I am going to the Dr. today..and need some advice

[sadinmichigan]

Hi to all...I am going to my regular Dr. today in hopes of doing something about this pain I am in. My back is hurting so bad that I can hardly stand it. I have a pretty high tolerance to pain but this is getting ridiculous..My question is..What are some non-narcotic drugs I can possibly try? I have been taking valium to help relax my muscles, which it does...But it does nothing for the pain that is constant.I have been taking motrin ,aleve,advil.but feel no relief at all. I have not taken anymore pain medicine since I took those Norco earlier this week. I do not want to ruin my progress but I am in pain and need to do something..I have an MRI scheduled for next week to see if the discs that were already bad in my back are worse..It sure feels like something has happened. I am not going to a chiropractor until I know what is going on in there..Any advice as to what meds to try would be much appreciated..Thankyou

[sadinmichigan]

thankyou all..

Yes my dr is very aware of all my history. I have been very honest with hm and am thankful that I can be..He is very proud of me for what I have accomplished. I called him a long while ago about getting off the pills..I will be asking about the shots etc..
As far as the disc thing these are stemming from a horse falling off accident and a skiing accident as wel as having 6 children.(thats where the hip problem are comming in). I have to go get ready (my dr. is 40 min away) I will let you all know what happens..

GTMI- i have been on xanax for a # of years but only take 1mg a day. I do not abuse them. But my dr. is the one who told me that valium helps with muscle spasms better than things like skelaxin and flexoril..it does seem to help and I haven't been taking my xanax while I am taking the valium..

I am just in so much pain that I have to do something here..Most of it is all on the left side..lower back and left hip..a very constant dull pain with the occasional sharp shooting pains..

thanks again everyone i appreciate all your advice and am going to write some of this down to discuss with my Dr..wish me luck..

[franco1470]

I am sorry you are suffering so.  My back problems are in the same vertebrae and my nerve gets pinched so I know how HORRIBLE it feels.
A med that works for me sometimes is indomethicin, its an anti-inflammatory brand name Indocin.  I take it at times for problems other than my back but sometimes it helps
get the nerve calmed down.  Also prednisone has worked for me, but only if I haven't taken it for a year or so. Epidural injections only give me relief for a week or so and that is also if I haven't had it in over a year.
I have tried acupuncture. I like it and it has helped me with other problems but for my back was ineffective, but everybody's different its worth a try.
Good luck to you, you're one of the most helpful people on the forum and I really hope you feel better soon.

[malenurse57]

No good advice for the pain, as I am still trying to find relief from RA and other physical problems that cause pain. However I will keep you in my prayers.
"T"

[worried878]

I have had epidurals as well....i get my shots every 4 months into the "trigger points" or knots in the muscle and it helps me more than the epidural did...not as dangerous either...epidurals are usually not super risky but i do have a patient right now who is paralyzed from one...this is rare but whenever they mess with your spinal cord and all those nerves..it is a risk...i know some who had a round of epidurals and remained pain free for years...everyone is different....I have bulging discs and degenerative disc disease, a fusion, scoliosis, a cruddy spine!  sometimes we just have to do the best we can...most people past the age of 40 have some amount of degeneration and most have a bulging disc or 2....some do not have pain from it and some do....ur doctor will do what is best for u and u will be hurting less very soon!

[GoingToMakeIt]

• Valium (diazepam) is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Valium (diazepam) affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms.
• Valium (diazepam) is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disorders and muscle spasms.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.

Benzos are addicting. I like to use flexeril to relax muscles. It targets the muscles and is non addictive. some people have been helped by Neurontin too.

I have done the injections and they did help after the 3rd shot. You are only allowed 3 shots though.

Make sure your Dr knows that you do not want opiates.

[sadinmichigan]

I appreciate all your advice..I'll be right back..gotta lay down for a sec.

Worried- I agree about chiro- have been many times for my neck..it isn't a good idea to go with a ruptered disc..thats what my chiro said..which is why I am waiting for another mri..