Pain Management Options

[Bod88]

Good Evening

Just received my results of a private MRI scan (GP in UK refused to refer me but that's another story).

In summary the main points were:

Tandum central stenosis from C4 to C6 leading to nerve root entrapment (C4,C5,C6)

Disc herniation of lower spine L3/L4/L5 with nerve compression and mild facet joint osteoarthritis.

Private GP recommended ongoing physio but nothing with regards to pain management except try amitriptyline.

The pain is really getting to me and even the MRI was an ordeal as my legs and arms went numb!

Please can anyone advise what they tried to help alleviate symptoms with spinal/neck pain.

There seems to be a reluctance in the UK to prescribe anything and there is so much information out there it is difficult to understand what may or may not work.

Thanks

Bod

[PSAWarrior28]

So sorry you are in pain. It can be so debilitating. I'm on a waiting list for pain management . In the meantime, the amitriptyline seems to be helping with pain which is manageable most days. Water therapy and tens machine have been helpful for me. Hope you find something which works for you very soon.

[OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

Hi everyone different I'd also maybe see if any wellbeing teams in surgery and senior ot and physio referrals they can be just as good as pain courses

And have ad ons

If you are able

Hydrotherapy may help small chunks

Pain wise

If able to take

Paracetamol

First starting point

Then add ons

They help the other pain meds work better

On top of pain relief

You probaly tryed

Pregablin (lyrica)

Working upto suitible dose

Upto 600mg

[kev60]

Hi, I have OA of the spine plus bones spurs growing inward from spine and pain 24/7 . I was on liquid morphine but had a reaction to it then my gp put me on Bunov pain patches started on 5mcg and worked up, got to 35mcg but that made me ill came down to 30mcg this seems the level for me. It doesn’t kill the pain but it takes the edge off. I’m also on 500mg x 8 per day and have codeine just for emergencies, it’s good that you can do therapy as that will help. Good luck. Kevin

[Tonynatella in reply to kev60]

kev60

You are getting by on drugs maybe the goal needs to be cleaning up the bone spurs they are a progressive aging condition.

Glad your getting by with drugs but I have regrets being on so many drugs for chronic migraines and must live and die with them at 78.

Good luck Tony

[greekqueen]

Heat helped me immensely, namely a long neck and back heating pad to move around and to control temperature with, and heated car seats when out.

Gabapentin , full dose, and co-codamol full strength and amytryptyline 5mg help the most though

Try anything they offer by way of services as referrals are more likely to find things than GP's.

I too went private but nothing really came of it😏

Lila

[HalWoody]

Hi, Sorry to hear of your back problems and from personal experience I know it is bad. I had a disc operation about 25 years ago and it helped a bit but I still suffer with chronic lower back pain. I am also on Amitriptyline for diabetic neuropathy foot pain and although this helps me get some sleep it does not alleviate back pain for me.

For about 20 years now I have been on Co-dydramol and Naproxen for my back. This combination does help me but it can still be crippling at times. I often wear a back brace/belt. (I am now 80 years old and have suffered with my back from my 30s.)

[Tonynatella]

sorry for your issues.

This is pretty straight forward : it’s pt which likely won’t work, then pain management get some shots of steroids, could work, if not neurosurgeon for minimally invasive procedure if possible. No orthopedic surgeons and stay off ametriptoline or you’re on it for life with with side affects. No one over 60 should be on this. My Dr ignored that warning and sold me hard at 70 years old to do it, now I will die on this drug tried to get off 2 times. Neurologist put you on another terrible drug to replace it Cymbalta ! This is medical flypaper only do this stuff if you are desperate , no way out. Gabapentine is ok 7 years 400 mg 7 times a day.

Been through it having hemilamenectomy 7/11/24 must do surgery. Trouble walking and standing and as this stenosis progresses you lose sex and bowel control. Easy decision . Only use neurosurgeon no orthopedic guys. 7 orthopods said full lamenectomy and fusion 2 rods 6 screws. These guys as a group lack the skills and training for minimally invasive fast recovery procedure. Additionally in USA I have been told they want more procedures to make more profit.

Good luck

Tony

[faith12]

I agree there is reluctance to help pain,patients. Try to ask other patients or find out what Is the best pain clinic .You can research the individual Doctors. Make a fuss

[Bod88]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I think it will be a case of trial and error, seeing what works and what doesn't. I also have bone spurs so maybe they can operated on if needed.