Suggest Treatmemt For Severe Back And Leg Pain After An Epidural Procedure

Posted on Tue, 8 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 8 Jul 2014 Answered on

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I received an epidural procedure performed to relieve pain in my left leg caused by lower back surgery, a condition called thoracic and multiracial burritos. After the epidural parts of my leg were paralyzed and the pain is unmanageable, unless I lay down flat. I am being treated by physical therapy and tramadol and silicone. There are only moments of relief and I can only be on my feet for about 10 minutes without causing unbearable pain. Isn't there something more that can be done?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Medications can help you.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your symptoms and it appears that the epidural procedure has resulted in injury to the lumbar/sacral nerve roots that travel from lower back to the legs. We expect improvement over time.

In the meanwhile, you can take medications such as pregabalin or gabapentin capsules to relieve the nerve pain.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (26 hours later)

I take high dosages of gabapentin (if I didn't, I would be in the hospital because of the level of pain) and the other drug you recommended is almost laughable if it wasn't so sad. The doctor I work with believes I should take narcotics to control the pain. I won't take them because of all the side effects. I hoped you would provide state of the art ideas 're nerve damage. Are they doing surgeries or why doesn't the level of pain change and how long will it take for this to heal and what can I do to help the healing? Please answer these questions. If you don't demonstrate some effort to help me, I will ask for my money back. I need educated answers

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surgeries would not help

Detailed Answer:
I do not think any surgery or intervention is right at this point in time. I would not attempt to give any definite time line for my patients as it takes a very long time in case of damage. I think you are already taking the right course.

At this time I would not be able to add any value to your queries. Hence would ask you to go ahead with refund.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar