Do you have questions about chronic pain? Since many of our readers do, each month I will answer a few of them. Here are this month's questions and answers... 1. Corticosteroids for fibromyalgia? Full question and answer. 2. Scoliosis from a spinal injury? Full question and answer. 3. Why doesn’t ER take pain seriously? Full... Read more
Full Question:I suffer with severe piriformis syndrome. I have had the steroid injections, physical therapy, etc. but nothing has worked. Are there any other therapies for this? – RKGAnswer:Dear RKG:Sometimes, I use Botox/Myobloc injections for this painful syndrome. In addition, intravenous lidocaine, ketamine, propofol, and... Read more
Full Question:I was diagnosed with spinal arachnoiditis a year and a half ago. I have excruciating pain! What can you tell me about this disorder? – NicolettiAnswer:Dear Nicoletti:I’m certain you can look up more information on arachnoiditis than I can put into this answer. Suffice it to say that arachnoiditis... Read more
Full Question:Why doesn’t the emergency room take chronic pain issues seriously? They make me feel like a worthless drug addict! – Kristi Answer: Dear Kristi:One thing to understand is that the mission of the emergency room is to not miss life threatening diseases or problems. That puts pain and headache fairly... Read more