I use lidocaine patches, cold packs, sometimes Voltaren Cream, I have an long stick I can roll it myself. These all help.
June 19
Lower back pain is really common with myeloma, so it's great that you're looking into ways to help your husband manage it. There are some home remedies that may offer relief, but it's important to check with his doctor first before trying anything new.
Here are some options that other MyMyelomaTeam members have found Show Full Answer
Lower back pain is really common with myeloma, so it's great that you're looking into ways to help your husband manage it. There are some home remedies that may offer relief, but it's important to check with his doctor first before trying anything new.
Here are some options that other MyMyelomaTeam members have found helpful:
- Heat therapy β A heating pad, warm towel, or heated mattress pad on low can help ease muscle stiffness and improve circulation. Just be careful not to leave it on too long to avoid burns.
- Cold compresses β Ice packs can help numb pain and reduce swelling.
- Topical creams β Capsaicin cream or menthol-based creams rubbed into sore areas have helped some members. One MyMyelomaTeam member even swears by Vicks VapoRub on sore spots!
- Adjusting sleep position β One MyMyelomaTeam member found that adjusting the head of their bed helped ease back and neck pain noticeably.
- Complementary therapies β Acupuncture, gentle massage, meditation, and yoga may also provide some relief alongside his treatment plan. For pain relief, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally considered safer for myeloma patients than NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin. NSAIDs should be avoided unless a doctor specifically approves them, as they can be harmful to the kidneys, which are already vulnerable with myeloma.
It's really important to loop in his oncology team about the back pain. They can identify whether it's related to bone involvement, a lesion, or a treatment side effect β and recommend the right course of action, which could include physical therapy, medication, or other interventions.
June 8