Steve -

     Thanks for the info on soothing the back pain.  I will try the exercise
next time I can't get my dear wife to give me a massage.  I've been
wondering how common back pain is for PWP since my spasms seem to have been
getting more frequent as the days go by; yet I rarely see it mentioned in
these communications.

     Regarding use of Alleve for the back pain I was cautioned by my neuro
not to take that type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication while
also taking eldepryl, which I was at the time.  I was looking for an
alternative to ibuprofen at the time.  I never looked into why the naprosin
type of NSAI meds were not good with eldepryl. Not that you are taking it
but for the newly diagnosed I advise checking further before combining the
two.

     Anyone out there have more info?

Peter Williams


stevebyc wrote:

> The best med that I've used for low back pain is "Alleve"  which is the
> over the counter version of "Naprosin" .  It is one of those
> non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  If u have stomach problems with
> aspirin this may not work for u.  I always try to take with food.
> The only problem with Alleve, is that the tablets I have are light blue
> and elliptical in shape-- dead ringers for a Sinemet 25/250!!
>
> My back has been acting up so I've been taking Alleve- it really helps,
> but it takes a bit to build up in your system.  The best relief I get
> when the PD fairy is directing some extra spasms to the sore spot,  is
> to lie down on carpeted floor and drape my lower legs over something
> just high enough so  that it holds my buns slightly off floor. Be sure
> that your but is  right up against the prop so your upper legs are at
> 90% to your torso, and your legs should be bent at 90% at the knees over
> top of prop .   I find this takes all the stress and strain off your
> back and gives the muscles a chance to relax and break the cycle of
> spasms.   I have found heat does not help as much as ice. Why, because a
> sore back is always a new set of spasms and pain as new inflammation
> occurs.  U want to get the back as mechanically loose as possible, and
> then ice pack for an hour to bring down the existing  inflammation.  The
> next day as u warm up is the time to use heat packs or a hot rub to help
> loosen things up and bring better circulation to area to help healing.
>
> People question me on the use of ice, and my only example is big league
> baseball pitchers, esp the older ones, as soon as the game is over, the
> arm all the way to the arm pit is in the special ice buckets.  it may
> not feel as good as heat, but it is the only way to keep down
> inflammation, and subsequent pain and immobility  of the muscles.
>
>                                 Steve 52/16