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Taking Medicine For Diabetes And Mild Hypertension. Getting Back And Neck Pain. Any Suggestion?

Posted on Tue, 29 Jan 2013

Question: I am 59 years of age, male. DIABETIC for the last 12 years with proper sugar control. Taking oral medicines for diabetes and mild hypertension. Presently i am being bothered by back pain both upper back and lower back pain without any symptoms of spinal chord problem as per MRI taken which I suspect tobe due to pain in the nerves/weakness in the nerves. Inspite of the pain I am able to take my exercise routine of walking and 15 minutes of exercise for flexibility. The neck pain and the stress on the thigh muscle is too much to bear at times. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (59 minutes later)

Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.

I understand your back & neck pain . These symptoms seems to be part of muscle strain.

For this condition you have to do stretching & strengthening exercises in which you have to stretch tight muscle & strengthen weakened ones under supervision of a physiotherapist.

The following measures will help with the pain
• Do use firm mattress, thin pillow or butterfly shaped pillow.
• Anti -inflammatory drugs like Motrin 1 tablet as and when required ( do not repeat a dose before 6 hours) with food will help relieve the pain.
• Avoid forward bending.
• Correct your posture while sitting.
• Avoid prolonged sitting in stressful postures.
• Avoid strenuous activity & lifting heavy weights. Avoid lifting weights by leaning forward or bending your back. Rather sit and lift the object.
• Apply diclofenac gel on the affected area. Warm compresses will also help.

Hope this information helps you. I will be available for further guidance if you needed.

Wishing you good health...
Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (17 hours later)

Hello Dr. XXXXXXX

Thank you very much for your advice. I am following these instructions for the last almost one year. But I am feeling that my nerves are getting really irritated with little strain on the body/mind. As I do not want to use pain killers, is it ok for me to use some nerve soothers if any. Any suggestions on this? Whether diebetologist or Nuerologists will be be able help me out because I am on constant irritation of my thigh/neck muscles?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for writing back.

It seems you might developed features of pheripheral neuropathy as can occur in diabetic patients. It is ok to use some nerve soothers like methylcobalamin or gabapentin after discussing with your diebetologist.

If you have any questions I will be happy to answer.
Please close the query if you have no other questions.

Wishing you good health...
Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (2 days later)

hello Dr. XXXXXXX

Thanks again for prompt reply. Can please suggest me the coorect dosage and duration for which the above drugs can be used? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (9 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for writing again.

Correct dossage and duration of these drugs depend upon the severity of symptoms and clinical findings. So I advice you to take these drugs after discussing with your doctor.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.

Wishing you good health...
Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta.

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