Arthritis and muscle spasms

Hello @healthyme246. That is wonderful that you've been proactive in starting some exercise videos and that you are feeling a bit better. I am concerned about the long-term effects you may experience if you don't ensure your collapsed cervical disks are addressed. Did your doctor mention the risks of not going to PT?

It might be a good idea to try out some physical therapy, but not just walk in and let them choose what to do.

I have had a lot of physical therapy, for arthritis (everywhere), after surgeries, and most importantly, to help with chronic pain. Some was good, some was so-so, even had a few bad experiences. Before my first appointment with the pain guy, who turned out to be awesome, I was asked to keep track of my pain, my sleep and my activities for a week. Guess what? It became obvious that THE MORE I MOVED, THE LESS I HURT!

The PT interviewed me, manipulated all the "trouble spots" and gradually came up with a program of stretches and movements that worked on each of them. In our sessions, he also did some special release techniques to help the worst spots. He sent me videos of the most complex exercises as well as giving me those pieces of paper describing each one. 2 years later, I still do many of the stretches and exercises every day, walk, do chair yoga...so I am able to do other things like garden and spend time with 2 little grandsons.

Another thing I figured out on my own is that comfy couches and recliners are really dangerous! It is so easy to just sit, surrounded by snacks, a book or magazine & the remote, especially when we are achy, that we don't move enough. Now I make myself get up and move around every hour, even on "bad" days. When sitting at the computer, like now, I move every 30 minutes. Walk around the house or yard, do a small chore or two, even just put a few things away...it keeps the blood flowing.

I'm so glad you found gentle Pilates, and are feeling better now, but it still seems like a good idea to try PT. If they don't call you, can you call them?
Sue

My doctor didn’t say anything about the dangers of not going to pt. I will go as soon as I find the therapist that takes Medicare. I do want to see what they do to help me. I was waiting for the doctor to find the right Pt but today I’m going to find the Pt on the Medicare website. Thanks for answering.

Thanks for your input. I do move a lot every day. Sometimes I walk 3 or 4 miles. I have osteoarthritis in my hip and I had a total knee replacement about two years ago. I’ve always been physically active and it really helps. Sometimes I rather stand than sit! So, this is just another time that I need Pt. I’m looking forward to it. It has always helped me in the past and I am always willing to do the work to get my body to feel better whether it’s after surgery or not. I am not going to wait for the doctors office to get back to me. I am going on the Medicare website today.

I had it happen, but it turned into lifethreatening. So, be aware which symptoms are telling you to pay attention. One of those cervical discs slipped into my spinal cord. No one ever told me that becoming paralysed is really painful. Just be aware, all those symptoms, like down your arm, especially, meant it was urgent and to find out what's going on with the discs in your back. I'm really glad you ended up without a lot of permanent pain from all this, and that you found exercises online that work for you, at home. I'm going to look those up! The end result for me was it also passed, the disc returned to it's usual spot, and the tingling, pain, and cramps all faded. It took a good 3-4 months of my life though. I am blessed that my roomie is my daughter and she's been with me as caregiver for many years. I don't know how it would be for you, but I use Cyclobenzaprine for various cramps. If it wears off while I'm sleeping, cramps wake me up. My left bohunkus and nerves there were damaged by a Chiropractor back in 2009, so there's some permanent damages I just have to live with. Another muscle relaxant is Tizanidine (not sure of spelling) they had me on first. I'd split them smaller and smaller and it still put me to sleep every time I took one, even standing up :).

I have painful lower back, I recently retried an old drug called arthrotec with very good results. I used it before for carpal tunnel and it cured it. Hopefully I can get a fresh refill for it.

Cyclobenzaprine made me pass out ,I had to stop it after 7 pills.

Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac (an NSAID) and a medication to protect the digestive system. It helped my Mom for a while. I am not sure how available it is now.
Sue

Which is why the best we can do is tell each other what has worked for us. But each person is different. Inapsine puts me out the second it touches me, and throws me into major seizures so bad I can't even remember throwing my head against the ground, among other parts. It saves other people.

My mother had RA, and my aunt, her sister-in-law had it bad since she was a teen. So, Mom sat me down one time, and told me if I ever got arthritis of any kind, to keep moving. "Just keep moving" she said. Obviously, there's a balance. Some levels of pain need for us to go sit down or lay down. But I took her point and it was good advice.