Question
I deal with chronic pain since a car accident 6 years ago, and ended up with 2 herniated discs in my neck. I went through physical therapy, much testing, and finally to a pain clinic. I received steroid shots, and 2 times had long needles stuck in my neck that sent electricity to deaden the nerves (I can't remember what it's called). My last treatment was about 3 years ago.
I also have residual lower back pain from an injury 20 years ago when I worked as a dock loader while I was a seminary student. I ruptured a disc in the lumbar region, and had disc fusion surgery. I didn't like what the prescription pain meds did to me, and felt like I was getting addicted, so I quit those a long time ago. I haven't been to any doctors since the pain clinic 3 years ago. I still have my TENS unit which I use occasionally. I can deal with the level of pain on most days, but when a storm comes through, it's really bad. I usually take 3 or 4 ibuprophen then.
Now that you know my history, here is my question: Do you have any recommendations for OTC muscle relaxers? Someone recommended Genasec, but I looked that up on the internet, and it lists the ingredients as acetominafin and something they described as an antihistamine. How could that be a muscle relaxer?
I would welcome any other recommendations that you might have.
If this doesn't cover your area of expertise, could you recommend someone else on this website?
Thanks

Answer
Hi bob and thanks for writing,

Pain relief is an individual experience and each of us needs to experiment with what works best for us. Ibuprophen is an excellent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, and there are many muscle relaxants on the market, most as effective as the next, but they can cause drowsiness and dependancy. Natural remedies like Nutricol are an excellent suggestion, I always recommned natural supplements whenever possible.

I would also suggest Magnets for pain relief - I have used them for years and know they work really well. If you'd like more information on good Magnets please write again and I'd be happy to forward the information to you.

I hope this helps, all my best.

Margot