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Suggest Pain Medications For Sciatica Nerve Pain
Question: I am 81 and have sciatic, very painfull at rising but can relieve pain with sitting on cold packs.
This has been about a month now. I am very active usually.Pain is very intense . I do have weakness in right leg from polio as a 11 yr. old but post polio weakness is the only a small factor .
This has been about a month now. I am very active usually.Pain is very intense . I do have weakness in right leg from polio as a 11 yr. old but post polio weakness is the only a small factor .
Brief Answer:
Medication for neuropathic pain.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I don't know what exactly you mean with pain meds. Usually it means over the counter painkillers like acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen etc.
If that is the case and they are not helping than the next steps to try are drugs used for neuropathic pain like Gabapentin or Pregabalin. They are prescription only drugs though so you have to talk about it with your doctor as well.
If that doesn't work pain killers containing opioids can be tried, but hopefully that can be avoided because of their potential for abuse.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Medication for neuropathic pain.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I don't know what exactly you mean with pain meds. Usually it means over the counter painkillers like acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen etc.
If that is the case and they are not helping than the next steps to try are drugs used for neuropathic pain like Gabapentin or Pregabalin. They are prescription only drugs though so you have to talk about it with your doctor as well.
If that doesn't work pain killers containing opioids can be tried, but hopefully that can be avoided because of their potential for abuse.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
By meds I tried both prescription and over the counter. But I get relief from ice pads without the side effects. I had a cat scan of my neck and now they want a cat scan of back, I have had MRI's a few yeas ago which are too clostrophobic and the open MRI is not what the Doctor wants.
I guess I want to know what the problem is before submitting to further tests.
I don't want to be difficult I just want to understand completly . I have delt with my post-polio and can live with my "handicap"
I guess I want to know what the problem is before submitting to further tests.
I don't want to be difficult I just want to understand completly . I have delt with my post-polio and can live with my "handicap"
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
The reason the doctors are asking for a cat scan is to look for a herniated disc in your spine which compresses one of the nerve roots producing your pain. MRI is the best exam but CT gives satisfactory results for the lumbar spine as well (less so for cervical spine). Another reason especially in the elderly could be to exclude malignant lesions of the spine. Since you have been having your symptoms without relief for a month I think it is correct by your doctor to schedule such an imaging exam.
If there is a herniated disc, the most common cause, usually conservative treatment is always tried by physical therapy and pain killers. If those are not enough local injections of corticosteroids and anesthetics to reduce inflammation and pain can be attempted. At times when nothing works surgery is considered, but as a last option especially at your age when operative risks are naturally higher.
So the cat scan probably won't change your management much at the moment but it should be performed to confirm the cause and be more confident for the treatment.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
The reason the doctors are asking for a cat scan is to look for a herniated disc in your spine which compresses one of the nerve roots producing your pain. MRI is the best exam but CT gives satisfactory results for the lumbar spine as well (less so for cervical spine). Another reason especially in the elderly could be to exclude malignant lesions of the spine. Since you have been having your symptoms without relief for a month I think it is correct by your doctor to schedule such an imaging exam.
If there is a herniated disc, the most common cause, usually conservative treatment is always tried by physical therapy and pain killers. If those are not enough local injections of corticosteroids and anesthetics to reduce inflammation and pain can be attempted. At times when nothing works surgery is considered, but as a last option especially at your age when operative risks are naturally higher.
So the cat scan probably won't change your management much at the moment but it should be performed to confirm the cause and be more confident for the treatment.
I hope to have been of help.
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
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