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Arthritis back pain

Posted by ichbindck @ichbindck, Jul 3, 2025

Has anyone found a good solution for arthritis? I am 82 with chronic back pain. Have seen 4 neurologists, 3 back surgeons, had epidural injection and ablation. Everyone thinks MRIs of lumbar and thoracic spine look good. The cervical has serious narrowing at C4 C5 and I will be having neck surgery but surgeon says will not help back pain. He feels pain due largely to arthritis. I take Tylenol Arthritis 2 pills (650mg @) - 3 times per day but does not help much. Can't take Advil with chronic kidney disease.

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Profile picture for laughlin1947
laughlin1947 | @laughlin1947 | Oct 11, 2025

Have you exhausted searching for a pain reliever that is more effective than Tylenol arthritis without negative effect on your kidneys? There are so many pain relievers on the market and I understand that all NSAIDS would be ruled out due to kidney damage effects. Is gabapentin not effective? Are corticosteroids (prednisone) any good? Then of course there are opioids that are still being prescribed. I'm waiting for clearance to begin taking Tramadol. How about heating pads and/or lidocaine lotion?

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laughlin1947 | @laughlin1947 | Oct 11, 2025
In reply to @deltadawn3775 "I have both cervical & lumbar arthritis. I had cervical fusion from C4 to T1. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for deltadawn3775 @deltadawn3775

I have both cervical & lumbar arthritis. I had cervical fusion from C4 to T1. I had minimal cervical pain the first 5 years, now have severe arthritis with bone spur and nerve impingement above the fusion. I have been told by neurosurgeon no more cervical surgery. Ongoing lumbar (low back) arthritis pain. Unstable SI joint. Ask for physical therapy to learn the stretches that can help your low back. The stretching helps me manage this pain, I can walk a little farther after stretching. The physical therapist can teach you about muscle trigger point relief, too. Very helpful. Also, walking is important. There is no cure, just have to learn to manage it. I am retired RN, back pain for 45 years. Now 69 yrs old. I see a rheumatologist, I am on NSAID-etodolac, gabapentin, tramadol. Occasional hydrocodone/tylenol, Cyclobenzaprine for muscle relaxant. Hope that helps. Everyone is different in their physical response to arthritis and management of pain.

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@deltadawn3775
How significant is the muscle relaxant aspect of cyclobenzaprine? Does it help with back pain at all? Does it help as a sleep aid?
Have you tried the NSAIDs meloxicam and/or diclofenac? Does Tylenol Arthritis (650 mg) do you any good?
What is muscle trigger point? I don't have a PT person.

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phxbarb | @phxbarb | Oct 12, 2025
In reply to @laughlin1947 "Have you exhausted searching for a pain reliever that is more effective than Tylenol arthritis without..." + (show)
Profile picture for laughlin1947 @laughlin1947

Have you exhausted searching for a pain reliever that is more effective than Tylenol arthritis without negative effect on your kidneys? There are so many pain relievers on the market and I understand that all NSAIDS would be ruled out due to kidney damage effects. Is gabapentin not effective? Are corticosteroids (prednisone) any good? Then of course there are opioids that are still being prescribed. I'm waiting for clearance to begin taking Tramadol. How about heating pads and/or lidocaine lotion?

Jump to this post

@laughlin1947 Yes, heating pad, CBD creme, massage, and usually tylenol. You can't take corticoid steroids long term. Prednisone is great but not practical. Any back salve like Voltaren is good too. Above all, exercise. Cannot just sit and do nothing. Tramadol did nothing for me except make me tired.

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Profile picture for phxbarb
phxbarb | @phxbarb | Oct 12, 2025
In reply to @laughlin1947 "@deltadawn3775 How significant is the muscle relaxant aspect of cyclobenzaprine? Does it help with back pain..." + (show)
Profile picture for laughlin1947 @laughlin1947

@deltadawn3775
How significant is the muscle relaxant aspect of cyclobenzaprine? Does it help with back pain at all? Does it help as a sleep aid?
Have you tried the NSAIDs meloxicam and/or diclofenac? Does Tylenol Arthritis (650 mg) do you any good?
What is muscle trigger point? I don't have a PT person.

Jump to this post

@laughlin1947

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