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.
How To Manage Back Pain Without Taking Any Medicine?
Hello - I had been prescribed Hydrocodone 10/325 by the VA for 7 years for back pain due to herniated disc and hip pain from arthritis. I took myself off cold turkey in October, and was prescribed 5 mg MS Contin 3 x day. 6 days ago, I took myself off of that. Tired of feeling "off" and the problems it was causing in my 1 year marriage, I do not want to be dependant daily on a narcotic. The worst of the withdrawal symptoms seem to be over, except diarrhea. My question is: how can I safely manage the pain that I still have? I DID take too many pills, to avoid emotional pain due to a violent rape 28 years ago. I REFUSE to become that addicted person again. Any suggestions?
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement, Dr. Saurabh Gupta's Response
Hello, Thanks for your query. • Lie on a hard bed. • Use a lumbosacral back support to stabilize your spinal muscles and to provide support for your spinal column. . After the initial pain has subsided, remedial exercises to strengthen the spine are very important to restore normal spinal movements and muscle strength. The main aim of exercise is to encourage mobility, reduce muscle spasm, prevent further deterioration in the muscles and speed recovery. . You should maintain an optimum body weight to decrease the strain on your vertebral column causing more degeneration and arthritic changes. • Avoid forward bending. • Avoid strenuous activity & lifting heavy weights. • Apply diclofenac gel on the affected area. Warm compresses will also help. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care
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How To Manage Back Pain Without Taking Any Medicine?
Hello, Thanks for your query. • Lie on a hard bed. • Use a lumbosacral back support to stabilize your spinal muscles and to provide support for your spinal column. . After the initial pain has subsided, remedial exercises to strengthen the spine are very important to restore normal spinal movements and muscle strength. The main aim of exercise is to encourage mobility, reduce muscle spasm, prevent further deterioration in the muscles and speed recovery. . You should maintain an optimum body weight to decrease the strain on your vertebral column causing more degeneration and arthritic changes. • Avoid forward bending. • Avoid strenuous activity & lifting heavy weights. • Apply diclofenac gel on the affected area. Warm compresses will also help. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care