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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Oxycodone The Right Medicine For Bulging Disc?

I have a close friend who had back surgery. I think she had a bulging disc approximately 7 or 8 weeks ago. She is taking oxycodone and and as much gaberpentine as her dr will prescribe . She takes a muscle relaxer at night as well. . My friends and I are concerned that she is over medicating. We made a chart to help her taking these drugs. She takes a couple of other meds that are not pain related. Our friend has fallen asleep while talking on the phone and at times made random comments that doesn t make sense. She continues to have pain which is better some days than others. She is 68. We love her and don t want her to get addicted. Any advice.
Thu, 22 Nov 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

A herniated disk or bulging disc can press on the nerves in the spine and cause pain, weakness, and numbness in her neck, back, arms, and legs.

Most of the time, though, the problems from herniated disk should start to improve on their own within a few weeks.

Your friend may need pain medicines such as NSAIDs. Narcotics like oxycodone may be required but only for a short duration. Physical therapy and rest may also help.

If rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy don't help with her pain, her doctor can inject a steroid medicine into the space around her spinal nerve.

This is called an epidural injection. The steroid can help bring down the swelling, help her move more easily, and ease pain from a herniated disk.

Her doctor will use an X-ray or CT scan to find the right spot to inject the medicine. She might need more than one steroid shot to relieve your pain. In rare cases, surgery may be required.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Prabhash Verma, General & Family Physician
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Is Oxycodone The Right Medicine For Bulging Disc?

Hi, A herniated disk or bulging disc can press on the nerves in the spine and cause pain, weakness, and numbness in her neck, back, arms, and legs. Most of the time, though, the problems from herniated disk should start to improve on their own within a few weeks. Your friend may need pain medicines such as NSAIDs. Narcotics like oxycodone may be required but only for a short duration. Physical therapy and rest may also help. If rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy don t help with her pain, her doctor can inject a steroid medicine into the space around her spinal nerve. This is called an epidural injection. The steroid can help bring down the swelling, help her move more easily, and ease pain from a herniated disk. Her doctor will use an X-ray or CT scan to find the right spot to inject the medicine. She might need more than one steroid shot to relieve your pain. In rare cases, surgery may be required. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Prabhash Verma, General & Family Physician