type are due to disease of the spine, and not all patients with disease of the spine get headaches). There are a variety of diseases that affect the spine and result in symptoms, including disk disease, fracture, loss of bone density due to poor diet and age, as well as changes that are simply due to the aging process. The treatment of spinal problems depends heavily on the severity, location, and type of problem the patient is experiencing. An evaluation by your health care provider would be helpful. He or she can perform a history and physical, and determine what course action would be best for you, so as to improve your symptoms.