Pain relief medication for cronic lower back pain, and Sciatica.

[Ruskie]

Have been diagnosed with Churg Strauss Syndrome, but also suffer with cronic lower back pain and Sciatica. Currently taking the maximum Co-Codamol of 40 tablets a week to little effect for my back pain. Rang to speak to my GP today, but was told to ring back in a week, when he is back of his hols. Can anyone suggest a more effective pain killing medication, hopefully less than 40 tablets per week. Thanks!

[Hidden]

I have the same problem and have been changed from Co-codamol to Oramorph. I take as little as possible, only twice a day, and keep it for my worst times, usually late morning and teatime.

[cj75s2017]

I damaged my L5 S1 resulting in damage to my Sciatic nerve. Co codamol hardly helped with the pain, doc put me on Tramadol, a bit better but still not great. Eventually I was put on Gabapentin. This worked after about 2 - 3 weeks. It gas to build up in your system. I am on 2700 mgs. That's 4 and a half tablets a day. Its not so bad really, 1 at brwskfast 1 and a half at lunch 1 at tea time and 1 before bed. If it gets really bad I take done naproxin for short term relief along with the gabapentin. It works just.

Maybe you should tell your doctor you need to go to a pain clinic. They will eventually prescribe you a good nerve pain drug, once they have fully assessed your condition.

Hope you get relief.

[Ruskie in reply to cj75s2017]

Hi

Thanks for all the info.

Will speak to GP next Tuesday, hopefully he can help sort the pain, to a day by day manageable level.

[PainConcernHelpline Moderator Community Champion Pain Concern]

Hello there,

You mention experiencing chronic lower back pain and sciatica - this pain is known as 'Neuropathic Pain' which is how we describe any of the unwanted sensations (e.g. pain, ache, tingle, itch, burn, etc.) that can be experienced following damage to nerves.

You can find out more about managing Neuropathic pain with different drug treatments and non-drug treatments at the following link:

painconcern.org.uk/neuropat...

When you do manage to speak with your GP, here is some useful information to help you to discuss the issues you are having, and to help you to make the most of your medical appointment:

painconcern.org.uk/managing...

Here is a link to some information about managing lower back pain, this may be of interest to you:

painconcern.org.uk/resource...

And finally, here is a link to some information on living with pain, with topics ranging from drug treatments to navigating the benefits system:

painconcern.org.uk/resource...

I hope this information was useful.

Moderator 4, on behalf of Pain Concern

[Ruskie in reply to PainConcernHelpline]

Hi

Thank you for your useful help and advice, and the relevant links.

Due to speak to my GP next Tuesday, hopefully he can put me on the right track to easing the pain / discomfort so I can manage day to day.

[Maddie21]

Although I'm not a doctor I do suffer with pain. I use a TENS machine to help my Sciatica and back pain, unfortunately you can't wear it all the time but it does take most of the pain away. I got mine from Amazon if that helps.

[Ruskie in reply to Maddie21]

Many thanks!

Will speak to my GP next week, and bear in mind your Tens advice.

[theresa38]

Dihydrocodeine and if the pain is very severe take paracetamol also, not sure u can take it with ur sickness ask ur doctor.

[Ruskie in reply to theresa38]

Thanks Theresa38

Due to speak to GP tomorrow, so will hopefully get some help then.

Not sure how i can continue on the current path of 40 x Cocodamol per week plus medication for Churg Strauss, there must be a way i can be prescribed less than the current

total of 110 tablets per week.

But thanks again for your help

[theresa38]

No problem my friend.

Let me no how u get on with the doctor.

[theresa38]

Let me know how you get on with the doctor.

[Ruskie in reply to theresa38]

Hi Theresa

Have spoken with my GP, and he has changed my 15/ 500 Co-Codamol to 30/500 Co-Codamol, but still taking 8 per day, and have also been asked to start taking 2 x 75mg Diclofenac per day again. Was told to stop taking the Diclofenac by the Thoracic Consultant last year,because of the adverse affect in had on my breathing during a Churg Strauss flare up. So am back on them for the time being, and will see how I get on.

Kind regards

Karl

[Stobban]

Yea, Which tablet to take, always a problem at times. I have suffered severe pain for years and now at old age I'm pretty well an expert, so I think! I'm now taking Oral Morphine with 12 hrly Morphine Capsules daily. And honestly this is suitable for anyone in great pain and the Oral Morphine you can adjust to suit the severity the pain may decide to hammer you with. you may become a bit addicted but I doubt it as long as you stick to the doctors' administration. Good luck.