HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Chronic Pain After A Back Injury

Posted on Wed, 21 May 2014

Question: Everyday chronic pain. It started in 2001, from back injury. My back pain is not the issue now. I can't get away from the pain. Neurontin and hydrocodone doesn't help. Hypnosis past 2 months hasn't worked either. I go to bed to get away from it. I am to point so suicidal thoughts.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
There are other forms of treatment

Detailed Answer:
hi,

thanks for your question.

there are other modalities of treatment. I'm not sure of you have tried these. physiotherapy for core strengthening, TENS machine, massage for instance.

there are also other medications a such as antiinflammatory medication, muscle relaxants and other neuromodulating drugs. in chronic pain situations like this a specialist in pain management can often help.

surgery does exist for patients wen other methods of symptom control have failed. further imaging of you spine in terms of MRI and ct may need to be completed and then an orthopaedic surgeon with an interest in spine should be consulted.

I'm sure that there are treatments that can help your pain and quality of life. please do not do anything to harm yourself. if you feel like this again seek urgent medical help or counselling. if you are depressed then this issue may need to be addressed separately.

best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (4 hours later)

I do tens on my left hip. I used it quite a bit and it may have helped. I will do it again several days. Acupuncture and massage. Feels good, but still 7 day a week all over pain. I do take Cymbalta too. Lyrical didn’t do anything, except make me light-headed. Pain meds of course cause constipation. Daily issue. Mainly, I need pain relief and would like to get off narcotics. Narcotics give some relief, but not enough. 12 hr. Oxycontin 2/day. Hydrocodone 325/7.5 up to 4/ day. How I still can have all over pain. 300 mg Neurontin, 2x/ day. Pm Neurontin takes out the painful creeping feeling when I am sitting watching tv at night. MRIs have shown no surgery option. One showed building disk, then 3 yrs late unchanged. I have done decompression and chiropractors. I feel I am out of options, so I just go day to day. Last night I took ambien and just went to bed to get Away from pain. I say I am close enough to suicide w/o doing it because I have a
beautiful 17 yr old daughter. I have a wonderful husband, but if think he would be ok. I have done past counseling, but I will call Monday and try again. I was looking for some new answer. I ordered cordayllis, ribose and valerian tea ( Dr. Oz) I will try them when I get them. Epson salt w/ black pepper oil I am going to try too. Sea buckthorn I ordered today too. If you have any other ideas, please let me know. I see pain management for my narcotics. She doesn’t seem to have any further ideas. She said I’d hypnosis helps, let her know.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Further suggestions for chronic back pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the follow up question.

You can always ask for a second opinion from another surgeon. Have you seen a pain specialist?

I know at the Royal National Orthopaedic hospital in London where I did part of my training that there is a residential therapeutic course over a 2 month period for patients with chronic back pain that teaches them coping strategies and management techniques. There may be similar programs in your country.

Pilates is often helpful because of its focus on core strengthening.

You could be suffering from depression because of your chronic pain and so I would consult your doctor about this.

best wishes

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad