I am 18 with multiple sclerosis and severe back pain my neurologist won't prescribe me anything for the pain. find another doctor? what to do?

Cause: Find another doctor and first determine the cause of your pain.

Neuromuscular : Ask your doctor if he knows why you have severe back pain and what can you do to alleviate the pain. If not able to provide adequate remedy then ask if he would refer you to someone who could help you with the pain. Your doctor may be focused on the ms part of your condition and he may feel more comfortable having someone else handling your back pain. Hope you feel better soon.

Need clarification: Is your neurologist really prescribing nothing or has s/he tried things and they haven't worked and s/he isn't sure what else to prescribe. Some patients need to work with a pain management specialist along with their ms specialist. If s/he has truly not tried anything then a second opinion may be helpful. We often use seizure meds and antidepressants to help with pain.

Pain management: There are many types of pain in ms, and many ways to deal with pain. Prescription meds can certainly help; ask your doctor for referral to a pain management specialist. Non-pharmacological measures include licensed massage, stretching & calisthenics, low-impact aerobic exercise, hot damp compresses on affected muscles, Alpha lipoic acid 400mg 3x/day, and hobbies. Good luck treating your pain!

Your choice: If you have MS, you should be taking specific disease agent. Not on your med list. Your doctor may have good reason to not prescribe pain meds, and you ought to discuss his rationale. If you are not happy, get another opinion.

Consider pain referr: Some physicians are not comfortable using narcotic medications secondary to the possibilities if tolerance and addiction. Consider asking to be referred to a pain specialist.. That way, your neurologist can still treat you for the MS and the pain doctor will be able to focus in getting you more comfortable.