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Suggest Treatment For Pain Due To Degenerative Disc Disease

Posted on Mon, 14 Apr 2014

Question: I am having problems with severe pain in my back and I was diagnosed with bulging discs and arthritis and the ER says I need to get pain meds from my family doctor and my family doctor says to call the ER to get meds, I can hardly stand and cannot function. Do you have any ideas what I should do?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Description below. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. It seems you are suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc & it increases the risk of disc herniation & spinal canal stenosis. The main treatment of such pain is bed rest along with pain killers and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can help with your symptoms if used in appropriate dosage in combination with a potent analgesic. You can get the appropriate drugs prescribed from your Orthopedician after examination. Meanwhile you can follow these measures: - If the pain is severe, you need bed rest till the pain resolves. - Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments. - While resting, keep a pillow under your knees if it doesn't bother you. - Avoid lifting heavy objects. - Back strengthening exercises and stretching exercises daily as advised by a Physiotherapist. - Avoid exercises in times of pain. - Improvise your posture while sitting. - Using an LS contour belt of appropriate size might be helpful in providing support to back muscles. Also, maintain a proper posture while working, sitting and standing. Keep your back straight. Physiotherapy plays a major role in treating such conditions I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care

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

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (5 minutes later)

Thank you that was helpful, however the soonest that I can get into to see an Otrhtopedic doctor is in May, I have even called the surrounding states and that is the soonest that I can get in. The ER visits cost me $200 a visit and I do not have that money, any suggestions where I can get muscle relaxers and pain medicine, since my family doctor is not prescribing them. I will try the other suggestions you sent me.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Anti-inflammatory drug like motrin Detailed Answer: Hello mam, Meanwhile you can take over the counter(OTC) anti-inflammatory pain killer like motrin to reduce pain and inflammation. Warm regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (8 minutes later)

I have tried that and it does not work at all, that is why I am asking. Thank you for your help and I guess that I will have to suffer through it. Unless you know of someone that can prescribe that kind of medicine, I will have the reports and the films tomorrow. Any help I would be grateful! Any answer on the above question? Do you know who might be able to help me get the medication that I need? I can upload reports tomorrow.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Consult general practitioner in your area Detailed Answer: Hello mam You may consult general practitioner in your area for prescription of these medicines. You can upload the reports if available.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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