what is the best medicine for chronic lower back pain?I have failed back surgery syndrome and have a lot of pain from a live fracture at the top of my L4. My back was fused about 11 yrs ago by way of Anterior Lumbar Fusion that fused my L4 L5 and S1 . I suffer daily from sciattica pain and have problems sleeping I also have a right leg that is about a inch and a half shorter than the left.
I need some relief and the methodone is no longer helping
thank you
Answer by gillianprowe
One leg shorter than the other means your ankle, knee, hip are out of alignment and your will tilt your pelvis forward to counter balance which will cause the sciatica.
You need to find a Podiatrist, get them to see to your leg shortness problem and they can then make special insole for you to wear which will realign your ankle, knee, hip, pelvis and stop the pain.
Answer by ♥ terry g ♥
Have you taken any meds for nerve pain- like Neurontin or Trileptal? l had good results w/ Trileptal, but not Neurontin.
Also, have you considered a pain pump? lt would send the pain meds right to the source. And have you been trhough physical therapy? l've had tons of PT, with some results.
Answer by Dave
I am so sorry for your pain. I am not a Dr. but I would encourage you to continue to seek a real expert. I've heard the Mayo Clinic is one of the best places to seek help. I would, with determination ask around and find out who is the top doc there (challenge them- why is he/she best- anyone else better?- confirm it with 2-3 people). Ask s who is current on the latest breakthrough treatments, you might be suprised at the results you can get. I've researched this topic for others I know and I found that the appropriate ice routine, nutrition and daily exercise really helped (Disclaimer: ALWAYS consult with a doc first!!!). I am also a big believer in using superfoods (google them) to help in healing. Some actually cause and other reduce inflamation which you clearly have (whenever there is pain). If you have any structural instability or fractures, you might have to address that before it causes any futher issues. You likely have a lot of scar tissue making things worse as well. Since our body's are all about balance, the fact that one leg is shorter than the other is not helping. 1.5" inches is a HUGE amount to be off by. I mean, .20" is significant and you are over 7x that amount! Correct each "little thing" (shortness, diet, exercise, treatments; right or wrong type of meds, etc.) as together, they add up to a big thing (improvement=less pain). Have you looked into a lift in the shorter leg? Also buy New Balance sneakers with a lot of cushioning (lessens impact when walking)- a podiatrist made this recommendation to me once. I would also recommend working with a TOP physical therapist and don't let them push you too much (some can really help). Work with one, one-on-one (not group) who will educate you as well as help you to GENTLY strengthen supporting structure. I also highly recommend Accupuncture (not just accupressure). I never believed in it until I tried it- wow. I also believe in inversion therapy at home but it might not be recommended if you have structural problems or blood pressure issues (from meds?) or eye nerve pressure issues- probably not for you. In the summer try walking in the pool for one hour X 2 / day. The combination of cold and near weighlessness really helps. Everytime we stand, we put tremendous pressure on our spines. Start to see your body relative to the greater context to which it exists. Also, do yourself a favor and buy Robin McKenzies book I think it's called Healing Back Pain - 7 Steps to a Pain Free Life. Robin is very widely considered the expert on this subject. If your P/T recommends it, there is a very effective exercised that is stressed in the book that might really help BUT get approval first before trying anything. Joining a local back pain support group can also be very helpful as you can exchange ideas (what works/doesn't work) with others in your situation and they often have P/T's and MD speak.
GOOD LUCK and I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER VERY SOON- stay positive, they come out with breakthroughs all the time and I know they are researching back pain extensively so there will be some tpye of relief on the way- hang in there- nothing is forever!!!
Answer by JO
Do you have insurance to cover a pain management clinic or a pain management doctor?
Do you have insurance that you could use to see an Orthopedic doctor concerning the sciattica pain or have you been told the shorter leg is causing the sciattica pain. Do they suggest a shoe lift or shoe build up for the shorter leg?
My son was told by his Orthopedic doctor that if he had his back fused that in later years the section above and below the fused section could also become a problem from the wear and those areas would then also have to be fused. Were you ever told this?
You don't state how long it has been since you had Xrays and MRI's on your back but if it has been 11 years then it might be time for an Orthopedic Specialist that deals in backs to re-evaluate your back problems to see if there is more damage. In the last 10 years Orthopedic doctors have become specialist in certain parts of the body so make sure you see one for backs, hips and legs. Also in the last 10 years treatment and surgerys have changed for different Orthopedic problems.
Has your Orthopedic Specialist ever recommended a massage unit for your back. I can't think of the proper name for it but it has electrical leads with pads on the end that you put on the area or muscles where there is pain and it helps the area to relax to relieve the pain. I believe your insurance pays for this type unit. Not sure if they pay to buy the unit or if it is a rental. My son used one for his back and it really did help him.
What about the series of shots that they do in your back to relieve the pain? Would those help in your situation? My son has had these done several times and they last a few months if he doesn't overdo with his back and the really bad pain began to go away while he was having the shots. Again insurance usually pays for that treatment also.
Answer by bryson77
I had the same issue as you. I'm not 100% better and never will be, but I have occassional pain, that is very managable. Nothing close to what my pain was like before. If you live in Southern Cal, I would recommend Burak Ozgur at Cedars Sini. He is an Excellent top notch Neurosurgeon. He is a minimally invasive surgeon and an innovative Dr who is up to date on the latest technology. He is an Assistant Professor at UCLA. He has great speaking skills, easy to understand, and most of all he listen to all my questions I had before my surgery in plain lay-mans terms so I could understand...LOL. But I would do something. Living in this kind of pain sucks. GO check him out and see what he can do for you. Trust me! Good luck
His office # is 310-423-7900
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