Low-dose Naltrexone for lower back pain

Posted by billweigle @billweigle, Feb 2, 2024

I have had low back pain for several years. It is at its worst when I get up in the morning. The only med that is currently working is tramadol 100 mg. If I take it when I get up and then use cold and heat on my back occasionally throughout the day and perhaps lie down with my legs propped up I can manage the pain though it does not go away. I want to get off tramadol and any other opioids. After reading online about low-dose Naltrexone being effective as an off-label use, I found a doctor who was familiar with it and got a prescription from a compounding pharmacy. I haven't taken it yet as the doctor said I should not take it along with tramadol. Also, tramadol works in 1-2 hours whereas I have read that Naltrexone may take many days, and I don't know how long I want to go without the tramadol while I am waiting to see if the Naltrexone will be effective in relieving the lower back pain. I would like to hear if anyone has experience with low-dose Naltrexone for lower back pain relief.

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bshiver | @bshiver | Mar 6 10:28am

My rheumatologist prescribed LDN for me.

mboc | @monicaboc | May 13 3:54pm

LDN (low dose naltrexone) has been used for over 20 years, off label, for chronic inflammation, pain and neuropathy. It's prescribed at extremely lower doses than that of an overdose victim. LDN is only available through a compound pharmacy. Doctors who prescribe it can be Rheumatologist, Neurologist, Chronic Pain Doctors i.e. functional/holistic doctors, Back and Spine surgeons, Physical Medicine Drs. It really is about the doctors education and experience with it. My rheumatologist prescribes it for rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. My neurologist prescribes it for chronic neuropathy and my functional medicine dr prescribes for arthritis, neuropathy and inflammation. That said, 20 years ago I tried it for Rheumatoid Arthritis when traditional medicines failed. At first I was instructed to take at night, it gave me insomnia. Then I started taking during the day. I had improved joint pain and tendonitis by about 40%. I did not have any other side effects. My dose was 1.5 mg, titer up to 4.5 mg over the course of 6 weeks. I remained on it for 5 years until I switched to biologics i.e. enbrel, humira and no longer needed it. Fast forward 20 years I now am getting ready to take it again, prescribed by my neurologist and functional medicine dr for neuropathy. Recent studies have shown very promising results for neuropathic pain. Drs always try neurontin, lyrica, elavil first. But if you can't tolerate those LDN is a good option for those who can afford the compounding. In the past I paid $70 for a 90 day supply. I do not know the current cost. Please know this medicine is commonly prescribed at low doses for multiple reasons. There are many studies and many patients who use it successfully. It did take about 2 weeks to start working on my arthritis. Not sure how long it will take for neuropathy. I've never used pain medication so not sure if there is something else you can use for pain until the LDN kicks in. But give it at least 2 weeks. Good luck.