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What Causes Dizziness And Disorientation While On Methocarbamol?
Question: I have been diagnosed with nerve damage and a degenerative spine. My lower back, my buttocks,and my thighs hurt all the time. I try to walk for exercise, but I can only walk for about a half mile before the pain is so bad I have to stop. The neurologist prescribed methocarbamol 750mg twice a day. When taken in the day time, I seem to be dizzy, disoriented and the pain is still there. I there some type of exercise I can do to help strengthened my spine and help me walk with out pain or less pain?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant. It is supposed to do the same thing as cyclobenzaprine so while there may be minor differences it shouldn't provide that much more benefit.
In terms of medication over the counter anti inflammatory pain killers may also be added. Of course long term use side effects should be considered such as exaccerbation of high blood pressure, stomach ulcer, kidney disease etc. So can't be used forever.
Regarding exercises of course there are such exercises. In fact it is recommended to prescribe physical therapy in most patients with spinal issues, it is the best means for long term benefits as it increases muscle strength and provides support to the damaged spine. The most popular set of exercises are the XXXXXXX exercises, you can easily search for illustrations online. However ideally some physical therapy sessions would be advised in the beginning, so that a physical therapist can teach you the exercises, observe you and make sure you are doing them correctly in the future.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant. It is supposed to do the same thing as cyclobenzaprine so while there may be minor differences it shouldn't provide that much more benefit.
In terms of medication over the counter anti inflammatory pain killers may also be added. Of course long term use side effects should be considered such as exaccerbation of high blood pressure, stomach ulcer, kidney disease etc. So can't be used forever.
Regarding exercises of course there are such exercises. In fact it is recommended to prescribe physical therapy in most patients with spinal issues, it is the best means for long term benefits as it increases muscle strength and provides support to the damaged spine. The most popular set of exercises are the XXXXXXX exercises, you can easily search for illustrations online. However ideally some physical therapy sessions would be advised in the beginning, so that a physical therapist can teach you the exercises, observe you and make sure you are doing them correctly in the future.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your quick response. Both my hands and my right arm tingle all the time. I was told this could be a result of the nerve damage.My concern is, will this continue the rest of my life? Is there something other than medication to treat or mange this tingle/numbing in my hands? I am presently without health Insurance.I have to wait until January for Medicare to begin. I was placed on permanent disability in March of 2015. I am also a diabetic(take Insulin three times a day) I will research the XXXXXXX exercises and try to develop a routine until I can get to a Physical Therapist.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
The symptoms in the hands and arm are not related to the back pain. So in order to discuss management you should clear with your doctor the supposed cause, it could be neuropathy due to diabetes or spinal issues in the neck.
If due to diabetes then best treatment is diabetes control and medication like Lyrica. An antidepressant like Duloxetine (also first line treatment for neuropathic symptoms) may be considered if lyrica is not effective. There aren't many other options I am afraid and some symptoms may persist even with adequate therapy.
If due to neck spine issues then anti-inflammatory pain killers like Ibuprofen and physical therapy are the best management. If not enough local shots of steroids may also be used and in some selected cases surgery. It may persist with periods of improvement and exacerbations I am afraid.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
The symptoms in the hands and arm are not related to the back pain. So in order to discuss management you should clear with your doctor the supposed cause, it could be neuropathy due to diabetes or spinal issues in the neck.
If due to diabetes then best treatment is diabetes control and medication like Lyrica. An antidepressant like Duloxetine (also first line treatment for neuropathic symptoms) may be considered if lyrica is not effective. There aren't many other options I am afraid and some symptoms may persist even with adequate therapy.
If due to neck spine issues then anti-inflammatory pain killers like Ibuprofen and physical therapy are the best management. If not enough local shots of steroids may also be used and in some selected cases surgery. It may persist with periods of improvement and exacerbations I am afraid.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, you were helpful
Brief Answer:
You're welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I hope you'll feel better soon.
You're welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I hope you'll feel better soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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