Re: Aches and pains

without knowing your medical history it is hard to say, if it is simply arthritis, some over the counter remedies are glucosamine and chondroitin - they often are marketed together, they are not that cheap and the literature is mixed on effectiveness, fish oil has also been tried. other medication tylenol (acetaminophen) is probably the safest but not terribly effective for arthritis. Motrin, advil, naprosyn alleve are in the class of drugs called non steroidal anti inflammatories, they are notorius for causing gastrointestinal bleeding so you need to take them with food and should not take them with a history of peptic ulcer disease. Stronger non steroidals woud be voltaren or etodolac 9needs prescription) Peronally, I have recently tried a drug called mobic or meloxicam, it is once a day but needs to be prescribed and check liver function. Beyond these, there is a drug called ultracet or tramdol and then narcotics such as percocet or vicodin. I'm a nurse practitioner in the US and have prescribed these for patients who are golfers and they find them effective. They are addictive, so you have to be careful, but they do not have the gastrointestinal problems associated with non steroidals. Of course strectching and regular exercise is most natural way to lubricate the joints. hope this helps mike.

Re: Aches and pains

Wow, what detail!! I am in the UK. The doctors here are not great at dishing out stuff so it's over the counter stuff that I will be after. Have you got any over the counter names for any of this stuff that I might be able to buy at a pharmacy please? Yes, although I have not got a specific diagnosis, I guess it is some sort of arthritis. It is at it's worse with the sort of hot muggy weather we are getting at the moment.

Brian

Re: Aches and pains

What a scary thread.

I don't want to sound like the pious love child of Mary Poppins and Albert Schweitzer but for pity's sake Brian go to a Doctor rather than take advice on dangerous drugs from a public forum.

If its just a temporary thing then a soak in the hot tub followed by some aloe vera heat lotion* will do wonders, if it's something serious then perhaps a specialist sports injury practitioner???

Anyway, put the health considerations to one side and consider this; my "car crash" round game after some serious intake of co-codomol to deal with very bad back - I guess my decision making let alone my swing was a bit impaired.

*If you prefer internal embrocation then some Highland Park or perhaps an Oban would do the trick.

Re: Aches and pains

Im only laying out the medication options and not rec: any particular one. Thought some other players would benefit from the list of medication options available if they suffer from chronic pain. You need to do your own research. Of course, if this is an occaisional ache or pain a hot bath may be fine. Also, a physical therapist can give good advise on specific exercises especially for the back. Most of the medication I mentioned are over the counter and do not require a prescription at least in the US. Other non medication alternative include chiropracter, accupunture physical therapy. Insurance coverage for these varies.

Re: Aches and pains

Thanks folks. Been to docs several times. They can't come up with anything though. But then it disappears for some time. So bit of a mystery. All they gave me was ibrufen and said all the tests were negative.

Bri

Re: Aches and pains

Ol Miffin,

In March 10 I had a facet joint denervation both sides of the L3, 4,5 and S1 (burnt the nerves so the brain doesn't get the pain message). I got arthur and a prolapse disc.

It took 10 years of drugs, cortisone (past 3 years. 4 shots and 2 or 3 months), treatment before the procedure in march.

The procedure has helped incredibly.

My back problem was not picked up by xray or cat scan. It took 2 mri's to show my problem.

The procedure has helped both physically and mentally. My golfing is much more enjoyable.

I have found Oruval (oridus) is the best anti inflam for mine. Before a comp I'll pop a pill nightly for 3 or 4 nights. The morn of the tournament I pop another one. Gotta have it with food though.

I have finally got onto a great masseuse with great strong hands - a footy trainer. I see him every 7 - 10 days. Works mostly on my hammies and glutes.

Hope this helps.

Nickers

Re: Aches and pains

Amazing, never heard of that procedure. Will go and look to see if I can find oridus.

Brian

Re: Aches and pains

As we get older we are all going to have some aches, and pains. Even youngsters will suffer when muscles and joints are subjected to non, ordinary, everyday, body movements. The best way I know to prevent these types of aches, and pains, is to keep one's body in shape. This is even more important as we get older. Young or old, anyone who is not exercising at least every second day, doing something more physical than their everyday body movements is going to eventually suffer when they do something out of the ordinary, physically. I can play golf 3-4 times a week with out much discomfort, as long as I am not playing on consecutive days. I am also meticulous about warming up my body to play golf. If I play on consecutive days, then my body starts talking to me about the 3rd round, and for sure by the 4th round. I am sore, but not injured because I warmed up prior to playing each round. Most of the time any ache/pains that might arise are manageable with an aspirin, or something similar. Personally I prefer a nice cold frosted mug of beer to ease the discomfort, but to each his own. As human beings when aches, and pains pop up, the person has to understand the difference between soreness, and injury. Soreness, with out injury is not a bad thing, as long as the soreness does not lead to an injury. There in lies the issue the person with aches, and pains has to deal with. In Brian's case, and I am not trying to be rude, if he took the OTC meds prior to golfing with out properly warming up, all the meds did were to mask the soreness caused by not warming up. Soreness caused by not warming up can lead to injury. If he did indeed warm up properly, and his back was still causing him pain, then perhaps a visit to a sports doctor is in order. OTC meds have their place, but should not be relied on to replace expert medical opinions when the OTC meds are of no help. So to put it simple. Stay in shape, and properly warm up prior to any physical activities. Walk, run, or ride a bike to keep your legs in shape, because once you lose your foundation, (legs) keeping the rest of your body in shape becomes a much tougher task. GJS

Re: Aches and pains

Thanks for that. Iwill definately keep that in toe. Today I feel loads better. So, when I go to the gp Monday, he will say "there is nothing wrong with you"

Bri

Re: Aches and pains

I would ask the Doctor to do some tests and maybe refer you on to a specalist - always worth getting things checked out. I find warming up and loosenig those tired old legs works for me as does a nice hot bath afterwards with some epsom salts. A massage does the trick, my wife is a massage therapist, which means I never get a massage!

Re: Aches and pains

My doctor aint that good I am afraid. It is the "Oh, that's arthritis" thing. I will give you some Brufen. I am getting kind of used to it now.
Bri