Back Pain Forum - Using NSAID anti-inflammatory drugs to ease back pain

With the incresing weight and increasing time of strenuos theropy, and not yet getting the epidural injection that my doctor has recomended, to releive the swelling and therefore the pain, Could I be doing more damage since i have increased my meds and the time of the day that I spend on heat and ice, to cope with the pain?

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on January 23rd, 2009

Back Pain Answer A5494

Diagnosis that has been suggested: bulging and pertruding disc in L2 L3 L4 L5 and tear in L4 L5

Current medical treatment: Meds for anti inflamitory pain and muscle relaxers and Physical therapy ongoing for 6 1/2 months

Applying heat or ice on the affected area can cause muscle relaxation or temporary hypoesthesia. Too much heat or ice can damage only the skin. If the medications belong to the group of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), prolonged application can cause an inflammation of the stomach, which is discovered when pain in the upper abdomen occurs. You might consider consulting with your GP about taking anti-inflammatory drugs only after eating to decrease the effect of the hydrochloric acid on the stomach mucosa.

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