Cymbalta and Pain

Hi michele, welcome to the CP forum. I personally feel that your doctor's statement is a bunch of bologna. To say that one medication would solve all your problems and keep you out of pain seems no more scientifically based than the same claims made by quack salesman in the 1800's about all the "miracle" tonics available at the time. While it sounds like you might be getting some relief from your Cymbalta (at least that's what you've implied) it doesn't make sense to me that your doctor would think that it would cover all of your pain, 100% of the time. Most of us are lucky if we get 90% of the pain, covered 90% of the time, or something like that, and it is definitely from a multifaceted approach. There really is no one way to treat chronic pain, if that were true, none of us would have the daily struggle that most of us live with, in order to function on some nominal level throughout the day.

This is just my opinion, and maybe others might disagree, but I think when you get a doctor that is either that arrogant, or ignorant, it's time to see another doctor. I think, if nothing else, it would be a good idea to see a good pain management specialist who may be able to treat your pain with range of modalities, other than just a "this should fix everything" approach. You may also want to see a good board certified neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon for your back, who may also be able to offer more treatment for your back and what sounds to be sciatica.

I'm sure you're familiar with the boards enough to know that everyone has different opinions on things, but that's my opinion. I'm sure others will have some more input for you as well. Take care, and welcome. We'd love to have you stick around if you want, and join the 'family' here. Keep us posted on how you're doing, hope you can get some better relief from your issues.

Hello Michele, well I think your dr is just too full of himself. Pain can be a very complex problem and treating it can be the very same way. It would be wonderful for all of us if one medication took care of all of our pain,of course the drs probably would not be too happy, they would lose a lot of money no doubt.

Its your decision of course and you know how well you like this dr, but if it were me I would be looking for another dr. He is not giving good medical care in my opinion, thats a shame. Take care...Susie

From personal experience Cymbalta is often a good medication for treating nerve pain due to things like nerve damage, neuropathy, and also pain associated with fibro but it often falls short for treating other types of pain.

I was on Cymbalta for a couple of years for diabetic nerve pain and for that it worked great. Sadly though I also have pain due to herniated discs, spinal arthritis and stenosis, etc and the Cymbalta and other meds like it never touched it so I have to take other pain meds to help with that. On the flip side those meds I take for my back pain doesn't touch the nerve pain.

When dealing with pain medications it comes down to a few things. Different types/causes of pain require different treatment and most importantly it is what works for the individual.