Q: I was interested in your column regarding degenerative disc disease and the lady who said she had got help with herbal remedies. Do you know what they are? I had back surgery for a herniated disc, which was “botched” and left me with six times the normal amount of scar tissue, and I have pain every day. It is controlled somewhat by the medications I take, which are: Hydromorphine, Dilaudid, glucosamine, Ibuprofen, Arthrotec, Diazepam and Amytriptyline. I have also tried touch therapy and chiropractic, which seem to help.
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A: I had several different letters asking for details of the herbal remedy. Unfortunately, the woman who wrote the previous letter did not give me the names. I am guessing that she may have been referring to glucosamine and chondroitin, which are not strictly herbs, but are natural substances that have been used in the treatment of osteoarthitis.
I have also heard that drinking lots of green (Chinese) tea can have an anti-inflammatory effect in arthritic conditions. Perhaps that is why the Orientals live to a good old age, and do not seem to suffer as much from arthritis as Westerners. However they are more prone to brittle bones, or osteoporosis.
Both glucosamine and chondroitin are supposed to help build up damaged cartilage in the joints, but glucosamine can take several months at least to start to take effect. Chondoitin has not yet been proven to be effective.
Touch therapy has been shown to be quackery and any relief you get is merely a placebo effect. On the other hand, a placebo can also be useful for psychological reasons. If you believe in it, then it may help the pain.
As I mentioned in the earlier column, there is always a risk of a buildup of scar tissue following back surgery. This does not mean that the procedure was botched, but some people seem more prone to scarring.
Judging by the amount of medications you are on, you must be a walking zombie. If you aren’t already addicted to the narcotics and tranquilizers, you soon will be. Elvis Presley used to be addicted to Dilaudid, which is an opiate. I am also worried about the use of both Ibuprofen and Arthrotec, as both are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. It is better to take just the Arthrotec, as it also contains some stomach protecting substance to help prevent gastro-intestinal bleeding.
You may be suffering from chronic pain syndrome that is notoriously difficult to treat.
I am sorry I cannot be more helpful, but you may need to seek specialist help from a psychiatrist, a neurologist, or another orthopedic surgeon.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont. Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding medical questions and treatments.
