Lower back pain/pain medication?

Question

I have been having lower back pain for some time now.My Doctor has been giving me pain medication to take when needed..Sometimes I have to take them twice a day..I am having a spinal nerve block next week. If this does relieve the pain and I no longer have to take pain medication..will I have withdrawal symptoms from the pain medication?

I've been taking Lortab 7.5 for pain

Answer 1

Regarding your back pain medication. If you are only taking an anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin or Naprosyn, you will not have withdrawals, but if you have chronic back pain and the injection does not last for very long (which is usually the case) you may have to take an anti-inflammatant such as Motrin from time-to-time. This may affect your liver if you take too much, so be very careful and try exercises for your back and not so many drugs. If you are taking anything with codeine in it such as Tylenol #3; or taking hydrocodone, Percocet or anything that is made from opiates (example: Morphine) you could be addicted and will have to wean off of that drug very slowly or you will have withdrawals such as nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, bad state of well-being and tachycardia (heart rate goes up) and even your blood pressure probably will go up. Just be very careful. Good luck.

Answer 2

Trisha, I am unfamiliar with medical terms and such, but I remember I had some low back discomfort many years ago, so my doctor did x-rays and showed me I have somewhat of an exaggerated curvature in my lower back. He then said I needed to stop running and find something that didn't bother my back.

That advice lasted all of 3-4 days, and I read that some back pain is caused by muscle imbalance and muscle weakness. So I began to exercise my back and stomach to strengthen both front and back muscles. Have had so few episodes of back problems since then.

Don't know if it could be applied in your situation or not, but it's a question you might ask your doctor.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I dont know what medication you are on, but if its a naracotic and you have been on it for a long time you might. But if you have only taken like the dr. told you to then i doubt it. I hope you good luck with the spinal nerve block. My heart goes out to you, because I also suffer with low back pain, it is so painful.

Answer 4

First of all, you didn't say what you are on?????????? I hope the spinal block helps cause i had to end up having a lumber fusion. I still have to take medication for the pain. and Yes, you could have withdrawals if it's a narcotic but if you are only taking it twice a day then you should not have too much of a problem but you might have to ween yourself off..........like start taking only once a day and then don't take any...........good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Oops!!!!! You did say what you are on.........i take Lortab 10/500 so you are on a lighter dose.........yeah, just do what i said....ween yourself off...............

Answer 5

It deppend's on how long you have been on thepain med's. But i hate to burst your bubble but your spinal block wont last long even if it works when they do do it . i have had 19 block's and not a one worked for me . Now dont let me talk you out of havig this done just beprepaird it might not work. I had a spinal stimulator put in Friday .Just give it a try some poeple it work's and some it dont. Good Luck

Answer 6

If your root block works then you should wean yourself off slowly, I'm very surprised that your Doctor hasn't discussed this with you. Ask him the best way before the root block. Often doctors will keep you on the meds because the root blocks only last so long, each person is different. Ask they will help you. And the best of luck to you.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I would go for another opinion and find another method for therapy. I suggest you find a good physitrist, who works in a teaching hospital He is someone who know physical therapy and neurology.