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Have Pain Due To Ruptured Disc In Back And Had Epidurals. Should I Go To ER?
Question: I have a ruptured disc in back that pain radiates to my leg. Pain unbearable. Goy an epidural yesterday but my BP was 186/94before and after epidural it was 237/95. Hospital wouldn't release me till BP was down to186/94. Today my BP is 145/80 and sometimes 160/96. I just got a complete physical a month ago and BP was 110/80. I have had 3 epidurals in last 6 months, PT, acupuncture. If this doesn't back surgery soon. Should I go to emergency room because of the high blood pressure? Also have a slight headache and chills off and on.
Should i go to doctor or emergency room. Just had complete physical a month ago. My BP was 110/80
Brief Answer:
Hi.Please upload some more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi.Thanks for writing on XXXXXXX
Since your BP was 110/80 I would like to know if you have any previous record of your blood pressure readings in last 3-6 months.
Are you hypertensive?
If so, were you taking any medication for hypertension a month back when your BP was 110/80?
What was the medicine given epidural, was it a steroid?
How do you feel now (is there adequate pain relief after the injection)?
Do you have family history of hypertension?
Do you have fever or just headache and chills?
Please feel free to upload the information.
Keep us posted.Happy to help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Brief Answer:
You need to consult your doctor and not ED
Detailed Answer:
Hi.Thanks for writing back.
Normally there is a fluctuation of few mm of Hg during different parts of the day(BP continues to raise during the day and falls/is lower at night).It also subjective-who is checking your BP? Is the same apparatus is used everytime?
Get 2-3 readings and this should also be somewhere in the range where you are currently having.
Blood pressure might be due to ageing (which is most commonly) due to the gradual loss of elasticity of the blood vessels.
BP would have shooted high previously due to the acute unbearable pain due to disc rupture.
No matter what since your BP is higher than the target BP(140/90) above which requires a treatment you might consult your doctor and he might start on a low dose diuretic.
However lifestyle modification like exercise, dietary modification(lowering intake of salt), yoga etc will help control your BP to a certain extent and keeps you healthy.
Epidural injections(steroid) might not produce a significant effect on BP.
Hope I have answered your query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
I know but i got a complete physical and BP was 110/80 and Ekg was perfect 4 weeks ago. Doctor said in perfect health. I reinjured my back 3 weeks ago and in extreme pain. Got epidural yesterday but my BP was 186/94. They released me from hospital saying the pain elevated BP. Went to PT today and BP was 146/80. I bought a home BP at CVS and it been fluctuating all day. 156/86, 176/94, 146/88. Should i go to emergency or try to get hold of my doctor tomorrow pr go to walk in clinic a block away if he is closed on Saturday?
Brief Answer:
You might need timely BP monitoring on admission
Detailed Answer:
Hi.Thanks for writing back.
Your BP might have been elevated because of pain.
Since your BP is above the optimum level>140/90 it definitely needs to be treated irrespective of previous level.
If your blood pressure is fluctuating then you may go to the ED and get admitted in the hospital for a day.During this time your BP can be timely monitored and presence or absence of fluctuation can be confirmed and adequately treated.
Hope this helps.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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