Question:
What can we take for arthritis is lower back

Hi, had by ryn April 14th of 2003. I am having really bad back pain due to degenerative arthritis in my lower back with bone spurs. I have an appointment with my regular dr. next week. She has been prescribing tylonol 3 which I have been taking for months. It helps only a little bit and I do need something else. What are some of the medicines you are taking so I can pass them by her. It has to be meds we can take after having surgery. I know some of them can hurt your new stomach and I don't want to risk it. Any help would be appreciated.    — Maureen C. (posted on January 17, 2004)

January 17, 2004
I have just been told by my surgeon that I can take Ultram or Flexeril for my back.
   — Haziefrog

January 17, 2004
I JUST STARTED ON VIOXX AND IT IS WORKING WONDERS FOR ME
   — SteveApril45

January 17, 2004
The Dr. tried me on Viox and it hurt my stomach. They have put me on Bextra about 2 wks. ago and it seems to be doing ok. I'm also on Loratab when the pain gets unbearable, as well as having a Tens unit. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. Hope this helps...God BLess
   — Myrna E.

January 17, 2004
I have degenerativ arthritis in my lower back and I've not been able to tolerate anything for my lower back pain. I did find a solution kind of by accident. I started running and as long as I run every day for at least 20 minutes, I have minimal pain. Works wonders for me and is great motivation to contnue to exercise.
   — Cathy S.

January 18, 2004
I'm pre-op, but if you are just looking for medications, my doctor gave me Meloxicam. So far, so good. :) I don't know if a postie could tolerate it though, but it is doing a great job with the arthritis in my back and hip.
   — Shayna T.

January 18, 2004
I too have lower back pain. However I am pre-op and have found nothing to help. I am on Vioxx now for my knees, which helps them. It has not helped with the back. So many meds for arthritis contain sulfur, I am unable to take them. I am allergic to sulfur. I have started stretching exercise for back with the hope that strengthen the muscles will help.
   — Marla S.

January 18, 2004
hi maureen... try something topical, like a heat patch. there are several on the market... at night you could apply Ben-Gay and cover with a hand towel to keep the heat contained on the painful area. good luck to you. karen d.
   — Karen D.

January 20, 2004
I also have arthritis in my lower back. Even though I walk and swim and have lost 175 pounds, I still have the pain. It really helps me to wear a "shaper" with fairly firm control. I wear thigh length when I am wearing a dress, and calf length when I am wearing pants. It really helps. You can get them in any lingerie department. Also, Hanes and L'eggs both make them, and they are fairly inexpensive. I have bought them at Target for less than $10. Hope this helps.
   — Ann H.