osteoarthritis: i need your help in pain management please!

gogigi

what aids or equipment do you find helpful in managing lower back pain/osteoarthritis or any related lower back pain conditions.
any specific exercises, remedies or such...? I am looking for anything to help manage the pain really  

 thank you for reading and any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

SueHeath

Morning @gogigi Bless you it's not nice being in constant pain, i have been a long time suffer and during the years i have tried lots of things and herbal remedies, in fact i have probably spent a fortune trying to find a magic cure ha ha.
We all have our different reliefs as in heat or cold creams/gels/pads i use a lot of cold remedies, but it is all trial and error. Have a look at the Forums Categories you will find lots of chats on pain management and other peoples views.
In the past i have had great success with acupuncture and i also try to keep up with some off the exercises the physio has given me. Good luck in your venture.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @gogigi

I'm so sorry you have been in pain Can I ask if you feel you've gotten everything from your GP?

I've started to have issues with the joints in my knee, saw the physio and my GP sent me a whole host of printable exercises to go through. May be worth asking if they have anything like that they could email or send out to you? If you haven't gone down that route already  

chiarieds

Hi @gogigi - you may find the following exercises demonstrated by a physio on the NHS website worth trying. Do ignore the title, as these are just gentle exercises that help with lower back pain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnAIoOlIuo8

As mentioned, it may also be worth asking your GP to refer you for physio.

rebel11

Speak to your Doctor first, maybe consider turmeric supplements (check the ingredients) and turmeric oil (apply on the area).  Always check with your Doctor. Might help.  

gogigi

thank you so much everyone!

ShirleyW

I suffer from osteoarthritis in most of my joints.

I find that gentle yoga can help and meditation techniques are good too.  Especially with helping you to sleep better.

meymay93

Hi 
I have same problem all over my body joint pain what I can do if any one help me my neighbours give my tablet because I forget if I take or not but some time If I have tablet take all to be pain of 

SueHeath

Hi @meymay93 i had the same problem with taking my meds, i have to write the time down now on each of my box's, as sometimes, as you say, when you are in constant pain you can doubt yourself if you have taken your meds.

meymay93

Hi 
I have blister pack but I had harm my self  forget tablet my neighbours  said I have to give tablet now she came give my tablet 

SueHeath

Thanks for the insight @meymay93 i hope your feeling pain free at the moment, i know it's not very nice some days,

meymay93

Hi 
Every morning very stiff pain joint bad pain wheather not help at all is well 

topper

Hi , have you tried High Strength Glucosamine and Chondroitin Complex, with Vitamin C. You can get 180 in a tub from H@b

SueHeath

Don't forget if your going to try any supplements you have to check if you can take them safely with your meds.
I have tried lots of different supplements, get mine from Healthspan online, good qaulity. 
I can't take any of the Glucosamine products, they affect my stomuck. 

Community_Scope

Hello,

We just want to remind users that if you are having any issues and are looking for medical help, to speak with you GP, pharmacist, ring 111 or ring 999. We understand people will share what works for them but please always recommend speaking to medical professionals in case of any medication or illness related interactions.

Thank you

Online Community Team.

meymay93

Hi 
Thank you so much I tried lot thing pain killer couple hour ok then starded again 

ShirleyW

SueHeath said:

Don't forget if your going to try any supplements you have to check if you can take them safely with your meds.
I have tried lots of different supplements, get mine from Healthspan online, good qaulity. 
I can't take any of the Glucosamine products, they affect my stomuck. 

I've never been able to take Glucosamine Chondoitin either.  Tried a couple of times over the years but it caused stomach pain and weirdly more joint pains.

katwater51

Hi @gogigiI have constant pain, here are all the management items I know - feel free to ask any questions, also all of these are googlable. Some thtinhs work better for different people because each person is different, so it’s really an experiment. 
1. Gentle movement (such as mindful movement), beware of traditional physiotherapy exercises when your pain is very bad - sometimes you push through pain caused by the exercises to try to improve and it just makes things worse. This video is great https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tuQngCHfrvk
2. Listen to your body. Try to know when the pain is getting unbearable and stop whatever you’re doing. NHS has lots of guidance on “Pacing.”
3. Rest! No doctor/physio will tell you but it’s really the only pain relief! In a comfortable posture.
4. Heat - or cold might work better for you. (if filling a hot water bottle is too hard you can get plug-in blankets online - some are like small jackets that velcro around your belly & neck.)
5. The right medication
6. Self-massage/TENS/gentle stretching. You know where the painful joints are or tight muscles. You know how much pressure to apply in a massage. Experiment.
7. All the usual stuff over the counter: deep heat cream, aromatherapy etc. 
8. CBT or ACT or other talking therapy.
9. Ask for help. You can try managing on your own but some things you just need help with, it’s a hard thing to face but many of your friends and family will be there for you. I’ve had friends help me with food, travel - all sorts. 

10. On aids and equipment there are loads of things out there! Some great websites such as this one give you an idea of the variety of tools available
https://www.mobilitysmart.co.uk/
If you need kitchen equipment, OXO Good Grips (available on amazon) was designed for arthritis sufferers.
Check out occupational therapy websites and blogs

https://jboccupationaltherapy.co.uk/blog/
Also if you need to watch your spending (and who of us doesnt) EBAY has lots of secondhand devices and equipment for sale. People have tried items and found they don’t work for them so they sell them secondhand. Especially for your lower back lumbar support cushions and seats! Lots available. Let me know if you have any questions. 

meymay93

Hi 
I have foot nail problem Ingorove couple of time take off my nail I told them put med not came any more now this both toe pain and swolen after long time gp gone send me foot clinic badly pain 😭😭😭

Cher_Alumni

Hello @meymay93

Ouch, that sounds painful. The people at the foot clinic will be best placed to give you the best treatment, have you had an appointment letter through?

Keep us posted and hoping your pain is alleviated soon.