Failed surgical therapy for chronic back pain and sciatica may be due to hypofunction of the sympathetic nervous system.

PURPOSE: To describe a distinctive pharmacological treatment for chronic pelvic pain and sciatica after spinal surgery with a laminectomy and spinal fusion failed to provide relief.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Dextroamphetamine suflate was prescribed to a woman with a history of chronic back pain which was attributed to a ruptured disc. The pain was still unbearable after surgery.

RESULTS

After adjusting dosage, within three months of the correct dose, 25 mg twice a day, relief was provided and has persisted for ten months.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic pelvic pain and sciatica both may be symptoms of hypofunction of the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, with other pain symptoms, this can be effectively treated with sympathomimetic amines.