Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hello.... tomorrow I am seeing an orthopaedic surgeon about back pain (L4-L5-SI), probably due to repetitive strain injury that got worse 5.5 years ago after a bad lift. I have nerve root damage, left leg/butt pain, muscle cramps in calve. On Lyrica almost a year, manage mostly with Advil. I can manage quite well, put up with a lot of chronic pain that varies from a 6-10 (10 being must take Advil and go to bed). I could probably just keep on living this way, but what really gets me down is that I have found it next to impossible to exercise consistently and regularly. Even Pilates!! Walking, cycling, yoga, pilates, Barr, ligth weight training, all cause flare ups to the point I end up having to completely stop exercising and get on NSAIDS (that don t really help). Basically I have less pain when I not active, once I get active I am experience a lot of soreness, pain which also interferes with my sleep. All this means I am not very active just to manage my chronic pain. So... I see a surgeon tomorrow... what are the top 5 questions I should ask him?? Thank you for your help. Chantal
[|AI|]  I have gone through your question and appreciate Your concern. You're suffering chronic back pain. First if u want to consult surgeon u should consult neurosurgeon. U can ask for MRI of spine done. U can also be advised for blood test. Tha cause that is diagnosis of your back pain should be made. Then treatment becomes easy and effective. General measures to improve the back pain are Avoid bending forward and lifting heavy Weights. Hot fomentation thrice a day. Muscle relaxants and analgesics for pain relief. Lie on flat hard bed. Local Analgesic gel for local application. Muscle strengthening exercises will help you In long term. Thanks. U can write me back for any query.