Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedy For Pain When Suffering From Degenerative Disc Disease
Question: I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease low back and sciatica (laminectomy 1990 from injury), lately x-ray confirmed arthritic knees and hips. I understand the pain as a result of the joint pain but confused about the pain in my lower legs, especially in shin bones that is not easily relieved with prescription pain meds. The pain is burning and constant. Is low leg pain associated with the diagnosis of arthritis?
Brief Answer:
may be due to neuralgia
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This burning constant pain is likely neuralgia- nerve related pain. This is due to peripheral neuropathy.
Neuralgia can present in different formats -burning, sharp, sticking, tingling etc
It is due to structural or functional changes in the nerves that are responsible or supply a particular area. Peripheral neuropathy just refers to changes in one or more of the peripheral nerves (these are nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord).
It is possible because of the degenerative changes in the back and hips, that one or more of the nerves that supply the limbs are affected. These nerves can be compressed as they pass through areas where there are arthritic changes.
Compression of one or more of these nerves causes nerve related pain.
There are other causes such as: (1) vitamin b12, folate
(2)liver or kidney disease
(3)diabetes
(4)side effect of medication
(5)stroke or other nerve conditions such as MS
(6)exposure to toxins
The gabapentin that you are currently using is one of medications that can be used for nerve related pain.
If this is not working you then there are other medications that may help.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be due to neuralgia
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This burning constant pain is likely neuralgia- nerve related pain. This is due to peripheral neuropathy.
Neuralgia can present in different formats -burning, sharp, sticking, tingling etc
It is due to structural or functional changes in the nerves that are responsible or supply a particular area. Peripheral neuropathy just refers to changes in one or more of the peripheral nerves (these are nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord).
It is possible because of the degenerative changes in the back and hips, that one or more of the nerves that supply the limbs are affected. These nerves can be compressed as they pass through areas where there are arthritic changes.
Compression of one or more of these nerves causes nerve related pain.
There are other causes such as: (1) vitamin b12, folate
(2)liver or kidney disease
(3)diabetes
(4)side effect of medication
(5)stroke or other nerve conditions such as MS
(6)exposure to toxins
The gabapentin that you are currently using is one of medications that can be used for nerve related pain.
If this is not working you then there are other medications that may help.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you Dr. XXXXXXX I had already suspected this condition as I am also a licensed nurse and have been in the medical field for 25 years. My question now is that the Gabapentin so far has not relieved the pain. I started out on 1XD then up to 2XD, only recently I have gone to 3XD. It may still prove therapeutic. However, if the medication does not relieve the pain as I am almost crippled and unable to do many of my ADL, what other options are available for this condition?
Brief Answer:
different other options
Detailed Answer:
HI
The other possible agents would be lyrica, amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline.
As you know even though the amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline were originally used as anti depressants, they are not used much in that condition any more and are useful for neuralgia.
Cymbalta has also been shown to be helpful in neuropathy.
If anything else unclear, feel free to ask
different other options
Detailed Answer:
HI
The other possible agents would be lyrica, amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline.
As you know even though the amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline were originally used as anti depressants, they are not used much in that condition any more and are useful for neuralgia.
Cymbalta has also been shown to be helpful in neuropathy.
If anything else unclear, feel free to ask
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
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
