neurologic disorders
Nerve Root Disorders
Treatment of Nerve Root Disorders
Treatment of the cause and of pain Surgery (as a last resort) Specific causes of nerve root disorders are treated. Acute painrequires appropriate analgesics (eg,acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], sometimes opioids). NSAIDs are particularly useful for disorders that involve inflammation. Muscle relaxants, sedatives, and topical treatments rarely provide additional benefit. If symptoms are not relieved with nonopioid analgesics, corticosteroids can be given systemically or as an epidural injection; however, analgesia tends to be modest and temporary.Methylprednisolonemay be given, tapered over 6 days, starting with 24 mg orally once a day and decreased by 4 mg a day. Treatment can be difficult; If the pain is intractable or if progressive weakness or sphincteric dysfunction suggest spinal compression, surgical decompression may be necessary. 