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Are Steroids Safe For Treatment Of Shoulder Pain?
Question: Hi,
I had gone for a vacation on 1st of May. The hotel bed as pathetic and immediately next day onwards I started getting pain. I endured the pain for 2 weeks.
Initially I visited a general doctor, he just prescribed Diclofenac 50mg and pantoprazole 50mg to counter the acidity from Diclofenac. He recommended me hot water bag and some muscle release gel.
However in 3rd week, the pain spilled over to my right shoulder and from there to my right arm.I visited a Physiatrist and he checked me and said this might be a slip disc and to get a MRI. He further added that my right hand is weak. But since, he scared me by saying to be careful in sneezing/coughing and auto travel. Sudden jerk might lead to paralysis. I went for a 2nd specialist opinion. He prescribed me Pregablin 75 [2 times a day], Diclofenac 50mg [3 times a day] and pantoprazole twice a day. I took these medicines for 5 days. I have attached his diagnosis with the filename phy01 & phy02.
Finally, I visited Spine Sugeon, his initial diagnosis was similar to the Physiatrist and he also advised me to get MRI done. Once MRI was done, the C5-C6 disc was herniated. He said no surgery is required and he'll put me on steroids for 10 days and will watch for recovery. Below is the prescribed medicines. I have attached spine surgoen's diagnosis with the filename spine01 & spine02.
Predmisolone 10 mg
1-1-1 x 3 days
1-0-1 x 3 days
1-0-0 x 3 days
Omez 20mg
1-0-1 x 10 days
Gabapentin 300mg
1-0-1 x 3 Weeks
Muscle Gel
I have attached the MRI scan section showing the C5-C6 section and the MRI diagnosis report.
My query is how would the steroid hurt me? I'm more concerned about its side effects and if its the correct diagnosis.
I had gone for a vacation on 1st of May. The hotel bed as pathetic and immediately next day onwards I started getting pain. I endured the pain for 2 weeks.
Initially I visited a general doctor, he just prescribed Diclofenac 50mg and pantoprazole 50mg to counter the acidity from Diclofenac. He recommended me hot water bag and some muscle release gel.
However in 3rd week, the pain spilled over to my right shoulder and from there to my right arm.I visited a Physiatrist and he checked me and said this might be a slip disc and to get a MRI. He further added that my right hand is weak. But since, he scared me by saying to be careful in sneezing/coughing and auto travel. Sudden jerk might lead to paralysis. I went for a 2nd specialist opinion. He prescribed me Pregablin 75 [2 times a day], Diclofenac 50mg [3 times a day] and pantoprazole twice a day. I took these medicines for 5 days. I have attached his diagnosis with the filename phy01 & phy02.
Finally, I visited Spine Sugeon, his initial diagnosis was similar to the Physiatrist and he also advised me to get MRI done. Once MRI was done, the C5-C6 disc was herniated. He said no surgery is required and he'll put me on steroids for 10 days and will watch for recovery. Below is the prescribed medicines. I have attached spine surgoen's diagnosis with the filename spine01 & spine02.
Predmisolone 10 mg
1-1-1 x 3 days
1-0-1 x 3 days
1-0-0 x 3 days
Omez 20mg
1-0-1 x 10 days
Gabapentin 300mg
1-0-1 x 3 Weeks
Muscle Gel
I have attached the MRI scan section showing the C5-C6 section and the MRI diagnosis report.
My query is how would the steroid hurt me? I'm more concerned about its side effects and if its the correct diagnosis.
Brief Answer:
Your diagnosis is correct.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
I have gone through the reports attached with the query.
Your diagnosis is correct. Steroid is given to you as anti-inflammatory agent to reduce inflammation and swelling around the nerve root. It would not hurt you as it is given to you for a short period and dose is tapered.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
Your diagnosis is correct.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
I have gone through the reports attached with the query.
Your diagnosis is correct. Steroid is given to you as anti-inflammatory agent to reduce inflammation and swelling around the nerve root. It would not hurt you as it is given to you for a short period and dose is tapered.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Can you please let me know, is there any special diet I should follow?
Also, ever since the medicines have started. The pain has been erratic. It comes in middle of night. Sudden bouts of huge pain in right arm and then settles down after an hour or two.
Does the steroid act as pain killer or the gabapetin?
Thanks
Also, ever since the medicines have started. The pain has been erratic. It comes in middle of night. Sudden bouts of huge pain in right arm and then settles down after an hour or two.
Does the steroid act as pain killer or the gabapetin?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Steroid does not act as a pain killer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Take balanced diet rich in calcium (1000mg/day) and vitamin D (1000 i.u. /day) along with vitaminB12, B6.
Steroid does not act as a pain killer. Gabapentin is used for neuropathic pain.
Some exercises which can be done after pain has reduced include- gradual neck rotation, touching your ears to shoulder, shoulder shrugging exercises. You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start INTERFERENCE THERAPY, ULTRASONIC THERAPY,Intermittent cervical traction which are helpful in your case.
Some life style modifications for you – Take break every 40 min from computer and do some neck rotation, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your neck, do not use thick pillow in bed.
Wishing you good health.
Warm regards.
Steroid does not act as a pain killer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Take balanced diet rich in calcium (1000mg/day) and vitamin D (1000 i.u. /day) along with vitaminB12, B6.
Steroid does not act as a pain killer. Gabapentin is used for neuropathic pain.
Some exercises which can be done after pain has reduced include- gradual neck rotation, touching your ears to shoulder, shoulder shrugging exercises. You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start INTERFERENCE THERAPY, ULTRASONIC THERAPY,Intermittent cervical traction which are helpful in your case.
Some life style modifications for you – Take break every 40 min from computer and do some neck rotation, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your neck, do not use thick pillow in bed.
Wishing you good health.
Warm regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Doctor,
One final query.
Currently I'm taking Nervy Plus.
Nervy Plus [Mecobalamin 750mcg, Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mcg, Folic Acid 1.5mg, Zinc Oxide 10mg]
Can you let me know which pills to take for Calcium, Vitamin D and if any additional B12 & B6? If no pills are required for these, what would be the substitute for these in vegetarian.
Brief Answer:
Description below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
For calcium you can take shelcal, for vit D you can take calcerol XXXXXXX with glass of milk weekly. Nervy plus already contains vit B12 (mecobalamin).Get these after prescription by your doctor.
Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, nuts, milk, eggs, pulses and cereals.
Take care.
Description below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
For calcium you can take shelcal, for vit D you can take calcerol XXXXXXX with glass of milk weekly. Nervy plus already contains vit B12 (mecobalamin).Get these after prescription by your doctor.
Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, nuts, milk, eggs, pulses and cereals.
Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Saurabh Gupta
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2004
Answered : 5930 Questions
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