The Pain Source

By Chris Faubel, MD -- Meralgia paresthetica is a mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), most commonly caused by entrapment as it passes underneath the inguinal ligament.

The following information is NOT meant to be used to treat yourself or patients. Generic name = Meloxicam Trade name = Mobic Class = anti-inflammatory MOA Blocks cyclooxygenase (COX-1 & COX-2) and thus production of prostaglandins Thought to inhibit COX-2 more than COX-1 (click...

The following information is NOT meant to be used to treat yourself or patients Generic name = Diclofenac Trade name = Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, Voltaren gel, Arthrotec, Flector patch Class = anti-inflammatory MOA Blocks cyclooxygenase (COX-1 & COX-2) and thus production of prostaglandins Advantages ...

The following information is NOT meant to be used to treat yourself or patients Generic name= Naproxen Trade name = Aleve, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn, Naprelan Class = anti-inflammatory MOA Blocks cyclooxygenase (COX-1 & COX-2) and thus production of prostaglandins Advantages Relatively inexpensive as generic Available OTC Least cardiovascular...

The following information is NOT meant to be used to treat yourself or patients Generic name = Ibuprofen Trade name = Advil, Motrin Class = anti-inflammatory MOA Blocks cyclooxygenase (COX-1 & COX-2) and thus production of prostaglandins Advantages Relatively inexpensive as generic Available over-the-counter Dosing 50, 100, 200, 300, 400,...

By Azlan Tariq, D.O. -- Technological advances now allow for improved measurements of lumbar intradiscal pressures during various positions and activities. This data is particularly important for spinal research, but also for formulating advice to give to patients with discogenic low back pain. See what the new data shows, and how it differs from the research conducted in the 1960s and 70s.

By Chris Faubel, MD -- Although once thought to have no innervation and therefore unable to produce pain, the intervertebral disc has been found quite well innervated. It is still believed that only the outer 1/3 of the disc has innervation, though some have found nerve endings much deeper (especially in diseased/damaged discs).

The following information is NOT meant to be used to treat yourself or patients Generic name = Carisoprodol (kar eye soe proe' dole) Trade name = Soma Class = muscle relaxant MOA Unknown Disadvantages May cause dependence because of the metabolite, meprobamate Dosing Strengths:...

The following information is NOT meant to be used to treat yourself or patients Generic name = Methocarbamol Trade name = Robaxin Class = muscle relaxant MOA Unknown General CNS depression Advantages Relatively inexpensive IM/IV options Dosing 500, 750-mg pills 1500-2000 mg PO q6...

The following information is NOT meant to be used to treat yourself or patients Generic name = Metaxalone (me tax' a lone) Trade name = Skelaxin Class = muscle relaxant MOA Thought to cause general CNS depression Dosing 800-mg pills 800 mg PO tid/qid ...