<human>: H ello Dr. My new primary dr. has taken me off tramadol. I have been on tramadol for 5 years. I have bulging discs. L1 thru L5. She says that she doesn t prescribe because people become addicted. Pain Mgmt. Dr. prescribed Gabapentin. This makes me groggy, brain fog, and unable to do daily shores. Further, I have had gastric by-pass surgery and have to be careful with certain medications. Do you have any ideas as to how to live more comfortably with back pain?
<bot>: Hello, Most probably it is due to spine related problems as in prolapsed disc or nerve compression. As a first line management, you can take analgesics like paracetamol or diclofenac for pain relief.  If symptoms persist, it is better to consult a physician and get evaluated.  In that case, an MRI scan is required for further assessment. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. 