medical asst.

[ronni2013]

I have lower back pain and my mom gave me a lidoderm patch 5%..can I use it along with lisinopril/hctz 20/25 and bystolic 10mg?

[jemma116]

caregiver222 we are not here to argue what imaging is the best.  In the UK a patient cannot dictate to the doctor to what type of imaging they want and it is always up to the doctor or consultant/specialist to decide what type of imaging is suitable for the problem in hand.

Sometimes back pain can be from a urinary infection, menstruation in women, muscle or other soft tissue problems, slipped disc and different types of arthritis and bone problems.

This forum is not meant for arguing about xrays, and xraying child-bearing women.

[caregiver222]

An x-ray taken of a female of child bearing age exposed her eggs to radiation that can potentially cause a mutation leading to a genetic defect. The probability is exceedingly small, but it exists. There is no such thing as a "harmless "pelvix  x-ray of a female of child-bearing age. If a person is over child-bearing age this is a different calculus. In addition the x-rays provide a crummy image that is of not much use in differential diagnosis. The definitive method of diagnosis nremains the MRI, which does not in any way endanger the eggs of the female. To state "the doctor will decide what information is required" is meaningless.

[jemma116]

In an acute attack of pain causing physical shock in any part of the body, rest is an essential part of first aid.  It can do no harm when done for a short time and often it does much good.

In an acute attack of a painful back lying flat may be the best course of action for the first few days.  Resting too long though will make recovery slower and never fully recover due to stiffness.

Any person that I have come across with a bad back and even those with an acute bad back due to slipped disc (quick onset of sever pain), heat and massage has helped.  

Chronic pain is pain that has lasted longer than a few months and never stops, but can still cause acute flare ups and then subside and continue.

It depends on the doctor to which type of imaging he/she sends the patient to and what type of information is required.  Normal xrays may be phasing out, but they are not completely obsolete just yet.  

[caregiver222]

In general, the patch is to be worn only at night. It anesthetizes the nerve, which eliminates pain, but this means you walk about and further irritate the nerve junction. At night you are asleep and not moving.  In the United States, when a teenager walks in with what is allegedly his/her own urine it signifies they are avoiding a drug test. This is not the category you want to be in. Usually these back problems are self-limiting and with bed rest for a few days, resolve. An ordinary NSAID such as Motrin will help.  There are specific exercises that help. but they are difficult to learn and at least one visit with a physical therapist is useful. Chiropracter's help. but in the U.S. they are generally not affiliated with hospitals and do not have access to an MRI. The x-ray is an obsolete form of evaluation.

[caregiver222]

The transdermal patch provides pain relief to a certain universe of sciatic patients, but should not be used more than 12 hours at a time. Exercise of any form is contraindicated without consult with a physical rehab therapist. Hot compresses are often presribed, but this is also inappropriate, as the heat causes swelling and further nerve compression. An x-ray is not an appropriate form of modern diagnosis. An MRI of the lumbar region L1-L5 is in order. It is not appropriate to bring a urine sample with you. It should be taken at the facilility. Generally there are two causes for nthe pain. Lumbar disc compression or a strain of the piriformus muscle. Both produce essentially the same symptoms. An electrical TENS device is useful in controlling pain without medication. Meanwhile sleep with a pillow between your legs, avoid any lifting, and if you ride in a car or train sit on an inflatable pillow.

[jemma116]

To be honest, you should not be taking any medications prescribed for other people.

Lidoderm is prescribed for people who have nerve pain due to shingles.  And there are precautions that need to be followed using this medication as well as any side effects taken into account.

If you are experiencing lower back pain you should see your doctor to confirm what is the cause.  It may be that you have arthritis in your back, it could be from bladder or bowel problems and in women from womb problems.

You can take paracetamol (pain relief) medication as prescribed on the packet or by your doctor.  Apply heat, by either wrapping a scarf around, or putting a hot water bottle on the area.  Doing gentle exercises will help so that you do not become stiff and unable to move.

It is important for you to be examined by the doctor to find the cause of the pain in the lower back so that it can be treated appropriately.  The doctor may send you for an xray to see if there is any degenerative changes in the back.  Take a urine sample with you when you go to see your doctor.

Most importantly, no matter how well meaning, never take other people's medications.  

Best wishes.