What meds for back pain?

You have a real problem

by IAN MC - 2018-12-27 09:27:10

Hi Chris   An unfortunate fact of life is that treatment options for a bad back are limited if you also happen to have certain heart problems.

The usual treatment for bad backs is to take a N.S.A.I.D  ( Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug ) ... the commonest ones in the UK are ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac , and  high dose aspirin .  You have already been warned off diclofenac ( Voltarol )  and as you are taking the blood-thinner , apixaban, you must have other heart issues so you should really avoid all of the other N.S.A.I.D. S . As well as possibly causing a bleed in your GI tract , if you are a high-risk patient they can also increase your chances of having a heart-attack or stroke.

So where does that leave you ? . good old paracetamol works for some people and is worth trying. Some over-the-counter products also have some codeine ( a weak opioid ) added and this may help you

As a very last resort some people end up with stronger opioids on prescription but they are fraught with addiction problems.

I have been a back pain sufferer for years and eventually found a physiotherapist and an osteopath who give me good stretching advice which helps  put my back problems into remission .... have you explored that route ?

If you go into Search on this site ( the little magnifying glass at the top RH corner ) and type in N.S.A.I.D.S you will find some useful previous posts on this subject.

Best of luck

Ian

Back Pain

by Grateful Heart - 2018-12-28 13:43:01

I have multiple back problems, spinal stenosis, 3 bulging discs, lumbar radiculopathy, sciatica, sacroiliac pain....  all compounded by osteoarthritis/ osteopenia borderline  osteoporosis..... which I try to keep in check by exercise, strength training, stretching and yoga for the most part. 

However, when my back is at it's worst, I cannot stand for 2 minutes to brush my teeth, the pain is excrutiating.    

I went to a pain management doctor and he gave me steroid injections in my lower back and a nerve block.  It lasted for 10 months before I needed it again.  The last shots I received were this past April so going on 9 months now.  The doctor said it doesn't always last that long for some people, so it was good.  

I know steroids isn't the best way to go but at this point for me, if I didn't get the shots I would be in a wheelchair because standing when the pain happens is impossible.

You were looking for suggestions....don't know if this is an option for you.  Good luck.

Grateful Heart