Hi,I am Dr. Gopal Goel (Orthopaedic Surgeon). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Hi my name is Angie and I am 44 years old-I am currently waiting to be seen by the back clinic- I have been in chronic back pain-mainly symptoms of sciatic pain…I haven t slept more than 3-4 hours a night because of pain…. I was told by my husbands doctor to start naproxen instead of ibuprofen - I am taking 2 tablets of 220 mg 3x s a day-is this to much? I also take tylenol back and muscle 500mg 3x/day and gabapentin
hello naproxen to start with should be taken 250mg twice a day and if well tolerated may be gradually increased to 375mg in a weeks time and then after another week 500mg twice a day.since you take gabapentin and tylenol also, I would say 375mg twice daily would be adequate.You may add prilosec 20mg once a day on empty stomach in morning to prevent acidity for stomach irritation. I support a lumbar traction for 10 days if sciatic pain and radiation to limb is there, as distraction on nerve impingement may have a releasing effect, apart from this a lumbo-sacral brace wearing during daytime only to avoid bending and twists to spine.Although brace protects spine but paraspinal muscles should be taken care of by back muscle strengthening exercises by a physical therapist atleast 15 minutes two times a day after removing brace inbetween during daytime.Brace may be removed at bed time and overnight traction be used for removing nerve pressure by distraction of bone surfaces entrapping nerve roots . Best wishes,
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Suggest Treatment For Chronic Back Pain
hello naproxen to start with should be taken 250mg twice a day and if well tolerated may be gradually increased to 375mg in a weeks time and then after another week 500mg twice a day.since you take gabapentin and tylenol also, I would say 375mg twice daily would be adequate.You may add prilosec 20mg once a day on empty stomach in morning to prevent acidity for stomach irritation. I support a lumbar traction for 10 days if sciatic pain and radiation to limb is there, as distraction on nerve impingement may have a releasing effect, apart from this a lumbo-sacral brace wearing during daytime only to avoid bending and twists to spine.Although brace protects spine but paraspinal muscles should be taken care of by back muscle strengthening exercises by a physical therapist atleast 15 minutes two times a day after removing brace inbetween during daytime.Brace may be removed at bed time and overnight traction be used for removing nerve pressure by distraction of bone surfaces entrapping nerve roots . Best wishes,