does anyone here use salon pas for osteoarthritic pain?

[CTyankee]

my cortisone injections aren't as effective this time around and I DON'T want pills that make me ga-ga. I am hoping that a topical will help...

[luvspeas]

1. I've just started taking tumeric and botwellia

It's been pretty remarkable so far. It's helping with the pain in my thumb and neck as well as the nerve pain and muscle aches which are really worse for me because they seem to happen anywhere and everywhere. Very few side effects. It makes me a little speedy if I take it in the morning with coffee but during the day it's fine. Ask your doc if you can try it.

[CTyankee]

2. He's probably not aware of it, but I'll check with him on it...thanks!

[BuddhaGirl]

10. I second the use of Turmerica and Boswellia!

Has been very effective for me - I consider myself fortunate since I don't want to us pharmaceuticals

[Joanie Baloney]

3. We both have used them

S.O. and I used them on our lower back and a knee. They provide nice, warming relief and are especially good during the night. BUT, I have found that topical CBD cream works better. There is no THC in it (the fun part of marijuana) - just the pain killers. I don't think you can get it in Connecticut, but any state that has come to its senses regarding marijuana has topical creams available.

Good luck!

-JB

P.S. If you have access to an HMO (like Kaiser here in the west), Salon Pas sells for way cheaper in their pharmacies than in the drug stores.

[Bluenorthwest]

4. I totally second the CBD recommendation, it's been a boon to me.

Easily available to me in all forms here in Oregon and it is very helpful indeed.

[Mnemosyne]

5. Arnica gel has helped me a quite a bit, when I can afford it. nt

[Warpy]

6. Good for you for finding the one OTC thing that's FDA approved

It works the way everything from Absorbine to Ben-Gay does, by using concentrated menthol and methyl salicylate to lower pain transmission in the area, probably by using up substance P in a non painful way. Double blind studies have shown pain relief beyond the expected placebo effect.

If you do get to the point that you need pills, ask the doc for a trial of low dose Ultram. After years on opiates, I sweet talked my doc into switching me over to it and it's been a real slice of heaven--great pain relief and NO BUZZ, meaning when I put something away, I can usually find it later. It's great stuff if you can tolerate it, even knocked the pain of my broken ankle out.

[CTyankee]

7. well, I just looked at the back of the salonpas box and it looks like it could cause a problem

since I have high bp (now controlled by meds). I talked about it with my pharmacist and he said to check with my doctor first and since I have a follow up visit with my pcp on Thursday I will wait. I have rotten luck with so many pills. Maybe a lidocaine patch?

[Warpy]

8. Best bet is to check your pressure at home

and see if the patches raise it at all after you've talked to the doctor. Lidocaine patches can certainly help, also, but can be quite expensive for someone who needs them daily.

[CTyankee]

9. thanks. All this gets checked out...

[question everything]

11. We use Voltaren gel, on occasions (nt)