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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Slip Disc. Prescribed Pain Killers, Lumbar Spine Belt. How To Get Over The Habit?

I have had a slip disc of the L4 L5 and L5 S1 and sciatica for the last 7 years. recently I had an attack of sciatica and a muscle spasm on my lower back. I am 40 years of age, 5 inches 2 feet in height and weigh approximately 75 kgs. I was prescribed Hifenac MR as a pain killer and also serta 20 and duzela 30 all to be take once a day at different meal times. I also wear a lumbar spine belt most times of the day except when I am sleeping. That is very obstructive and recently my doctor has been saying that I should try and get out of the habit of using it as it is weakening my muscles. My questions - 1. Are these medications safe over a long term period? I am sure they have side effects and big ones at that. Also how do i get rid f the belt?
Wed, 26 Jun 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Definetely, any medication taken over a prolonged period of time tend to produce adverse reactions. Analgesic medications generally cause renal damage (analgesic nephropathy). So one should always assess the benefit / risk ratio when prescribing a drug for longer periods.
If you are obese, then lumbosacral support is mandatory. Also, I advise you to take physiotherapy for back muscles.
As you are having the problem since 7 years, I feel a repeat MRI of your spine will throw more light on the present status of your intervertebral discs. Hope this helps
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Had Slip Disc. Prescribed Pain Killers, Lumbar Spine Belt. How To Get Over The Habit?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Definetely, any medication taken over a prolonged period of time tend to produce adverse reactions. Analgesic medications generally cause renal damage (analgesic nephropathy). So one should always assess the benefit / risk ratio when prescribing a drug for longer periods. If you are obese, then lumbosacral support is mandatory. Also, I advise you to take physiotherapy for back muscles. As you are having the problem since 7 years, I feel a repeat MRI of your spine will throw more light on the present status of your intervertebral discs. Hope this helps