I saw the chiropractor. I think he was honest and forthcoming. After reviewing the report of my X ray, there was no concern about any neck cracking. I didn't want that done and he said I've got too much going on in there for neck cracking. He was surprised I am not more uncomfortable. We are going to try a few visits with some traction to see if that helps. That's all he could offer. I'm going to give it a try.

I think I will soon be seeing an ortho that specializes in spines. Meanwhile, I again asked the nurse prac to call in some arthritis type of medication. Maybe if we can target some of what is inflamed, it will help the over all picture.

 

Back when my shoulder decided not to play nice I used aspercreme with lidocaine.
It was fairly effective.

 

Lainey, I am still thinking that an MRI or CT scan can diagnose things that would not show up in an Xray. Perhaps, there is more going on than arthritis.

If you do go to a spine doctor, probably an MRI or CT scan will be done.

 

I have a cabinet full or lidocaine roll on, lidocaine cream, bio freeze roll on, salonpas patches (those do help) and the old stand by Ben-Gay. Rick, Ben and I often spend the night together.

All of them provide just very temporary relief. I toss back Tylenol 8 hour in the morning, Advil mid day, and maybe another Tylenol later on

 

Lainey, what does your primary care physician have to say about your chronic pain?

 

Do he use machines or have you lay on something under your neck? Michael's chiro had him laying on triangular pillows. Mine had me getting yanked.


^3-24-2025. I hated it but kept trying for 3 months.

 

Jerry, generally I'm with you on this but they do a few things that can be useful. Also I didn't want to spoil a possible placebo effect.

 

You know I don't think I was squeaking loudy enough about the discomfort, so the muscle relaxers are all that has been prescribed. The PT did help. I didn't totally keep up with the exercises and at this point, the discomfort is not where it was when I went to PT.

I'm not sure, Patricia. I go back on Thursday. I won't try but a few visits. I was thinking spine ortho, but it appears the one recommended to me is a neurosurgeon. Even better.

 

Lainey, I use Voltaren Gel on my hands and knees with great results. I'm not sure how it would work on other parts of the body but it might be worth asking your doctor.

 

I had my colonoscopy today and everything is good except he wants me back in 5 years because of polyps in a previous colonoscopy. :banded: I was hoping this was the last one.