Pain Relief for The Highly Allergic in Vacaville

If you are allergic to true aspirin in Vacaville, there is a possibility that you are also allergic to several other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, and others. It is possible to have all three components of the triad asthma, otherwise known as "aspirin triad". Triad asthma is manifested with asthma, allergic rhinitis (runny nose), and urticaria, which is an itchy, round, raised rash (welts). Polyps can also develop later on in the nose. Even though acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not classified as an NSAID, it can still trigger an aspirin-like sensitivity.

It is often possible to desensitize a patient to aspirin, but this desensitization will only last for two to four days. For those with severe asthma, it is best to avoid this type of drugs, meaning all NSAIDs.

The structure of the spine creates a tube, or spinal canal, that spans along the length of the spine. Our spine consists of 7 bones (vertebrae) in the neck, the cervical portion; 12 vertebrae in the thoracic portion, the chest part; 5 in the sacral portion and 5 in the lumbar portion. The spinal canal is where the spinal cord, the continuation of the brain, is located. It usually ends at the level of the first or second lumbar vertebrae. Nerve roots emerge from the spinal cord, in which they branch out to the different parts of our body.

As we grow old, the spinal canal in the mid-to-lower area may start becoming narrow due to the bone overgrowth caused by osteoarthritis, or from thickening of ligaments. This narrowing is known as spinal stenosis and it may not cause any problems, or it may constrict and put pressure on the nerve roots. When it happens, it can sometimes cause pain and at times, with prolonged and severe pressure on the roots, can come with neurological symptoms of skin numbness and muscle weakness. If the root compression has went on for too long, it could make them thin, and the numbness and weakness may not be reversible.

Pain Management in Vacaville

Pain management is important so that the patient can function normally, and the first common recommendation is to take acetaminophen or NSAIDs. For a more bothersome pain, the following measures can be taken:

Narcotic analgesics (pain killers) like codeine and oxycodone can be used for 7 to 10 days but are not ideal to take for long periods of time since they can induce constipation and dry mouth, may cause lightheadedness, and even put you at risk of habituation or addiction.

You can also undergo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, where electrodes are applied on the skin and are attached to a battery-operated source of low-grade electrical current. This electrical current will interrupt with your pain sensations and will relieve it.

If the spinal stenosis becomes too severe to cause nerve root pressure with numbness and weakness, and epidural injections are not doing any good, then surgery is recommended before the nerve roots atrophy becomes irreversible.

For those who requires more help for their pain, then we at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine are always happy to help. Just give us a call at (707) 474-5688 to schedule an appointment today.