Hi There!
There are a couple of non-opiates which are pretty effective. Lidoderm Patches which were originally designed for people who had shingles. It is comprised of lidocaine, the same medication dentists use to numb the mouth. It is out in generic so relatively inexpensive. The second thing is Voltaren Gel...I'm not sure it is out in generic but I've got my mother using it for her RA and other issues and she loves it. Both of these you would need a prescription for so ask your doctor.
What I do is alternate...you can wear the patch for 12 hours...So 12 hours on and then I use the gel every 3-4 hours. Since you, like me, probably don't want to do that all night while trying to sleep you could wear the patch at night and use the gel during the day.
Hope this helps a bit!
I forgot to mention, ask the doctor if they have some samples first. My doctor has them and a lot of times is able to give me 10 patches, a tube of gel along with the scrips. It just saves a little money. I think the patch should be particular effective since you are experiencing nerve issues and that is what it was originally designed to do....numb the nerves. I also forgot to mention...if you can get some good type of surgical tape that won't bother you or your skin....paper if you are real sensitive. The patches are really sticky but if you are sleeping it is helpful to use some additional tape to make sure it doesn't bunch up :-)
You are an angel!!! I will take your advice!! I appreciate your time and advice more than you'll ever know!! I will let you know how it goes!!
Thank you so much!!
hugs to you!!
Ice! Ice! Ice!
For my own C7 nightmare, the VERY BEST non-narcotic thing I can do is ice!
But, you have to use it right! Make SURE to follow the directions of your doctor, you don't want to give yourself frostbite.
I use those blue ice packs, I bought 4 of them so I always "have a cold one" on hand at all times. I leave it on the spot right where my neck meets my shoulder (right on C7) for just about 10 minutes. Sometimes I put a cloth between the icepack and neck, sometimes just straight (because the ice pack is already a "clothy" material. Not past 10 minutes, though. For you, it maybe less, watch for frostbite.
Your pain will vanish. Lay there really still, listen to music or whatnot, don't move a muscle, don't even move a fingertip. Your body heals in absolute stillness. (But, again, make sure not to fall asleep, you'll get frostbite after 10 minutes!).
Then, put the ice back in the freezer, and then watch the clock. 2 hours later, repeat the process, do this the ENTIRE day.
After a few days, post back how well it worked.