Any suggestions on how to calm it down. My doctor gave me one week's worth of robaxin as a muscle relaxer. Should I combine this with cold pack or heating pad? It is worse in the morning after waking up and of course I have to get myself to work. Thanks for any suggestions.
Responses (4)
Anonymous 6 Apr 2012
Hi rodlang,
Alternating heat and cold may help the pain a bit.
Did your doc mention any medications for nerve pain, such as gabapentin (neurontin) or Lyrica? One of those medications may help greatly with the pain. I certainly hope the robaxin takes care of your pain though.
Best wishes to you,
sweet lemon
Anonymous 6 Apr 2012
Usually this type of pain results from an injury or strain to your lower back. Your back may not hurt, but the pain can radiate down the buttocks, & into the leg. Could you have strained recentley by bending & lifting something heavy or move furniture or something to this extent? It could be coming from your back, & the others are right with heat & cold alternating. You could try using a heating pad on your lower back & hip. This is what relieves mine the best, & Ive' had it for 44 years from a failed back surgery. Another problem can be a strain of the pitiformus(sp) muscle in your buttocks. The sciatic nerve runs thru this large muscle, & sometimes flares up from being pinched. I would suggest using the robaxin with heat, & if it doesn't settle down in a week or so ask your doctor about your lower back, & a referral to a neurologist or a neuro work up to rule out a slipped or ruptured disc in your back.
rodlang
9 Apr 2012
Thank you for the very detailed response. I don't recall straining my back but I'm starting to feel some twinges on the right lower side. So far, the robaxin isn't helping. I suspect I will need a further work up with x-ray or mri or whatever they do in these cases.
7 Apr 2012
I would suggest seeing a physical therapist to get appropriate stretches, and you need to start walking EVERY DAY.
exercise and stretches is only way to keep this in check.
if you can't walk 45 minutes/day, then work up to it.
stretches and walking is only way to keep pain away.
also it's good for over all health
taking pain pills and muscle relaxers will really mess you up.
I've kept sciatica at bay for almost 30 yrs, so I stand behind this advice
rodlang
9 Apr 2012
Sounds like very good advise. At this point, stretching the right leg causes significant pain so I have to work up to it. Walking is not as bad. In fact, being active helps and sleeping or sitting makes it worse.
26 Jun 2012
daily walks on flat outside surface of 45 minutes/day is the best treatment for sciatica. It will take a couple weeks, but if you keep it up at least 4 times a week, be careful how you bend and lift things, you should be able to keep it at bay. I have for 27 years.
when you have a flare up, icing is good.
also, don't sleep on your back; sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees
since it's your right side, driving may contribute; make sure your seat is at a complete right angle to the back
rodlang
27 Jun 2012
I've been getting physical therapy and the stretching/strength exercises seem to be helping. And walking, as you indicate. Good advice. Sometimes I get lazy and sit around too much and it flares up, so have to keep up with the walking and exercises.
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Thank you for your kind reply. My doctor did not mention any meds for nerve pain but if this doesn't improve soon, I will go back and discuss with him.
Hi Roadlang
Appart from pills I tried the heat and cold packs light stretching and a Tenns machine. I've had 3 surgeries for my back. And also Epidurals demirol etc. couldn't live with out my Tenns. Light exercise and swimming in a heated pool. Normal GPs didn't really help. I had to see a pain specialist. I hope u find relief soon. I know how debilitating a bad back can be. All the best. Tezzy