Re: severe back/leg pain

On Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:26:58 -0400, "MZB" <moo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Thanks Bob. It's encouraging to hear that.
I am currently seeing a P/T but I am just not confident with her. She always
seems unsure as to what to try.

Can you give me a clue regarding therapy (just general-- I understand you
can't give specific advice). Are you referring to NSAIDS, P/T, and other
stuff??

The leg pain seems to be the most intransigent; it has been 6 days so I
guess its still early

Mel


Dr. McCollister is correct:

I'm not a neurosurgeon, but I beleive that "non-surgical therapy" in this
case means doing everything possible (therapy, traction, NSAID, pain
medication, maybe some steroids) to keep you as comfortable as
possible, or
at least functional, until the protruding disk dessicates or otherwise
stops
pressing on the nerve root.

HMc<<


BUT, I have a few additional suggestions. Generally, Physical Therapy
is NOT a good idea during the acute phase (other than massage, heat,
ultrasound, which are modalities designed to reduce pain and muscle
spasm). "Exercise" activity should be avoided until the pain has gone
away.

Pain medication and NSAIDs are good treatment, and muscle relaxants (I
prefer Methocarbamol, or Robaxin, in sufficient dosage). Traction
(pelvic traction), in my opinion, is relatively ineffective, as one
cannot get enough "pull" on the spine to make much difference.

Steroids (by pill) are, to me, a two-edged sword, as they can increase
the complication rate if surgery has to be done, and unless there are
other strong reasons why surgery cannot be done (heart disease, etc.),
I usually try to avoid systemic (internal) steroids.

The most important treatment in the acute phase is bed rest, as
rigorous as is possible. For most people, that means in bed
continuously except for bathroom privileges. There are also some back
braces (like the Raney Flexion Jacket) which can help a disc patient
return to activity somewhat sooner than without bracing, but the brace
will not work until the acute symptoms have settled down.

If the above is followed, about 85% of patients will avoid the need
for surgery with the current episode. If during the above treatment,
there is either no improvement or worsening (or muscle weakness of the
feet and/or bladder), then surgery is indicated.

Good luck,

Bob

Robert A. Fink, M. D.
Neurological Surgery
2500 Milvia Street Suite 222
Berkeley, CA 94704-2636 USA
510-849-2555

**********************************
NOTE: The material above is not "medical
advice". Medical advice can only be
given after an in-person contact between
doctor and patient.
**********************************
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: My Story -- Its a long one ...
    ... I've had 8 surgeries on my ankle, the last one in January 2006. ... have an ankle replacement that has helped reduced some pain. ... need another surgery to fuse the disks because they are bone to bone. ... medication at your current levels. ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)
  • Re: Provigil for fogginess...tiredness
    ... I'm already on medication for high blood pressure but I see my doctor ... he's keeping a close eye on me since the surgery. ... I tend to fall silent online when my pain is increased ...
    (alt.med.fibromyalgia)
  • Re: YaY for pain Control...
    ... question - what kind of head shrinker is this? ... medication from someone who suffers with it chronically is not legally ... in the case of surgery to remove an organ could very well be. ... pain" posts, here's a followup. ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)
  • Re: A/C Joint Osteoarthritis....
    ... My Orthopedic Surgeon said that this was "day surgery" - have not had ... can give you a pain pump to help with post surgery pain. ... catheter is placed in the joint that feeds pain medication into the ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)
  • Re: severe back/leg pain
    ... the pain has gone into my left leg -- pretty severe. ... P/T seems to think it might well be nerve root pain and so far P/T is not ... Surgery should be reserved for those who do ...
    (sci.med)