Hi everyone,
I am dealing with a painful pinched nerve in my neck and start Physical Therapy this week, but my doctor told me that due to my treatment of CD which consists of Remicade, Methotextrate, and Folic Acid, he doesn't want me taking NSAIDs at all. Are there any effective substitutes??
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Opiates and acetominophen is about it. You can also use topical rubs. When my neck acts up (I have spinal stenosis), a heating pad is my best friend.
Jan 
OK, thanks. I will try the acetominophen.
Just watch your dose. Better to combine with an opiate or something like tramadol than to max out the Tylenol dose. Oh, and don't be shy about asking for muscle relaxers if you need them. When I had a compressed nerve root in my neck that was really inflamed, my neck and shoulder muscles spasmed so much I could not lower my shoulder. Flexeril or Robaxin can help relax it a bit. But, the heating pad made the biggest difference. Unfortunately, PT just made things worse. Bottom line, I just cannot do any overhead work any more. Looking up for more than 30 seconds causes my hand and arm to tingle.
Jan
My left arm is going numb and there is a pain in the area between my neck and left shoulder. I am a bit leery of opiates due to their constipating effect on me but will keep my options open. My PCP doctor thinks the physical therapy may alleviate it.
You might also try acupuncture
