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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Chronic Back Pain?

Hi. I am 74 and have suffered chronic back pain since my early 20 s. For over 50 years have been on many meds including morphine, lately 300mg Tramadol and 150mg Lyrica daily. Gave these up two years ago and went thru withdrawal symptoms but felt more with it as a result. My history is laminectomy of L4, L5 and fusion of L5-S1 plus numerous procedures including freezing of nerves, multiple spinal injections etc over several years. I am a foundation member of the Chronic Pain Clinic in QE2 Hospital, Perth. My specialist tells me no further surgery would be beneficial ( the sciatic nerve is under pressure from the previous ops and lower back and leg pain is constant) keeping me awake at night. Q: Last month my GP prescribed same meds as I was taking (Tramadol & Lyrica) as I found I was not coping with the pain with over-the-counter pain killers....not being able to sleep. On the first doses I was violently ill, and although I persevered at half-dosage, nausea and vomiting cont...so I stopped. Any suggestions?
Mon, 8 Sep 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

I have studied your case.

Yes this may be side effect of lyrica.
This medicine may take some time so that your body suits it.
You can again start with low dose.
You may need to do MRI spine again to see for nerve compression

If your new MRI shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your leg and pain associated with it.

For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help
.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.

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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What Is The Treatment For Chronic Back Pain?

Hello, I have studied your case. Yes this may be side effect of lyrica. This medicine may take some time so that your body suits it. You can again start with low dose. You may need to do MRI spine again to see for nerve compression If your new MRI shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help. Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your leg and pain associated with it. For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started. Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help. Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help . I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level. 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.