Nerve pain..what the best way to shut it down..

[gm1kent]

Rob,

I too, had L4-5, L5-S1. Mine was 08/17/07. I wake up about 2am feels like my legs have ants crawling on them. I will either take a lortab or percocet which both seem to work. I also get up and do some stretching that helps but in the morning the back is sore.

Can I ask a question?

I had the disc replacement with a large bone spur that compressed the nerve as well and annular tear. I can go days ok not back to 100% but them wham the pain puts me down for a day. I guess this is normal. I have not been able to go back to the gym yet. I get so tired by the end of the day. I am able to work most of the week full days. I am hoping by my post op visit in January he will allow me at least going to the gym for some cardio and light weights doing reps only.

Thanks,

Martha

[dshobbies]

Rob,

I had extreme nerve damage and pain after my 3 level Prodisc. I started on Neurontin in the hospital eventually taking 2700mg daily. Several months ago, because of Neurontin's side effects, I switched to Lyrica, settling on 300mg. I found the side effects too difficult and my pm suggested accupunture which surprisingly worked great. I am now off of Lyrica, pain meds and muscle relaxers. For me, getting off the Lyrica was very difficult, even though I did it slowly. My stomache is still in knots though I am no longer dizzy or nauseous. The pain I am left with will hopefully be taken care of when I resume my accupunture. The next step is getting off of anti-inflams.

I agree with Maria that a pain management specialist might be a good choice in treating your pain. That's what they do.

Dale