[Moreta]

I can't take it anymore. My back muscles just throb and spasm all day. Add that on top of the lower back pain I have and I'm gonna go crazy. I take Tramadol, Meloxicam, Skelaxin, and Gabapentin.

Is there a stronger muscle relaxer than Skelaxin? I think I need my gabapentin increased as well.

I'm going to the drs at 8 am tomorrow, cause I told him it was an emergency. My pain level is about a 9 right now, and it's so hard to work like this. I just want to sit at my desk and cry.

I really wish i didn't get addicted to narcotics, but it happens every damn time. That's why my back dr won't give me the good stuff.

Any insight would help.

[Leesa]

I wish I had seen this yesterday or the day before, but I've been bedridden.

What did the doc end up giving you? I was going to suggest he switch you to something different that Gabapentin -- I HATED that stuff and it never worked for me. Plus the muscle relaxer that worked well for me was Soma, but it CAN be addictive. And all Tramadol ever did for me was give me a Migraine from hell!

I really feel for you. I hope your doc gave you SOMETHING to help with your pain. Let us know will you? God bless & please take care. Hugs, Lee

[Dr. Smith]

Hi Moreta,

I've read through your previous posts. What, exactly, is the problem (dx) in your back? Have you had any physical therapy? Myofascial triggerpoint therapy? TENS? Other?

Skelaxin isn't the strongest muscle relaxer, nor is it the mildest, but that may not be relevant. Since people respond differently to meds, a mild relaxer can affect some people as much as a strong one can affect others and vice versa. Also, Skelaxin works best when taken with food.

If you have a problem with narcotics, be aware that muscle relaxers can become addictive as well, and can have similar tolerance issues.

Doc

[Pendora]

Hi Moreta,
I know how bad the muscle cramps and soreness can be. Have you tried lidoderm (Lidocaine) patch? I know it sure does help with my muscle soreness! And if cost is an issue you could ask the pharmacy for ointment instead of the patches. It doesn't take all the pain away but takes the edge off at least. I used to take flexeril but it made me too tired so I was switched over to zanaflex and that seems to work out better for me. I hope you get to feeling better soon!

[corsair6477]

I have had for the last 4 months a lower lumbar problem. My lower back muscles throb with pain when I try to walk. The worse part is sitting down and then getting up to walk. The pain level is 10, not 9. I now have a cane to try and walk. I fell on a concrete step edge. No cracks or torn muscles I'm told with x-ray. I do not understand why this pain won't go away? I have taken Naproxen 500mg (1250mg at a time), aspirin you name it. All of which is OTC except the Naproxen. Helps a bit but never, ever goes away. I have also tried deep massage therapy, chiropractor and acupuncture...you name it.
THE HARDEST IS TRYING TO GO TO WORK IN SO MUCH PAIN AND TRYING TO FAKE IT TO EVERYONE? DOES NOT WORK....I AM CRYING IN PAIN. ALL I CAN DO IS COME TO THIS FORUM AND WRITE ABOUT IT. I JUST NEED SOME RELIEF, JUST FOR A MOMENT. I KNOW OTHER PEOPLE HAVE IT WORSE THAN ME AND I AM SO SORRY FOR THEM, I CAN NOT EVEN IMAGINE HOW THEY DO IT?
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY OTHER IDEA OF WHAT I COULD TAKE TO HELP WITH SOME OF THIS PAIN?
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND ANYONE IN PAIN!

[Jomar]

Have you tried a TENS, or IF stim?

If you only had x rays , might be time for MRI or CT scan...

Did the chiro have his own x rays, or did he only do adjusting?
The chiro I went to did soft tissue work and had IF stim, & low level laser - also called soft or cold laser.

But if nothing shows as broke or misaligned or impinging on nerves, it could be soft tissue and/or trigger points.. My chiro did trigger point work too..