Herniated disc and pinched nerve pain
Ronim posted:
New to group. I've been diagnosed with pinched nerve and herniated disc. MD wants to due surgery I am against it. I've done research. I have tried muscle relaxers prior as well as PT. I had a MRI, steroid injections the whole list. Yes surgery is my last option but I will try anything else before going that route. I had the nerve test also. I currently have the TENS machine at home. The pain has gotten worse. Now more in my neck. It started as my shoulder then down to my left arm and tingling in my hands. I have dropped a mug due to loss of feeling in my hand. I use heat application at home. Making another appt to further investiagte other options. Just don't want surgery if I can try something else.
11 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painNew to group. I've been diagnosed with pinched nerve and herniated disc. MD wants to due surgery I am against it. I've done research. I have tried muscle relaxers prior as well as PT. I had a MRI, steroid injections the whole list. Yes surgery is my last option but I will try anything else before going that route. I had the nerve test also. I currently have the TENS machine at home. The pain has gotten worse. Now more in my neck. It started as my shoulder then down to my left arm and tingling in my hands. I have dropped a mug due to loss of feeling in my hand. I use heat application at home. Making another appt to further investiagte other options. Just don't want surgery if I can try something else.
betsey2u responded:
Funny I was hoping to have surgery but I am not bad enough ,..whatever that means. So is it your low back or upper back?? or has your low back traveled to your hands and arms> I have a low back l4/l5radiculopathy but there have been a few times it has definatley effected my hands and forearms.
Since the ortho said no surgery nor shots for me not bad enough I just am gonna go crazy on working out and doing exercises,.as needed I will take more drugs,.I just dont want to take more drugs than I can feel what I am doing.
Let me know how your next appt goes. It seems most of this is all pain management til some guy says ok its bad enough now,..maybe we can try something else? or maybe there isnt anything else pain med wise and they go surgery route because they want to try to help?
Since the ortho said no surgery nor shots for me not bad enough I just am gonna go crazy on working out and doing exercises,.as needed I will take more drugs,.I just dont want to take more drugs than I can feel what I am doing.
Let me know how your next appt goes. It seems most of this is all pain management til some guy says ok its bad enough now,..maybe we can try something else? or maybe there isnt anything else pain med wise and they go surgery route because they want to try to help?
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painFunny I was hoping to have surgery but I am not bad enough ,..whatever that means. So is it your low back or upper back?? or has your low back traveled to your hands and arms> I have a low back l4/l5radiculopathy but there have been a few times it has definatley effected my hands and forearms. <br />Since the ortho said no surgery nor shots for me not bad enough I just am gonna go crazy on working out and doing exercises,.as needed I will take more drugs,.I just dont want to take more drugs than I can feel what I am doing. <br />Let me know how your next appt goes. It seems most of this is all pain management til some guy says ok its bad enough now,..maybe we can try something else? or maybe there isnt anything else pain med wise and they go surgery route because they want to try to help?
bj1208 responded:
Hi Ronim - welcome to the support group -
first - what type of doctor have you seen?
second - what exactly was the diagnosis and/or what did the written report show on the MRI?
I trust you are seeing a spine specialist? Either a Orthopedic Spine Specialist or Neurosurgeon Spine Specialist are the best doctors to see and the only ones that can properly read spine MRI/CT Scan film reports
You should get a couple of opinions from both types of doctors that way you know exactly what your options are and also they will give you treatment options if applicable.
You did not state if this spine problem is in your C-Spine (neck) or upper T-Spine where you have the damaged disc(s) pressing on the nerve root.
You indicated you had the nerve test done? What did this show? Did it show any nerve damage?
Have you tried a good pain management clinic? I see a PHYSIATRIST Pain Management Doctor - they go deeper into pain management control based on individual patients needs.
http://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/what-physiatrist
They may be able to offer other treatment options.
Please let us know what you find out ~~
first - what type of doctor have you seen?
second - what exactly was the diagnosis and/or what did the written report show on the MRI?
I trust you are seeing a spine specialist? Either a Orthopedic Spine Specialist or Neurosurgeon Spine Specialist are the best doctors to see and the only ones that can properly read spine MRI/CT Scan film reports
You should get a couple of opinions from both types of doctors that way you know exactly what your options are and also they will give you treatment options if applicable.
You did not state if this spine problem is in your C-Spine (neck) or upper T-Spine where you have the damaged disc(s) pressing on the nerve root.
You indicated you had the nerve test done? What did this show? Did it show any nerve damage?
