Medication for skeletal spasm in lower back for person with Asthma

[Red247]

After a fall from horse (2 years ago) I have skeletal muscle spasm in my lower back when walking for a while. I got Cocodamol against the pain (I know it should only be short time). I am looking for a recommendation for an antispasmodic medication (OTC it is so difficult to get hold of GP ) that l can take with Asthma.

I have seen a chiropractic and have still appointments hoping it will help eventually.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

Ouch!

Antispasmodic drugs really are mainly prescription based. Have you thought about seeing a manual therapist, like an osteopath or physio? They’ll be able to work with what’s going on, and help calm the issue/fix anything that may be causing the spasms! (Speaking as an osteo myself 😅)

Hope things calm for you soon

[AirIsUnderrated]

Ouch that sounds painful. Personally I would see an osteopath for the back issues, then you wouldn’t have drug interactions to worry about. Have you tried that?

[Poobah]

I used to ride a lot and have lower back & pelvis problems as a result (lots of falls). Have been going to a McTimoney chiropractor for years. But I must admit that when I visited a physio I think it was better treatment and I was given exercises to do to strengthen the area. This is useful whenever I feel discomfort in my lower back as I just do my exercises and before long everything is much better.

I used to take Syndol to relieve the pain but it lost its licence so the current OTC Syndol isn't the same, just Cocodamol without the muscle relaxant Doxylamine. The Doxylamine combo is no longer available in the UK, probably because it was quite addictive. That's when I pursued better long term treatment and started physio.

The next strength of pain killer available is codeine but you'll have to see your GP for a prescription. Only good for short term use but it may help you while you wait for a physio referral if you think that would be useful.

I've also used physio for other muscoskeletal problems and have been really pleased with the results.

[ChrissieMons]

Have you had an MRI scan to make sure there is nothing else causing the pain? My spasms turned out to be a slipped disc.

The problem with all these opioids is not just the addictive nature of the pills but the agonising constipation issue. As with most medicines, you have to see what works for you and that might mean trying different drugs. Good luck!