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.