Suggest Remedy For Pain When Having Severe Disc Degeneration

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: Hi. Over 5 weeks ago I had a radiofrequency done on my left and right lower back because I have severe disc degeneration. where the injection site is, I am having pain when I touch it as well as on my upper right thigh. It is only on my right side, left side is fine. I had the series of epidural shots prior and those were fine. Why, after 5 weeks would I still have this sensitive pain only when I touch it? I would not think this is normal as my left side is fine. I have been going to physical therapy, but so far not helping. any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to nerves partially damaged, not completely destroyed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing healthcaremagic for posting your query

I'm Dr. Sudhir Kumar,

I have gone through your question in detail and understand your concern.

Normal procedural pain should have been reduced till now. This side effect is believed to be from increased irritation of a nerve that was only partially damaged, not completely destroyed. This effect can be treated with analgesic such as ibuprofen for pain relief . Mecobalamine reduces is neurogenic pain.
You can also repeat the procedure on right side if not relieved by these medicines so that nerves will be completely damaged and probably relieve the pain.

You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
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Wishing you good health
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (12 hours later)

Thanks for fhe information. So you are saying this might be a side effect or maybe a complication? It is weird because it hurts when I touch the injection site or thigh. Without having another nerve burning, will it eventually go away on its own? I take tramadol since I cant take ibuprofen because I had inflammation of esaphagus a few months ago. Also, when I sit sometime my feet tingle from my lower back. I also have a bulging disc on my right lower back. I have been going to pain management for the procedures. Thanks in advance

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is side effect.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back

I have gone through your question and follow up question in detail and understand your concern. It is side effect.I think it may resolve with time (nearly 2 more weeks) if its intensity has decreased from initial post operative period. Mecobalamine help in recovery.You are taking tramadol, it is Ok.

Tingling in your feet to back is due to temporary pressure of prolapse disc over nerves when you sit. It is not due to procedure as it is not always.

You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.

In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho

Wishing you good health
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Thank you again. you are very helpful! Is Methycobalamine the same as mecobalamine? Is there a certain mg I should get? Also, you said the prolapse disc is temporary? You are right in that when I sit thats when it tingles. would a orthopedic surgeon help or should I stay with pain management. Unless, of. ourse, it is temporary. Thank you so much!,

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Both are same

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back

Both are same. Dose is 1500 micrograms daily after meals single dose.

For disc prolapse rest and avoiding bending and weight lifting will gradually resolve it. During resting hours and sleep lateral position with both hips and knees flexed will be beneficial position.

You can continue with pain management as pain is your main concerned.

You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.

In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho

Wishing you good health
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (32 minutes later)

Hi and thanks. is that on the order of gabapentin or is it different? I do take gabapentin now. If not, is it an over the counter? Thank you again

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Both are separate.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back

It is not gabapentin.Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12. Methylcobalamin is used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. Probably it is available over the counter with other vitamins such as multivitamins suppliments. Its separate dose is probably not available over the counter. It probably available as prescribed medication in USA.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.

In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho

Wishing you good health
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (19 hours later)

Hi. I got 5mg of the methylcobalamin. I thought maybe getting the higher dose for a month then reducing might help me feel better faster. I hope that is ok? I appreciate all the info you have given me. My groin has been hurting. I am sure that is hip related. would those vitamins help that too? I take super Vit B complex. I am assuming the methylcobalamin is not included in there? Thanks as always

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Groin pain can be due to osteoarthritis of hip.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
It is Ok to take 5 mg of Methylcobalamin. Your groin pain can be due to spinal origin or it can be due to osteoarthritis of hip. Osteoarthritis can be confirmed by x rays of hip. Osteoarthritis pain will be little benefit by Methylcobalamin. It gets benefits by glucosamine to some extent. Super B complex does not contain Methylcobalamin.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.

In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho

Wishing you good health
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Thanks. You have been a great help. I am going to get glucosamine. Does that help with pain? I am willing to try anything. thanks for the info. I do think it is some kind of degneration in the hip. Gosh, I feel like I am a mess. Between the radiofrequency side effect, the tingling when I sit and the groin--I am a mess. Thanks again for the info

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes glucosamine is effective

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back

Glucosamine reduces arthritis pain. But it takes nearly one months time to show effect.

Hope I have answered your query.

You may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.

Wishing you good health
Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E