Suggestions for medicines for back pain

[PHGR]

What can patients with ET take for back pains? Hematologist said that painkillers and muscle relaxants shouldn't be used with ET just paracetamol. Could these back pains be related to ET??Thanks for your help!!

[hunter5582]

The issue is not necessarily with ET and meds for back pain. It is the medications being used to treat the ET. The use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen is to be avoided with aspirin due to the increased risk of hemorrhage. Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine do not have an interaction with aspirin. They may have interactions with other medications you take, however. I would be cautious if taking hydroxyurea since both meds can cause constipation. That happened to me, severe constipation when I combined HU with another med.

You can check for drug interactions yourself using tools like these. Note that this is the starting point. Always follow up with a knowledgeable medical provider. Pharmacists are often a good choice for drug interactions.

drugs.com/drug_interactions...

epocrates.com/online/intera...

Having said the above, it should be noted that some people with ET experience increased levels of bleeding/bruising. Some even develop a bleeding disorder, Acquired von Willebrand Disease. There are other symptoms of ET such as dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue and more that could be exacerbated by some drugs, including NSAIDs and muscle relaxants. It would be important to review your individual ET profile to make an accurate risk-benefit assessment. Best to do this with a MPN Specialist who knows your case.

Regarding back pain and ET, ET does not directly cause back pain; however, the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines could certainly make back pain worse. In addition, some medications can cause back pain. HU lists back pain as a common adverse effect. Pegasys can cause arthralgia/myalgia. Suggest you review all your current medications for potential adverse effects.

I experience chronic back pain due to spinal deterioration and the JAK2 driven cytokine overload. I manage back pain with a combination of massage therapy, gentle stretching and exercise (Qigong), heating pads, and topical agents like Diconflec and Blue Emu. I prefer not to add oral meds unnecessarily. The approach I am using keeps me functional. Note that it is very important to find a skilled massage therapist if you wish to pursue that option.

Wishing you success and pain-free days ahead.

[Spanelmad in reply to hunter5582]

Can I ask you about Blue Emu? Is this similar to Tiger balm?

[hunter5582 in reply to Spanelmad]

Blue Emu is a topical that contains Trolamine Salicylate. It is odor free since it does not include menthol/camphor like Tiger Balm. Tiger Balm also includes a similar agent Methyl Salicylate.

[Spanelmad in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you something else to add to my pain arsenal!

[Spanelmad]

I like Hunter have a degenerative spine, I have ET like yourself but I also have RA.So I was already taking Nsaids and pregablin before starting my treatment with a Heam. They judged my risks and then it was my choice to stay on them

[lizzziep]

I don’t know which country you’re in, I am in the UK, I have been prescribed co-codamol (zapain) for arthritis pain, I try to limit taking it to really bad days and it does reduce the pain a bit.

I also go to aqua fit 3 or 4 times a week to help with mobility, however you would need to check whether that was suitable for your condition. I also use a heat pad which can eases pain. I don’t find any of the gels work.

[MissLesley13]

Ive had to ask for codeine as paracetamol doesn't touch the pain sometimes. You know when something needs a lil more pain relief. Contact your Dr and try a hot water bottle. Good luck x

[Questionmark]

My haematologist and clinical nurse specialists have always said I can use paracetamol or ibuprofen but to not take ibuprofen or any other NSAID medication for more than 5 days in a row. For muscle relaxants I don't know, but would check with GP and consultant. As for painkillers, over the years I have had dihydrocodeine (post-op), co-codamol and naproxen prescribed at various times. The MPN Voice website says 'When taking aspirin it is not advisable to take other antiinflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. Ask your consultant or GP for advice and remind your consultant that you are taking other painkillers. They may ask you to stop the aspirin or give different instructions for taking it.

(I have ET and take a daily small aspirin plus regular pegylated interferon injections.)

[RedCardRob]

All depends on the source and location of your back pain whether, muscular, cartilage, bone or internal.