I was just diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my spine. I also have fibro is there anything I can do to help the pain?

Hope

Hi Hope,

There are MANY things you can do for pain. The best resource I know of that lays out your options is the book, Pain Free 1 - 2 - 3, by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD. The book covers diff types & sources of pain, as well as numerous options for treating pain: OTCs, Rx conventionals, Rx compounds, alternative med. options, self-care, & nutrition.

Your public library may even own a copy of this book, or be able to obtain it for you from another library through interlibrary loan.

Best wishes.

I also have osterarthritis of the spine, stenosis, spondylothesis, DDD, sciatica
severe scoliosis with a rib hump the size of a grapefruit on my back ribcage. Most days I wish I wouldn't wake up bit I do. I work full time at a sign shop so I know pain. I have no insurance and can not affford meds so I'm glad I read this. I will check into the book. Thanks for the info, Dyana

Hi,

I also have spinal OA & fibro (at least I've been told I have fibro, but im not so sure about that). There are many different types of anti inflammatories to try. The best ones that worked for me were prednisone & bextra. However, I took the pred due to a lupus flare, not due to OA. And now bextra is off the market. If I take Celebrex twice per day I find some lessening of pain in my spine & other joints but not completely. I also use moist heating pads alot. Probably the best thing for spinal OA is core strengthening (exercising the abs and back). I have been going to Physical therapy since last March (they let me go there for a small fee to do my exercises, similar to a gym..but i'm doing the ones they show me and using their equipment, much of which isnt at a normal gym). My insurance only allows me 30 visits per year, so my PT is helping me out alot!