Brief Answer:
Test for degree of inflammation and other treatmen

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

Ultram or Tramadol is a morphine that is used in controlling pain, severe enough that is not controlled by other common pain management drugs. Prescription of drugs to manage pain however deserve that a careful evaluation be made to know exactly what is causing the pain.

In your case, it could be more interesting using other drugs to fight against inflammation that might be causing the pain. Stomach inflammation sparing non inflammatory drugs, since you have a history of gastritis and currently on Omeprazole could be used in this case. These drugs are mainly Celecoxibs (Colcibra). In case of very intense inflammation, steroids carefully monitored , added to simple analgesics like Acetaminophen could be used.

Doing a test like the erythrocyte sedimentation rate that gives us the degree of inflammation, could be important to ascertain the intensity of inflammation, guide the choice of the anti inflammatory drug and monitor treatment success.

I would suggest a clinical reevaluation by your primary care physician, doing an Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and using a Celecoxib, steroid or analgesics depending on his clinical judgement. Ultram is used as last resort and can cause dependence. Omeprazole protects against stomach irritation and gastritis. When using other anti inflammatory drugs or steroids, it should remain the mainstay and never be removed from your treatment.

Thanks and hope this helps. Feel free asking follow up questions in case you have any specific concerns. Thanks and kind regards.

Bain LE, MD

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Brief Answer:
Too early to bother much

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

It is possible, but very less probable to consider or think of a nerve problem at first sight, considering what you describe. I suggest starting out first with anti inflammatory treatment (steroids ) first, and monitoring how you evolve .

The massage therapist or chiropractor do help in pain control. However, it might be too early to get there without trying out other simpler available treatrments like steroids / anti inflammatory, which do comply with the symptoms you describe. They could be helpful along the line. But I suggest we use a step wise manner in treatment. We might be wasting so much effort to treat what could be managed easily.

I still suggest we start with steroids/ non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (Celecoxibs) with Acetaminophen if necessary and observe you carefully. Omeprazole should remain a core component of the treatment. persistence of symptoms or aggravation will lead us to reevaluate the situation, consider possibilities of nerve damage or involve a massage therapist/chiropractor.

Thanks and hope this helps as I wish you the best of health. Feel free asking further questions in case you have any specific health concerns. kind regards.

Bain LE, MD

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