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