After reading the list of risks, I am afraid to even take one tablet of either one. I certainly will not take a narcotic (Tramadol). I just wanted something MILD for irritating intermittent although regular pain (peraformis / sciatic nerve issue) over the last couple of months. It IS getting better although I don't want to take something that carries the risk of DEATH or heart attacks. Recommendations of something else / milder with less medical / health risks are appreciated.
I rarely take ANY meds being holistic in general. Although I am not hard nose about it. We need what we need. Thank you.
Alternating ice and heat is usually recommended.
I should do 2x/day. I am at least doing once.
I believe what I feel that irritates me is the sciatic nerve right under the piroformis. I am experiencing MOMENTS of no pain at all and then the irritating 'nerve pain' (?) comes back as a walk. It is not awful, it can hurt a bit and is a major nuisance and irritant. I am grateful that I finally asked for a DMV Placard for a couple of months. Although I REALLY NEEDED IT two months ago and never thought of it until a couple of weeks ago.
The way I feel now, I feel this pain / nerve 'din' will be with me forever.
I am used to being in excellent health (rarely ever had / have a back pain), am a slow jogger at 72, and a massage therapist (although that is very limited now to people sitting on a chair). No more crawling around a person either with them on a table or me / them on the floor doing shiastu. Gena
The box warnings on tramadol can sound scary, but legally those have to be there. It 's a favorite drug of some addicts, who like to snort or inject crushed up tablets. The box warnings reflect that, but it should be fine under the guidance of your healthcare provider. As you know, every med carries risks, even herbals, if taken injudiciously.
My experience, with a back pull, is that 25 mg of tramadol provided a good 6-8 hours of solid pain coverage without the grogginess and brain fog I'd experienced in the past from percocet. I could actually keep working, and initiate some mild stretching, rather than just sit on the couch in a bit of a fog. It seemed to work best with the addition of 250 mg of acetaminophen.
The naprosyn is basically a stronger ibuprofen...It never worked well for me because I'd take it on an empty stomach with coffee and it would make my stomach ache--my fault, but I was never a big breakfast person.
But really, it’s better to ask a doctor who knows you. I hope your pain goes away soon!