Have you tried a good pain management clinic? I see a PHYSIATRIST Pain Management Doctor - they go deeper into pain management control based on individual patients needs.
http://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/what-physiatrist
They may be able to offer other treatment options.
Please let us know what you find out ~~
Take care~~
~~ Joy ~~
~~ Joy ~~
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painHi Ronim - welcome to the support group -<br /><br />first - what type of doctor have you seen?<br /><br />second - what exactly was the diagnosis and/or what did the written report show on the MRI?<br /><br />I trust you are seeing a spine specialist? Either a Orthopedic Spine Specialist or Neurosurgeon Spine Specialist are the best doctors to see and the only ones that can properly read spine MRI/CT Scan film reports<br /><br />You should get a couple of opinions from both types of doctors that way you know exactly what your options are and also they will give you treatment options if applicable. <br /><br />You did not state if this spine problem is in your C-Spine (neck) or upper T-Spine where you have the damaged disc(s) pressing on the nerve root.<br /><br />You indicated you had the nerve test done? What did this show? Did it show any nerve damage?<br /><br />Have you tried a good pain management clinic? I see a PHYSIATRIST Pain Management Doctor - they go deeper into pain management control based on individual patients needs.<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/what-physiatrist">http://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/what-physiatrist</a> <br /><br />They may be able to offer other treatment options.<br /><br />Please let us know what you find out ~~
I saw my PCP first then a neurosurgeon then a orthopedic specialist. The problem is C-5 and C-6 in my neck. Then travels down the left arm into hand. The nerve test showed damage in neck area that is why I had a second MRI with dye contrast. Went to pain MD who was giving me the injections they would work for a few days then stop. Went back to Ortho MD who suggested the surgery. Has anybody tried Loritabs?
Thanks Ronetta
Thanks Ronetta
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painI saw my PCP first then a neurosurgeon then a orthopedic specialist. The problem is C-5 and C-6 in my neck. Then travels down the left arm into hand. The nerve test showed damage in neck area that is why I had a second MRI with dye contrast. Went to pain MD who was giving me the injections they would work for a few days then stop. Went back to Ortho MD who suggested the surgery. Has anybody tried Loritabs?<br /> <br />Thanks Ronetta
backbreaking replied to Ronim's response:
Hello Ronim, sorry for the pain you are experiencing. My pain is in the lumbar area with pain in my hip and down my leg.
I've taken Lortabs but all they do for me is make me feel weird.
Take Care,
Brenda
I've taken Lortabs but all they do for me is make me feel weird.
Take Care,
Brenda
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painHello Ronim, sorry for the pain you are experiencing. My pain is in the lumbar area with pain in my hip and down my leg. <br />I've taken Lortabs but all they do for me is make me feel weird.<br /><br />Take Care,<br /><br />Brenda
hi again -
yes I was first put on lortabs back in 06 when my disc first blew out (splintered!!) and was on that til I had my operation in 2008 and was put on heavier narcotics.
Lortabs are a mild pain pill and they do come in different strengths.
Did you have a specific question?
yes I was first put on lortabs back in 06 when my disc first blew out (splintered!!) and was on that til I had my operation in 2008 and was put on heavier narcotics.
Lortabs are a mild pain pill and they do come in different strengths.
Did you have a specific question?
Take care~~
~~ Joy ~~
~~ Joy ~~
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painhi again -<br /><br />yes I was first put on lortabs back in 06 when my disc first blew out (splintered!!) and was on that til I had my operation in 2008 and was put on heavier narcotics.<br /><br />Lortabs are a mild pain pill and they do come in different strengths.<br /><br />Did you have a specific question?
No specific question just trying to find a medication that will work. I have tried soma, skelaxin, flexeril, and tramadol. Also the patches. All short term. Just want something that works. This pain is so much at times. It's radiating down my arm. My neck is throbbing. What are some meds that have worked for others?
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painNo specific question just trying to find a medication that will work. I have tried soma, skelaxin, flexeril, and tramadol. Also the patches. All short term. Just want something that works. This pain is so much at times. It's radiating down my arm. My neck is throbbing. What are some meds that have worked for others?
Hi Ronim, again~ LOL
what I can tell you is the pains from your back is different than the pains from the nerves that run down leg(s) and/or arm(s) (if in upper back/neck area).
It appears that you have been taking some muscle relaxers along with the pain pills (I do too) but as far as the nerve issue - pain pills and muscle relaxers will not touch nerve problems. there are 2 medications that will help those pains - I take Neurontin (Gabapentin is generic) and the other med is Lyrica - these have both been approved to help nerve issues.
