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Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Pain When Tramadol Gives Severe Headaches

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Posted on Fri, 11 Mar 2022
Question: Hello i suffer from severe back pain and have had 4 surgeries plus multiple other procedures. I have been doing well until my physicians nurse changed my script from only 15 vicodin per month to 90 tramadol per month. Now i have only taken the tramadol twice but i get severe headaches both times?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Headache could be due to withdrawal of vicodin.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Two things
1. Why do you need pain killers
2. Tramadol can cause headaches but temporarily

After back surgeries, you need to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles by regular exercises. Painkillers should be taken only when there is severe pain.
Vicodin is opioid analgesic and a habit forming drug. It is safer that you stop using it ASAP. Get used to tramadol and lower analgesics. Headaches could be due to withdrawal of opioids also.

Thanks for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 hour later)
Why do i need painkillers? Because i am still in pain. I am doing much better and i do my back excersices. I only need a little help each month . i would b fine with maybe 8 vicodin instead of 15. But my questionis really why would someone give me 90 tramadol. Seems excessive and to no avail. I cant find the upside?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please see below.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

As I said you should take painkillers as and when required but not on regular basis.
Less than optimum dose of any pain killer would not help probably that is why she switched to tramadol . You take only when there is pain.
Vicodin may also become useless after sometime or may be effective only in increased dosage.
It is very good that you are doing regular exercises.

Thanks

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Gopal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1538 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Pain When Tramadol Gives Severe Headaches

Brief Answer: Headache could be due to withdrawal of vicodin. Detailed Answer: Hi, Two things 1. Why do you need pain killers 2. Tramadol can cause headaches but temporarily After back surgeries, you need to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles by regular exercises. Painkillers should be taken only when there is severe pain. Vicodin is opioid analgesic and a habit forming drug. It is safer that you stop using it ASAP. Get used to tramadol and lower analgesics. Headaches could be due to withdrawal of opioids also. Thanks for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.