Suggest Treatment For Persistent Back And Leg Pain While On Oxycodone

Posted on Sat, 27 Aug 2016

Question: I am currently taking 5/325 oxycodone 3 x per day for my back and right leg pain. After about 2 hours my pain starts back in up. Should I ask my dr. For 4 x days or Oxcotin which I have been reading up on and seems like I may give me better results. I am 16 months out from my last back surgery. Diskectomy, fusion and finally spinal cord stimulator implant. Back has been improving but the leg pain has always been the worst and no better. It has been controlling my life for 10 years and I am so tired of the constant pain. If I absolutely do nothing for about 3 weeks all the pain is bearable but the minute I try a half day of anything other than laying down the leg pain becomes too much. I have tried every therapy, every medication and seems like it is heading towards opioids for like which I know is not good but does give me some relief. I would like to say I am not addicted to any type of high or do not abuse opioids but it seems that opioids are the only relief I get. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

I would recommend not seeking additional opioids, because you are already exhibiting significant opioid-induced hyperalgesia. This is a phenomenon that occurs when you are on opioids much longer than the few days to weeks they are meant to be used for. The body develops tolerance and ultimately pain increases as a direct result of chronic opioid use. I strongly recommend avoiding opioids, and instead working in regular intensive physical therapy long-term to better manage your pain.

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