Topical pain relief

[luvmysibe]

Greetings ADR Community,
If you are concerned about oral medications and pain relievers bombarding your system, I have found a product that greatly reduces my muscle spasms and aches and pains. The topical pain relieving gel called Biofreeze works quickly and with little odor or grease. It is generally only available through health care professionals, however, the company has a website www.biofreeze.com and a comment line 1-800-246-3733. I use this daily and I have been medication free since 4 weeks after my ADR surgery.
Hope this helps,
Crystal

L5/SI ADR Dr. Howard and Dr. Summa 7/18/05
L5 shattered 9/24/04

[mmglobal]

Crystal,

Welcome to the forum. Congrats on your success with your Charite' surgery.

What's a sibe?

Your signature says shattered L5. Are you talking about the vertebral body? kyphoplasty?

This is quite unique... I'd love to hear more details about your injury and treatment.

Thanks,

Mark

PS... I'm sending biofreeze info to a friend with chronic muscle spasms.

[luvmysibe]

Hi Mark,

Thank you for your welcome. Here are a few answers to several of your questions:
My monniker pays tribute to my beautiful Siberian Husky Aana (Inuit for mother). She is my pal and prior to my injury we shared my fun adventures including sledding and racing. Hopefully, we will return to those adventures within a year.

My disc injury was caused during an assault response training session. Because of my small stature I was chosen to play the role of an agressive student. Two trainers then interlocked my arms and legs causing me to be immobile. They were to gently guide me to the mat while supporting my hips and back. However... The person on my right side moved too soon causing the person on my left side to slip and lose her balance, causing me to be twisted like a rag doll as I slammed into the ground unevenly with a person 70 pounds heavier landing on my left side. Ow! I had immediate pain down my right leg and within 15 minutes my entire body was pulsating and within 30 minutes I couldn't walk.

I have been on workers' compensation since that day. Fortunately I am an advocate for my health who met a wonderful nurse casemanager who assisted me throughout my entire process with the state of California. I can claim to have fought the state and prevailed! According to my MRIs my spinal cord was severely bruised and my L5/SI was blown into little bits. It was even clear on the X-rays. Fortunately - I suppose - I did not need a discogram because of the clarity of these images.

While off from work and uncertain about the surgery, I continued to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible. My practices included water therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, visiting my naturopath, and taking organic plant/food derived supplements. I believe this has contributed to my strong recovery so far.

If you speak with anyone else that may benefit from my triumph over the state or over techniques that I have been using please let me know.

Graciously,
Crystal

L5/SI Charite ADR Dr. Howard and Dr. Summa 7/18/05
L5 shattered 9/24/04

[Kim]

I will ditto that Biofreeze and Sombra another topical agent are both wonderful for surface pain and even help with muscle spasms etc. I have used both myself and in my massage practice for years and I swear by both. A lot of my clients love both products too.
If you are interested and dont want to go online to find these, a lot of massage therapists carry this product as well as some chiropractors. I keep samples so I can give them away to folks to try.
Good topic!

[ans]

I don't know a thing about what a naturopath could teach me - and my best buddy - an ex, is studying to become one.

ans

[nanfromsactown]

Another topical product which I've used is topical ibuprofen gel. In the US, you can get it only through compounding pharmacies. So when I went to the UK a couple of years ago, I stocked up. I went to every chemist I could find and bought a few tubes. Mostly one brand but a few others as well, to try. If I run out, I plan to write my friends over there and ask for them to send me some tubes! It's very expensive in the US, about $30. You can also order it on the internet from the UK, Germany, etc, and it's the same $$. If you buy it in the UK, it was about $10 a tube. It's kind of amazing how it stops pain. And no stomach ache to go with!

[luvmysibe]

Allan,

I figure we all can learn a thing or two from one another. If you're curious here is my naturopath's website: www.montereybaynaturopathy.com

[Mariaa]

Crystal,
I'm packing right now for 3rd move in 2 years. Am in so much pain...(and taking Methadone 5mg bid and Neurontin 1800mg/day) ~ really could use an ESI right now tho am trying to wait it out as I am probably going to have ADR surgery this year or 06. Have decided that I have to do this as I've been authorized twice to have this surgery and twice not had it!
Packing is just about killing my back this time..I would welcome something topical if it could help w/pain even temporarily.. I know right now I'm walking a fine edge to landing myself in bed for x amount of time.. however, hoping it's going to be after I get the move done!

Re your Sibe, such beautiful animals~ have always admired them.. I've 3 persian cats and one miniture schnauzer.. Lots of love~

thank you for your input and the naturopath's website above. I am soon going to try to rid myself of many unhealthy habits.. appreciate the links~ Maria

[ans]

Hi Crystal,

Thanks for the site and notes on natural healing. It's time I tried this route and I"m impressed how you kept your osteopororis/osteopenia in check for years.

Best, Allan

[luvmysibe]

Maria,

Hang in there and stay strong mentally, that's a major part of the battle! I take a tube of Biofreeze with me when I travel. I just rub it on and within 30 seconds the area is "on ice". It lasts for about 1-2 hours and the odor disapates very quickly. You may be able to find a healthcare professional who carries it in your area by calling the 1-800 number.

As to the hair growth(for those inquiring minds), my already long hair is growing even faster. However, I haven't noticed any unwanted or undesireable hairgrowth.