In August 2012 I went through an L4 S1 decompression and fusion operation for Spondylolisthesis. After the operation the nerve pains in my legs and feet for the first year were truly horrific; thereafter the nerve pains reduced and were much less and easily manageable, over the last 12 months I have had night time pains / spasms in my back and after I am forced to rise from bed I have pains in my feet which are now very severe. I have attended a pain clinic - visits to them are very rare and have been of no use, I have had a further MRI scan and the surgeon there has no idea what is causing the pains and has no idea how to reduce them. I have been on a variety of painkillers ranging from tramadol to tapentadol and more besides, the only treatment I take that helps is Pregabalin.
I have mentioned Nerve Root Blocks to my doctor as yet they have not come back to me and I have no idea if this or anything else will help.
I hope this post might reach somebody who has had similar problems and might be able to help me.
Hi,
So sorry to hear your plight. If pregabalin helps then that kind of indicates a nerve based problem still?
Have you looked at which nerve root s feed the painful areas of your feet?
Hi Maurice,
I'm sorry to hear about your pains and aware that helps little with the nerve pain which I have history of. Usually pain in the feet and none higher up means a section of the disc is touching the nerve with minimal pressure (aware that helps little). If its was a disc rupture or bulge a more prominent full leg pain would be occurring). Its probable a nerve root block would help as a "pinch" is easier for the nerve block to resolve than a rupture/bulge.
Have you been to a swimming pool? Not to swim, just to float. I used to do this in the 8-9pm session before bed at my local pool. Being 1/3 your weight helps albeit a short term relief. One thing i would point out i found only in the last few months was you can pay for a nerve root block. Its about £150. I know people dont want to pay for what is free on the nhs but if you have the means then a possible considerations (money obviously impacting on ability).
If pregablins working asking your dr for amitriptylene. No addictive side effects like pregablin and a superb nerve relaxer. I used to alternate between the 2 for best relief
Hi Maurice,
If pregablins working asking your dr for amitriptylene. No addictive side effects like pregablin and a superb nerve relaxer. I used to alternate between the 2 for best relief
What addictive side effects?
A lot of the medications associated with neuropathic pain produce a euphoric feeling in the body. Like many chronic pain sufferers that elation can become addictive to emulate (this is why heroine users seek the never ending high which is only achievable the first few times, they are addicts but do it to emulate that feeling). The gabapentinoids are a growing drug amongst those who can't afford class drugs but want that high feeling.