SGBP Final 4

Bed rest

should be for

a couple of

days only

Pain-relieving creams, rubs, sprays

Pain-relieving creams, also called topical analgesics, applied to the skin over the joints
can provide relief of minor arthritis pain. They are available over the counter and can
often be used in conjunction with oral medications. Examples include capsaicin, salicin,
methyl salicylate and menthol. Topical analgesics should not be used with
other heat treatments such as a hot water bottle or a hot pack, as the
combination can cause too much heat and even burns.

Muscle relaxants

Bearing in mind that the majority of back pain sufferers have some element of muscular
spasm, most practitioners tend to prescribe a muscle relaxant along with analgesics or
anti-inflammatory medicines. Muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine, diazepam,
carisoprodol, and methocarbamol are often prescribed for severe pain.

Muscle relaxants reduce the spasm and allow blood flow to be re-established in the
affected muscle thereby getting rid of accumulated lactic acid and permitting the muscle
cells to breathe once again. They are not over-the-counter medicines and their
use must be strictly under the doctor’s supervision since some muscle
relaxants may cause drowsiness and/ or a steep fall in blood pressure.

Resumption of normal activities

For the first day or two, rest in a comfortable position. Try lying on
your side with a pillow between your knees. Or lie on your back on
the floor with a pillow under your knees. Do not stay in one
position for too long, though. Every 2 to 3 hours, take a short walk
(about 10 to 20 minutes), then rest in a comfortable position again.

How to get out of bed

Getting out of bed may be a problem with severe backache. Lie on your back with your
knees bent at 90° to one side. Slide close to the edge of the bed till your knees jut out