Just wondering if anyone has had their magnesium levels tested by their doctor.

[Debbiecoops]

Only I have polymyalgia rheumatica and osteoarthritis. I can really bad muscle pain and cramps. Could it be lack of magnesium?

[flamenca1]

I have Osteoarthritis and Sciatica and I have been given Magnesium here in Spain. Been taking it for 2 weeks but no difference with the pain. Turmeric is supposed to be good.

It may be worth getting tested. They didn't test me, the Pharmacist just suggested it.

[Debbiecoops in reply to flamenca1]

Thanks for your reply. I was only wondering because I saw a reflexologist a while ago. She said I was lacking in magnesium. I mentioned it to my doctor who dismissed it as not relevant etc. However looking online , there does seem some evidence to suggest a link between low magnesium and osteoarthritis

[flamenca1 in reply to Debbiecoops]

Hi Debbiecoop I read that Magnesium was good for Osteoarthritis so the Pharmacist was right. I think you have to get your blood checked after you have taken for a while. That is what she said. I went to Yoga today and I came out limping and hardly able to walk. It is a very relaxed Yoga so I presume it is doing me good.

Not sure if an Osteopath can do anything for my Sciatica. Can anyone on this site advise please? I am due to see him again next week. It is not easy as he only speaks Spanish and I only speak English, the Pharmacist translates. I have asked him to give me a report in English for my doctor, which he is going to do.

Many thanks.

[JoPilates17 in reply to flamenca1]

Hi flamenco 😊 Sciatica is usually a result of pressure on the sciatic nerve, so you could have an mri scan to see what’s causing it. If that’s not possible, you could try Pilates, which is a gentle form of exercise 😊

Hope that helps, Jo 😊

[Hermes123 in reply to JoPilates17]

Hermes123. I was recommended Pilates by the hospital physio. I had three sessions the pain got so bad in the end I had to be lifted from the mat, never again one of my surgeons suggested for me i needed very gentle exercise.

I nearly 80. years old in a couple of weeks, I had so much pain prior to Christmas, what with the NHS being in crisis over that period, I tried to put of seeing the G.P. as long as I could, Monday this week in so much pain I just had to pay him a visit as it was unbearable to move onto my right hip whilst sleeping, the GP. told me what I already knew that I was riddled with Arthritis and that I should get myself up to the hospital for an x-ray as he was more or less certain I needed a hip replacement, but he needed the confirmation first, awaiting results. the point I am making every one knows exercise is good for you, but parameters have to be set around ones fitness. Hermes.

[JoPilates17 in reply to Hermes123]

Hi Hermes, of course we should only exercise within our capabilities, and bearing in mind that we are all different, your Pilates instructor should have been aware of your condition, and given you appropriate exercises. Pilates can be quite demanding if you go to an intermediate or advanced class, but did you go to a Pilates class specifically for people with orthopaedic conditions, and was the instructor qualified to teach people with arthritis?

I first went to Pilates over ten years ago, also referred by a physio, and I found all my back pain had gone after an hour’s class! I have since qualified to teach Pilates myself, and have taught a few people before and after their hip replacements. At the beginning of any of my classes, I always ask the participants if they have any medical conditions or injuries, and I always tell newcomers that Pilates shouldn’t hurt, so if they find any exercise painful, they should let me know so we can find an alternative.

I think you have been unlucky with your Pilates instructor, and I hope you find one who can cater to your needs!

Best wishes, Jo

[Hermes123 in reply to JoPilates17]

Hermes123.

This a physiotherapist who had been working on my back at the hospital, also a qualified Pilates Instructor, I had been hesitant at the time due to having similar effects in other recommended treatments, I am not new to pain having had it for fifty odd years, gone through many treatments of all kinds and procedures operations, but with time the bones structure has deaerated, muscle tends to harden cursing more pressure on the bones exercise is not the be all and end all more importantly gentle movement.

Trust me I have been their? Done that

ex-sergeants sometimes assassinates the problem by moving it around. Thanks Jo.

[arthritis_action Partner in reply to flamenca1]

Hi flamenca1 - absolutely, an osteopath can certainly help with your Sciatica. We recommend you speak to them even if it is for guidance on what you can do to help your day-to-day life.

All the best,

Despina

Arthritis Action's Communications Officer

[flamenca1 in reply to arthritis_action]

Many thanks I appreciate your advice.

June

[Debbiecoops]

Have you had an mri scan on your spine yet? Only I had mine last Easter and it showed 2 prolapse disc. The lowest one is pressing on my main nerves, hence the sciatia pain! My neighbour recently had successful surgery on her spine to release the trapped nerve. It doesn't repair the actual disc though!

[flamenca1 in reply to Debbiecoops]

That is good now you know what the problem is. Surgery should help you.

Good luck.

June

[Melanie109]

A source of magnesium that a lot of people don't know about is dark chocolate. Recent studies have said it's in the top 5 foods for it. As a rule the more cocoa the better so go as high as you can muster the taste. Apart from that I would eat more broccoli. It works for me to a certain extent. I had to increase my magnesium intake to help me cope more with fibromyalgia as well as arthritis. Hope you find some relief soon.

[Polski in reply to Melanie109]

Try seeds and nuts as well.

[ChloeAlfie]

Hi Debbie

I too have PMR. I have an excellent book that I have a read a few times now called - magnesium Miracle- i recommend everyone reads this that has any kind of health issues

Rebecca