Anti inflammatory for pain

[Bigmark61]

I’ve had chronic low back pain for 40 years after failed surgery and also developed spinal stenosis later on in life, I used to take Ibuprofen but when I was diagnosed last year with HF I had to stop taking them along with my Tramadol and other pain relief. I really miss them as my pain can get so bad. My question is can anyone recommend any natural anti inflammatory medications that they are taking that works as I’m getting so many recommendations from people but none of them have heart failure.

[Mikedabike]

Without knowing your age, level of fitness and mobility it is difficult to provide a definitive answer. I am 62 years of age and 4 years ago was in agony with a displaced disc in my lower back. I was also diagnosed with spinal stenosis. At one stage it was so bad I could not move and was bedridden for a few days. Even very high doses of morphine had no effect. Eventually as the pain decreased I found that ibuprofen was helpful in minimising any pain. I hate taking any sort of medication and did not want to be reliant on pain killers. Eventually I found a routine of stretching and simple exercises that helped me greatly. I am now virtually pain free and do not take anything. However I can soon tell if I stop or forget to do my exercises, as within a few days the pain begins to return. The most useful exercise I found was to hang from a bar (I use a pull up bar between a door frame). When I say hang, I don’t actually mean swing in mid air. Simply hang gently from the bar and let your toes touch the floor. As I do this I can actually feel my spine stretching. If you are mobile enough I would certainly consider trying this. Good luck in your progress.

[Bigmark61 in reply to Mikedabike]

Thanks Mike

I’ll maybe see what that’s like 😉

Cheers

Mark

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello...

I understand the the NO Ibuprofen as it is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like Naproxen, Diclofenac and high dose Aspirin (the daily 75mg most of us take is not considered a NSAID).

Tramadol is not a NSAID and therefore, it does not have the increased risk of stomach ulcers and internal bleeding that can occur with NSAIDs. Have you confirmed with GP/cardiologist that it is actually a no-no. Although I was on it four times daily post-amputation I now take Oxycodone as a PRN although I have not taken any for over 4 weeks.

There is a lot of talk about drugs like Tramadol and Oxycodone being addictive but in my personal opinion this is overstated. If taken as prescribed or as a PRN for pain relief there is no issue. The problem comes when people use it as a high by taking more than the prescribed amount or adding other drugs/alcohol to achieve a "high".

[Bigmark61 in reply to MichaelJH]

Cheers Michael

Thanks for the reply I think I might have another conversation with my GP.

Regards

Mark

[Chappychap]

Hello Mark,

I don't want this to sound rude but let me ask you a question, is "Bigmark" a euphemism for "Overweightmark" or even "Obesemark"?

I guess the point I'm making is that being overweight really exacerbates any kind of joint or back problems. There's also growing evidence that the root cause of weight problems in so many people in this day and age, namely frequent snacking on high carb/sugar, processed/packaged foods, can also cause elevated levels of generalised inflammation.

Apologies in advance if you're actually "Tallmark"!

[Bigmark61 in reply to Chappychap]

Hi Chappychap

Thanks for the reply, no it’s not 😂 When I was a child there was 2 Mark’s and I was the big Mark and not wee Mark, it was just a Nick name I inherited hahaha. Maybe I should change that. I do understand the weight issues of which I don’t have.

Cheers

just Mark😉

[Qualipop]

I have spinal stenosis, 8 dried out discs pressing on nerves, DDD, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, peripheral neuropathy, T 12 syndrome , foot drop and severe abdominal adhesions. My life has been constant pain now for 30 years. I've never been able to take anti inflammatories because of the effect on my stomach. I depend on oxycodone as I was allergic to oramorph but it only gives about 40% pain relief. I have tried every alternative treatment under the sun. The only thing that has remotely helped was Bowen Therapy which got be from being bedbound to back on my feet. It doesn't do any manipulation and may be worth a try if you can find a good practitioner. But if it hasn't helped after 3 treatments, give up. Acupuncture is great but only for about 3 days.

I've even asked my GP if I can take CBD but he says not enough research has been done on how it affects the heart. If I hadn't had a heart attack he would have given me a resounding yes. Yes opiates are physically addictive b but heck what's the alternative? They are not mentally addictive when taken for pain. Everyone i Know would happily stop tomorrow. All the hype about opiates has been about people taking them as recreational drugs which is totally different.

[Bigmark61]

Hi Qualipop

I also suffer from a number of other medical problems, I’ve been taking Tramadol for over 30 years and if I miss a time for a dose I start feeling the pain more and my body also reacts to the delay, I would love to be able to stop them, I did try other medication in the past but the change over was awful, I retired from work after 40 years in health care and it’s been down hill ever since. I’ll have a look at the Bowen Therapy and see what it’s like thank you

Regards

Mark 👍

[Vrouse]

I suffered for years with back pain but since taking up a weekly Back and Joint Care pilates class, I am pain free. Might be worth a try.

[Bigmark61]

Thank you Vrouse

Appreciate the message 😀

[Shar28]

Hello, sorry to hear of your predicament re pain meds for your lower back problem. I really sympathise, having had quite severe problems for many years prior to surgery. I’m afraid I can’t help on the meds issue but just wanted to offer some support re the back pain.

A few years ago our GPs had a locum doctor who was also a Bowen practitioner and she worked wonders on my lower back pain when I couldn’t get a chiropractic appointment with just a gentle stroke! I only went for a sick note for work but she really helped. From memory, it works on releasing the fascia membrane that covers our muscles so they can move smoothly again.

Chiropractic treatment can also release the fascia. I know they have a reputation for adjustments but there’s a lot more to it than that. Our local GPs go to our local chiropractor too and they all work very closely with a highly respected spinal neurosurgeon. It’s just a shame chiropractic isn’t available on the NHS. I’d suggest asking above it a good local chiropractor or osteopath too.

I also found Pilates really helpful in strengthening my core muscles to support my back. Our chiro offers Pilates-based rehab exercises too.

I really hope you find a way forward that helps you. All the best to you and your loved ones.

[Bigmark61]

Hey Shar28

Thanks a lot for the reply I’m going to take a look at the Bowen therapy.

Take care

Mark 👍