joint pain

[Sheryl64]

I am 44 female and have a very physical job and lift around 900-1200 packges a shift weighing up to 150 pounds and I walk up an average of 6-8 steps with each package. Anyway, since the winter, I have experienced joint pain in my elbows, shoulders, knees, and collar bone. I have been taken neprelan, lodine and skelaxin but nothing helps, Not even liquid aleve. I don't know what to do and lately I have been getting muscle spasms in my left chest but they are like flutters and do not hurt. During the summer I walk 1-2 miles a day, play tennis and have no problem.Whay is recommended for the pain, medicine and icy hot? I also take a multi-vitamin and glucomine.

[mellow64]

I agree with Mollyrae~
Just the sheer fact that you do this EVERYDAY is a lot of stress on you body. I say go see your PCP before something seroius really happens. I'm also in my mid 40's and I'm starting to realize that there are things physically that have become a little more difficult than in my younger years. You have a very physically demanding job but when your body starts telling you that somethings hurting, I would have it checked out. Please let us know how things go if you decide to see your Dr. God Bless!    

mello64

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sheryl,

I am sorry to hear about all your joint pain. I am glad you found us on the Pain Management Forum, Welcome.

Based on the medications you are taking it sounds as though you have seen your PCP regarding your joint pain. Have you had lab tests to determine the cause? If you do not have some early arthritis your joints may just be complaining about the stress and work you are demanding from them.  

I would see a rheumatologist. Often they can get to the bottom of the joint pain and prescribe medications and exercise that will be of some help. It sounds like you keep active in the summer but not in the winter. If you want to maintain joint health and you job you may have to begin a good, year round exercise program. One that is kind to your joints but will build muscle mass, strength and endurance. It may be beneficial for you to see a great physical therapist or trainer.

I agree that a muscle relaxant could be a beneficial addition to your medication regime. You could take them during non-working hours. They may help the muscles relax and not spasm which will stop the pulling on your joints and allow time for them to rest.

Ppl have maintained physically demanding positions well beyond your years. The key is an individuals joint health as well as good general health. Some is genetics and the rest is how well we take care of ourselves.  Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Best of luck to you, Tuck

[tanglewood]

Sounds like you work for UPS or something - that's a tough job! I have a lot of joint pain and, for me, the only OTC med that helps is liquid gel Advil. Be careful though, my doctor told me that ibuprofen can kill your kidneys. I hope you find relief.

[Mollyrae]

Hi Sheryl:

Welcome to the Pain Forum. Unfortunately your at an age where your job might be getting in the way of your health. I'm sure you realize that the older you get and with the job you have, your muscles and joints are at risk. Bodys have a delicate internal structure and are not meant to endure constant heavy weight...especially in an 8hr day of it. It may be time to seek out other means of employment before you do permanent damage to those muscles and joints.

Have you spoke with your Physician about the pain?? It sounds like you've done all the right things to aleviate your discomfort and I don't have much to add to your list. Muscle relaxers can reduce the spasms so I would defifitly speak to your Doc about that. Warm baths might be of some help after a long day at work.

Pain meds such as Narcotics really don't sound like such a good idea in your line of work as They can make you drowsy and less alert.

I am sorry you are experiencing this. Please take my advise and see your Doctor. He/she can be the ultimate one to tell you if you need to change your lifestyle.

Take care,
Mollyrae