evans@mhuxt.UUCP (crandall) (09/17/85)
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