Brief Answer:
If medicine are not working you can take epidural

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case. Compression of l5 nerve root is most likely the cause of pain in your back and leg. Since your pain medicines are not working as effectively as it used to be, I suggest the following three options:

1. You can try epidural steroid shot. A single shot has abilities to relieve pain for weeks.
2. You can add neurotropic medication [like pregabalin]. These drugs has ability to lower the pain threshold. Along with analgesics, it should bring the pain down. Over a period of time, it is possible to lower the pain medicines.
3. Physiotherapy sessions. Avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. Therapies like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give quick relief.

You can discuss about these options with your treating doctor. Physiatrist / physiotherapist help might be needed for therapies.

Beside that, I will also advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.

I understand your apprehension towards surgery. However with advance technology spine surgery are now day care surgery and complications has reduced significantly. If conservative management doesn’t work then surgical decompression will give long term pain relief. You should keep this option open if all conservative measures don't work. Many of my patients received got relief and are off medication after spine surgery.

There is good role of diet and achieve correction through it, for details you can directly contact on my profile

For your Polyarthritis you can take dose of methotrexate. I would start with a dose of 7.5 mg weekly.

Discuss with your treating doctor.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care

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