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Suggest Treatment For Severe Lower Back Pain

Posted on Tue, 7 Apr 2015

Question: My mother have been suffering from a severe lower back pain since past two days. It started slowly in the morning and by afternoon it became severe . We took her to a general physician and he gave a pain killer thinking it might be a cramp. She was ok till next morning when it again became severe. We took her to a hospital where she was given a pain killer injection. She was prescribed for X-ray & MRI. The doctor said that a virus remained on Her body from chicken pox which she suffered when she was 10 approximately and this virus have weakened the nerves near to the bone. He said nothing to worry and the pain will be gone after the completion of the medicine course prescribed by next 7days. I'll attach the report and prescription for your perusal.
My worry and question to you is, is there any thing to worry about, if the medicine are correct as per the X-ray MRI report, what are precautions to be taken, how to prevent it in long run

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be treated with medicines

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and MRI report in detail. Your doctor is thinking that it is herpes zoster. It is viral infection with severe pain in back. It is treatable. But before I advised you any thing I would like to know little detail about your illness.
1.Is she also having any skin issue like blisters?
2.Does she have pain like needle sensation ?
3.Is this pain present only in one half of the body?
4.Is he Diabetic?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 minutes later)

Thanks for your prompt response.
1. She is not having any skin issue as of now
2. The pain is not like needle. She says the pain is like something is holding her at that spot (lower back - a slight on the left side) and she is not able to move. The pain is more when she tries to move (sit or stand or raise her hand, etc)
3. Yes, the pain is just at one part of her body
4. She is not diabetic

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I think it is due to nerve compression

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for replying. I believe that there is nerve compression in the dorsal spine. I do not think that it is herpes infection. I would suggest you following.
1.Tablet Pregabalin M one daily.
2.Steroid injection can be given at most tender point.
3.Tablet Amytryptalin 25 mg one daily.
4.Tablet Ultracet twice daily.
5.Hot water fomentation.
6.Volitran ointment local application
I hope these steps will help her. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (11 hours later)

Thanks Doctor. Few questions:
1. What are the reasons or symptonsthat this is not herpes infection and it is a nerve compression in dorsal spine
2. How many tablets and for how many days should she take the medicines that you prescribed
3. Which medicines are to be taken before or after food
4. How long is it going to take for her to recover from the pain
5. She is travelling at the moment. Its a i20 and on a long trip from XXXXXXX to XXXXXXX The road is smooth and hence she felt that she could continue her journey. She is wearing a abdominal belt and she has been taking hot water bag. Any other precautions you suggest
6. Do you suggest any exercise post she recovers from pain

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
She does not have skin lesions so no herpes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
here are answers of your questions.
1.As she has no skin blister to it can not be Herpes. Herpetic neuralgia without skin lesion s uncommon.
2.She should take these tablets for one month. None of these medicines should be taken before meal.
3.For Doses I would recommend you to see your doctor as it can vary in different person.
4.Pain can stay for few months.
5.She Should avoid jerky activities. travelling is not good for her. But if she has to do that then she should remain in recumbent position. Avoid sitting in same posture for long time.
6. She need to meet a physio and learn flexion group of exercises.
I hope these steps will help you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
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. Vinay Bhardwaj