H ello Dr. My new primary dr. has taken me off tramadol. I have been on tramadol for 5 years. I have bulging discs. L1 thru L5. She says that she doesn t prescribe because people become addicted. Pain Mgmt. Dr. prescribed Gabapentin. This makes me groggy, brain fog, and unable to do daily shores. Further, I have had gastric by-pass surgery and have to be careful with certain medications. Do you have any ideas as to how to live more comfortably with back pain?
Hello, Most probably it is due to spine related problems as in prolapsed disc or nerve compression. As a first line management, you can take analgesics like paracetamol or diclofenac for pain relief.  If symptoms persist, it is better to consult a physician and get evaluated.  In that case, an MRI scan is required for further assessment. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.