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Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/17/84; site mhuxt.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!mhuxt!evans
From: evans@mhuxt.UUCP (crandall)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Muscle cramps & Pain control
Message-ID: <1156@mhuxt.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 16-Sep-85 20:24:13 EDT
Article-I.D.: mhuxt.1156
Posted: Mon Sep 16 20:24:13 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 18-Sep-85 02:23:30 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill
Lines: 47


   I was sorry to see no non-medication tips so am offering my own.  If you havecramping problems be sure to check any out with your p.t. or Dr. before trying
in case they are contra-indicated.  These are put together from 7 years of neck,upper back, & upper limbs pain.

1. PHYSICAL THERAPY:  is most useful for me.  Demands discipline.  I have daily
exercises, traction, sleeping brace, etc.

2. SELF-HYPNOSIS:  allows me to interrupt spasms before tissue injury

3. LEARNING WHAT MOVEMENTS NOT TO MAKE

4. WRITING WITH EITHER HAND:  useful when I had neurarthropy

5. TAPE RECORDER FOR NOTE TAKING:  ditto above

6. SLIP ON GRIPS AND WIDE HANDLES:  on pens and utensils, ditto above

7. HAND SEWING AND FAST ACTION COMPUTER GAMES:  to improve dexterity during
nerve regeneration

8. HEAT:  heating pad and hot baths relax my cramps

9. "FANNY" PACK:  Called ass pack if you're used to camping.  It rests on hips
so that I can carry things comfortably.

10. ROLLING CART:  for moving heavier items

11. STRAPLESS BRA:  (or none) because straps can cause horrid pain

12. GOOD STEP STOOLS:  to avoid reaching up

13.  SPRAY CLEANERS & HAND HELD SHOWER NOZZLE:  cleaniness sans scrubbing

14.  SHORT HAIR:  gets weight off neck

15.  WINTER SCARVES, SILK SCARVES, LIGHT WEIGHT WINTER HATS:  essential for me
in cold or cool weather

16.  HIGH GRADE DOWN JACKET:  light and warm, ditto above

   Most of my tips come from physical therapy or trial & error.  Many doctors
seem afraid of pain that they can't medicate away due to its chronic nature,
especially if patient refuses pain drugs except to assist the worst.  It must
be terrible to have god complexs imposed when you know that you are'nt.  Still,
they shouldn't crawl into shells but should learn other approaches.

                                Sukie Crandall


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