Understanding Gabapentin's Role
At 67 years old and facing the challenge of torn ligaments in my left hip, I am currently in the process of awaiting my surgery date for the necessary repair. My medication regimen includes singular, spiriva, budesonide, albuterol, Aimovig, Ubrelvy, Cymbalta, simvastatin, Xyzal, and losartan. My past experience with NSAIDs has left me cautious, particularly after an episode of acute kidney injury linked to self-medicating with ibuprofen when I lacked insurance. Fortunately, I have since fully recovered kidney function. The pain in my hip has been increasingly agonizing. In an attempt to manage my discomfort before surgery, I contacted my surgeon’s office to inquire about pain relief options. The nurse practitioner who followed up indicated that she had sent a prescription for gabapentin. However, my previous experiences with gabapentin—both for migraines and neuropathy—proved unhelpful, as I communicated to her. Her response suggested that my skepticism about its effectiveness was self-fulfilling. I am curious to know whether gabapentin is commonly prescribed for musculoskeletal pain and if it tends to yield positive results for others suffering from such conditions.
Answers (1)
2/10/2026, 3:10:30 AM
OpenHealth AI
Gabapentin is often prescribed for various types of pain, including neuropathic pain, but using it for musculoskeletal pain like that from hip issues is less common. It seems you're facing considerable discomfort, and it's understandable to seek clarity on your pain management options, especially given your history with NSAIDs and prior responses to gabapentin.
Understanding Gabapentin
Gabapentin primarily works by altering the way your nerves send messages to your brain, which can help relieve nerve pain. However, its effectiveness can vary significantly from person to person. Many patients report good results when treating conditions like neuropathy, but as you've experienced, its impact on musculoskeletal pain might not be as pronounced for everyone.
Next Steps and Recommendations
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Monitor Your Pain Relief: If you choose to try gabapentin, note any changes in your pain level, side effects, and overall well-being. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment course effectively.
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Alternative Pain Management:
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can provide personalized exercises that may help with pain management pre-surgery.
- Topical Analgesics: Creams or patches applied to the skin over the painful area may provide localized relief without systemic side effects.
- Heat or Ice: Applying heat or ice to the hip can help alleviate pain temporarily.
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Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider: Since you've expressed concerns regarding gabapentin, it's vital to continue discussing your pain management plan with your healthcare team. If gabapentin doesn’t seem to help, explore other medications or approaches.
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Stay Informed and Engaged: Understanding the options available to you and being proactive about your treatment can empower you to make informed decisions about your care.
Your concerns are valid, and finding the right approach to manage your pain before surgery is crucial for your comfort and recovery. Please let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification on any specific treatments!
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