Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am having symptoms that exist with the following. Muscles pull against each other in my neck and lower spine. I have tension running up my head from the neck and down my left arm. I have horrible pain in the flanks and sciatica down both legs and lower back.
The doctor prescribed Gabapentin 300 mg, Baclofen 10 mg daily, Tramadol 50 mg two to eight times a day, and iron supplements. Furomiside 20 mg a day. Tizanidine one to three at night.
The following MRI report on my neck.
MRI cervical spine findings,
Sagittal T1W and T2W and T2W spin echo and T2 W gradient echo images were obtained.
At all other levels, normal appearances are demonstrated.
Conclusion.
There is a broad-based bulge of C5 and C6, which I suspect slightly compresses the left C6 nerve root. No cause is demonstrated for the right-sided symptoms, however.
My Lower back image results are as follows.
MRI spinal Lumbarsacral.
Technique routine multiplanar, multisequence imaging of the lumbar spine, including a sagittal STIR sequence.
Conclusion.
So my question is, what does all this mean, and what are my options, cause I am in horrible pain every single solitary day, and this has been going on well over the last two years with the lower back.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Your cervical and lumbar spine MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) reports indicate chronic spine degeneration. There is no indication for surgery. I would not suggest taking Tramadol and Baclofen for a long time, as they can cause addiction and tolerance if taken for a long time. I would suggest increasing the dose of Gabapentin up to 2100 mg daily (seven tablets) and performing a lot of physiotherapies. Another option would be Amitriptyline.
I hope you find it helpful.
Kind regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
They gave me 2400 mg and 900 milligrams of Gabapentin, so I am on 3100 mg already. I have done physiotherapy, I have done acupuncture, and I have done a chiropractor, and I have had numerous epidural injections. None of this explains why I am constantly tremoring on the left-hand side of my body.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
The constant tremor could be related to nerve damage.
It is important to consult with your neurologist for a physical examination to investigate other possible neurological signs (the type of tremor, reflexes, and the muscle tonus) to have a complete idea of what is happening with you.
I would suggest performing a nerve conduction study to examine your nerves and some blood lab tests to investigate for the possible causes of tremors:
Meanwhile, I would suggest discussing with your doctor the possibility of adding Duloxetine to your therapy (Amitriptyline may cause further fatigue).
Switching from Gabapentin to Pregabalin may be a treatment option.
Avoid taking Baclofen and Tramadol for a long period. They may exacerbate your condition.
I hope you find it helpful.
Kind regards.
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Answered byDr. Aida Abaz Quka
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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