Suggest Treatment For Chronic Pain From Osteoarthritis

Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2022

Question: Chronic Pain from OA. I can't find anything that works for me on this issue. I was
getting less pain while taking Loritab. But now put on Gabapentin which I am not
tolerating well. I suffered a biracial plexus injury to my right shoulder in 1996.
had TENS unit implant which is long stopped working. Bin physical worker all my
life. Now retired. But do some CDL driving.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Management of osteoarthritis

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Loritab (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) and gabapentin manages pain very differently and that is the reason why you have been experiencing rebound pain while on the latter alone. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic which is very potent. You can discuss the reason for discontinuing Loritab with your doctor. Or else another option is Tramadol which is also an opioid analgesic, but less potent than Loritab so that your doctor will be more comfortable prescribing them.

Also, corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections into the affected joint can be tried to reduce inflammation, pain and fasten healing.
Continue physiotherapy.
You can also apply ice and take Advil 400 mg every 6 hours for pain.
You can also use an external TENS unit for managing pain from the brachial plexus injury. You can also use the TENS unit for OA pain too.

Hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need further clarification.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

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