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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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I Have Lower Back Pain With Sciatica. Is Gabapentin Right Medicine For Me ?

Hi: I am 45 years old women. Since last 2 year I have a lower back pain ( herniated disc ) with sciatica . I took gabapentin for 1 yearand baclofen for 5 months. My leg pain is controlled, but the soreness in back is almost always there. Doctor has recommended epidural , nerve blocker, trigger point injection (with more in favour of trigger point injection). I have an appointment with chronic pain specialist coming after a long wait of a year. I want to know, what would be the best suitable for me esp what do you think about trigger point injection, its side effects if any and the after care.
posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2011
Twitter Wed, 15 Jun 2011 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 15 Jun 2011 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Welcome to Healthcare Magic
Good Day
Trigger point injection as a relatively safe and effective way to ease pain from muscle spasm. The herniated disc irritates nerves that send your muscles into spasm. The trigger point is located by your Doctor and the area is cleaned with antiseptic over the skin. Using a small needle a local anaesthetic and/or corticosteroid is injected. Relief can be expected from immediate effect. Side effects may include nerve damage, bleeding, infection which can be prevented by proper procedure and aseptic technique. It is indicated only to relieve pain due to muscle spasm, but as the disc herniation increases there could be more pain and spasm, but the procedure is relatively safer than Epidural.
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I Have Lower Back Pain With Sciatica. Is Gabapentin Right Medicine For Me ?

Welcome to Healthcare Magic Good Day Trigger point injection as a relatively safe and effective way to ease pain from muscle spasm. The herniated disc irritates nerves that send your muscles into spasm. The trigger point is located by your Doctor and the area is cleaned with antiseptic over the skin. Using a small needle a local anaesthetic and/or corticosteroid is injected. Relief can be expected from immediate effect. Side effects may include nerve damage, bleeding, infection which can be prevented by proper procedure and aseptic technique. It is indicated only to relieve pain due to muscle spasm, but as the disc herniation increases there could be more pain and spasm, but the procedure is relatively safer than Epidural.