I have permanent nerve damage in both legs (left is worse) and if I miss a dose I can tell as my pains etc will get worse in my legs.
You may want to discuss this with your pain doc and/or your surgeon and see what they say.
As far as the pain meds you should let the doctor that prescribed it know that these meds are not working well for you. it's hard to do this but you really cannot go in there and say I want this or that as sometimes it will make you look like a drug seeker. you just need to let him know that the meds are not helping with pains.
We are all different and pain meds work differently and/or some people may turn up to be allergic to certain meds.
hope this helps~~
what I can tell you is the pains from your back is different than the pains from the nerves that run down leg(s) and/or arm(s) (if in upper back/neck area).
It appears that you have been taking some muscle relaxers along with the pain pills (I do too) but as far as the nerve issue - pain pills and muscle relaxers will not touch nerve problems. there are 2 medications that will help those pains - I take Neurontin (Gabapentin is generic) and the other med is Lyrica - these have both been approved to help nerve issues.
I have permanent nerve damage in both legs (left is worse) and if I miss a dose I can tell as my pains etc will get worse in my legs.
You may want to discuss this with your pain doc and/or your surgeon and see what they say.
As far as the pain meds you should let the doctor that prescribed it know that these meds are not working well for you. it's hard to do this but you really cannot go in there and say I want this or that as sometimes it will make you look like a drug seeker. you just need to let him know that the meds are not helping with pains.
We are all different and pain meds work differently and/or some people may turn up to be allergic to certain meds.
hope this helps~~
Take care~~
~~ Joy ~~
~~ Joy ~~
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painHi Ronim, again~ LOL<br /><br />what I can tell you is the pains from your back is different than the pains from the nerves that run down leg(s) and/or arm(s) (if in upper back/neck area).<br /><br />It appears that you have been taking some muscle relaxers along with the pain pills (I do too) but as far as the nerve issue - pain pills and muscle relaxers will not touch nerve problems. there are 2 medications that will help those pains - I take Neurontin (Gabapentin is generic) and the other med is Lyrica - these have both been approved to help nerve issues.<br /><br />I have permanent nerve damage in both legs (left is worse) and if I miss a dose I can tell as my pains etc will get worse in my legs.<br /><br />You may want to discuss this with your pain doc and/or your surgeon and see what they say.<br /><br />As far as the pain meds you should let the doctor that prescribed it know that these meds are not working well for you. it's hard to do this but you really cannot go in there and say I want this or that as sometimes it will make you look like a drug seeker. you just need to let him know that the meds are not helping with pains.<br /><br />We are all different and pain meds work differently and/or some people may turn up to be allergic to certain meds.<br /><br />hope this helps~~
Yes I am aware the nerve pain is different in my neck and back. Sorry I forgot to meantion I am an LPN!!!! I am familiar with Gabapentin. Not as familiar with Lyrica though. Sorry you are dealing with your pain as well. Yes I will be calling my MD tomorrow. I have a good relationship with my PCP.
Take care,
Ronetta
Take care,
Ronetta
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painYes I am aware the nerve pain is different in my neck and back. Sorry I forgot to meantion I am an LPN!!!! I am familiar with Gabapentin. Not as familiar with Lyrica though. Sorry you are dealing with your pain as well. Yes I will be calling my MD tomorrow. I have a good relationship with my PCP. <br />Take care,<br />Ronetta
Hi Ronim - let us know what you find out ~~
Take care~~
~~ Joy ~~
~~ Joy ~~
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painHi Ronim - let us know what you find out ~~
hopefully that tens machine is giving yu some relief in the meantime. let us know how things woork out for you.
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painhopefully that tens machine is giving yu some relief in the meantime. let us know how things woork out for you.
I have a scheduled appt with my MD next monday. TENS machine gives mild relief. I ahve been using heat which helps too. I will keep you posted. Thanks!!!!
Report This| Share this:Herniated disc and pinched nerve painI have a scheduled appt with my MD next monday. TENS machine gives mild relief. I ahve been using heat which helps too. I will keep you posted. Thanks!!!!
Helpful Tips
marybear53
I have had relief from facet injections in my lower back. My pain management doctor told me that surgery is not, and will not be an option. ... More
Was this Helpful?
1
of
2 found this helpful
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit the Duke Health Spine Center
Other Back Pain Information
More Related Exchanges
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.