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Here's to Your Health:  C spine arthritis. Natural management advice?  |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 08 2010 : 7:37:51 PM
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Just found out yesterday that I have post-traumatic arthritis. It's in my neck, in the part of the spine called the C spine. Growth pinching/irritating a nerve, causing pain from the neck, down the shoulder blade, out the left arm. Numb fingers last week were kind of scary. I was a bit in shock while the doctor was explaining it all. I was hoping for just a pinched nerve from sleeping funny, and dreading cancer. I was hit by a drunk driver almost exactly 20 years ago, and now here's my old injury all grown up and hurting. Darn.
So, I'm learning what I can. I'd like to learn ways to manage it, hopefully natural ways. Right now I'm on a pain killer and a steroid (grumble, eye rolling, secret fantasy about flushing it away...hey, that can't be good either...) for a week. Hopefully that will get the swelling down enough to start therapy, maybe get a more clear/different image of it to see what we have to work with. (Side note, I am just not a pill taker. What is the green way to dispose of unused meds? I'll have to look that up now, I guess.)
I've looked into Bee sting therapy, and I'm excited about that. I've been leaning towards beekeeping, and maybe this is what has just tipped the balance to get us going.
I'm going to discuss yoga with the doctor, and see if he will prescribe massage therapy (crossing fingers for that one). I'll write my own prescription for MaryJane's chocolates and red wine in moderation (provided I don't need meds).
Long story short, I'm not going to panic or cross any bridges before they present themselves. Life is always interesting. I feel learning what my alternatives are to traditional medicines so I can discuss my interest in exhausting these possibilities before looking for a pill is the right path for me.
So, anyone have experience with this? I've read it is fairly common. What have you done/heard about? What should I read more about/consider? I'm compiling a list for my appointment next week. (I'll whittle it down to my top 1 or 2 to discuss).
Thanks for your help farmgirls!
Don't feel sad for me, feel sad for the person who was so misguided that getting drunk and driving at 3 pm in a very large city, in the business district, seemed like an acceptable choice. MY life is beautifully blessed, happy, and healthy in so many ways. I hope she has turned her life around. Maybe that day changed her mind about her choices.
We make a difference. |
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gspringman
True Blue Farmgirl
387 Posts
Gail
Bonanza
Oregon
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2010 : 8:28:16 PM
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Michelle, so sorry to hear about this. I too have had to deal with neck pain. Mine was bad enough to have to have fusions and I know ice pack for 20 minutes was a way I lived for nearly five years. Sometimes I'd do the heat pack and the arthitis patches. Now I go faithfully to massage therapy and it has helped tremendously. I too hate to take pills but did so for many years until I just said no more. Light stretches to keep you limber and learn when you do something what causes the flair ups so you don't do it again. Best wishes and I hope you can get it under control without the surgery in future.
Gail
Farmgirl #486
http://www.grammasladybug@blogspot.com
http://www.klamathfallscharmingchicks@blogspot.com |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 09:18:10 AM
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Thanks Gail. Today is a good day. I'm jotting down your suggestions. The more I can learn about this, the better. Keeps me thinking in a positive direction. :)
We make a difference. |
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simone947
Farmgirl in Training
34 Posts
sarah
peru
NY
34 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2010 : 11:51:51 AM
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| My Mom was diagnosed with this years ago, she managed it with aspirin, and started being more active. She golfs alot, I think at first increased activity bothered her neck more but now she's in great shape and her neck and even her knees feel 95% better. |
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LakeOntarioFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
933 Posts
Brenda
North Rose
NY
USA
933 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2010 : 3:26:21 PM
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Oh Michelle, it sucks that our "older" bodies remember our younger injuries so well, doesn't it?!!:(
Ask your doctor about extra vitamin D for arthritis control. It might at least keep it from getting worse or at least slow it down. Your doctor should do a blood test, to see how much D you have in your system, then will make a recommendation. I take between 2,000 and 4,000 IU's a day and it has really helped the arthritis that has invaded my knees.
Let us know how you are doing!
{{{Hugs}}}
Brenda
FarmGirl # 711
Nothing we achieve in this world is achieved alone. It is always achieved with others teaching us along the way. Lee J. Colan
http://theviewfromhere-brenda.blogspot.com/ |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2010 : 6:56:34 PM
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Stay active. Check. I'm pretty active. Went skiing with my family today. :) Boy, did that feel good! I'm a mellow skiier, no jumps, just lots of swishing. I'd prefer cross country, but then I'd be alone, so downhill with my DH and DD it is.
Vitamin D...good question to ask about.
It is reassuring to learn that there are "flare ups" and "good days". I sure hope whatever comes of this, most days ahead are like today. I love horseback riding, so I'm really interested in making sure I can still enjoy that activity. Luckily, when my Paso Fino matures, he will offer a no-bounce ride. Woo-hoo! I'm so grateful for that.
As to the older body, I'm okay with that. It's just part of the deal. Life is a great trip if you don't save yourself all up but use what you've got to savor every moment we're given! Strawberry jam on the shelf is nice, but it's much better spread on a slice of homemade bread and washed down with tea. Heck, I could have been paralyzed or worse as a result of that accident, then and there, and missed all these great things I've done over the past 20 years. It's all in your perspective. :) I think I still have a ton more adventures ahead. But I'll pack aspirin. :) And maybe book a massage.
We make a difference. |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2010 : 4:06:34 PM
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Had the follow-up today. He calls it Degenerative Joint Disease. No nerve damage, which is good. PT should bring the swelling and pain down to normal. They are going to teach me how to do it myself, and keep a pain RX on file in case of need if there is a delay to see the Dr.
So, I'm well on my way to seeing my way through this into management. The best part is that I'll be off the steroid tomorrow! And there should be no need for pain pills in a week. Now I'll just be paying attention to what causes flare ups for me and avoiding those actions. I sure appreciate the ideas. I'm going to put together some pretty hot/cold packs out of muslin and rice, and sew together some soft old pretty hankies for covers.
We make a difference. |
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Sarahpauline
True Blue Farmgirl
672 Posts
sarah
Ringgold
GA
USA
672 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2010 : 7:14:23 PM
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I have ddd in my lumbar spine, I cant live without an inverter. You can buy them from kmart now even I think. I am not sure if that would help with c-spine but it really helps my lumbar pain and sciatica.
Not all those who wander are lost...
www.SarahPauline.com
www.AbraxasBaroque.com |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
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Here's to Your Health: C spine arthritis. Natural management advice? |
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C spine arthritis. Natural management advice?
