Back Problems

Dermot wrote:Khun Paul,

Can i get Norgesic over the counter?

Cheers

Dermot

Dermot, both the Norgesic and the Celebrex I mentioned are available over the counter in Thailand.

Arjay wrote:For deteriorating joints, joint inflammation, general wear and tear etc they usually give me Celebrex (pfizer), along with Norgesic (a muscle relaxant with analgesic). The former (Celebrex) usually costs 700+ baht through the hospitals (AEK and Phuket International), but can be bought from local pharmacies for about 240 baht for a strip of 10. Norgesic only costs about 40 baht.

Celebrex is really good, and a COX2 inhibitor, so it doesn't have the same problems as COX 1 inhibitors like Ibuprofen, but the downside is that you can only really take it once a day. The danger with pills is taking more than the recommended dose. If you are good, one celebrex could be substituted for the three times a day ibuprofen, however experience says that a single dose of celebrex doesn't always hit the spot, but it's individual. Just watch the doses.

I have had serious back pain for the last 20yrs, after a couple of bad horse riding falls, two bad motorbike accidents, and a prolasped disc..I know what pain is after getting a chainsaw in the face..heck two weeks ago I had the hell slam dunk on my back the wet outdoor steps, man did it friggin hurt, like someone had slammed me in the back with a metal baseball bat..couldnt get out from where I live because it was flooded, then the 9 seater plane couldnt take off because of low cloud..anyways limped into hospitals accident and emergency ward so I could get some xrays, waited seven hours to be told that I had broken several rips, and broke a fin off my spine..nothing they could do but offer me some painkillers, no thanks, dont believe in them,

the body gives you pain so you know what you can, and cant do..if you go numbing that pain then you are more than likely will continue to use your back in ways you shouldnt, so she wont heal...

if your back is hurting around the belt region then you maybe be bordering on a prolapsed disc, or a tissue tear...exercise , place your hands on your back in the belt area, and lean and stretch backward, do this at least for five mintues everyday.....also stand and try and touch the ceiling with your chin, stretch your body right up, drive your chin up in the air and then shake your head from side to side, as if you were a dog shaking off water..do this ten times a day...dont wear a belt, and sleep on a hard bed, dont lift anything, and dont sit around, and wear a proper thick elastic belt designed for bad backs...painkillers will only get rid of the pain, not fix anything, indeed, may numb things so that you start doing things you shouldnt..anyway it is your choice, but try the exercises...good luck

Arjay, which pharmacy sells Celebrex for 240 baht strip? The best I've found is 300 baht at the pharmacy on the corner across from talat Ban Hoy and the one south of the market between Ngee Soon and Srisuk.

I got my last lot at a pharmacy on Meechai road in Nong Khai for 240 baht. I noted that some other pharmacies locally were asking 260 and 300 baht. It maybe that some places are slower to put their prices up.

The pain is in my mid back just below my shoulder blades. I did change the mattres to a much harder one last night, or should I say the Mrs did. I didnt have to roll off the mattress this morning as I have had to do the last few mornings. Now I just have to try to take a shower and off to Aek. Ill keep you updated. Cheers again to everyone.

Thanks, Arjay.

Just back from AEK. Had an x-ray and no problems with my spine or surrounding area. Its a muscular problem and is brought on by stress and heavy physical labour which i had both of moving my stuff out of my apartment in Dublin.

I have physical therapy for the next 7 days, one of which i had today and am already feeling a tad better. Drugs that were prescribed are Norgesic, one 3 times daily after food, Celebrex, one 200mg capsule after breakfast and Voltex Kool gel applied 2-3 times daily.

Total cost of drugs, 7 physical therapy sessions, 2 consultations with the Orthopedic Doctor, one of which ive had and the next just after the last physical therapy session is 5,100 Baht. For me though this treatment is priceless! I just hope in a week Im back to almost 100%!

Cheers again everyone who helped. I guess thats what the Map is all about!

Dermot, just keep in mind, to buy any repeats, if needed, from a local pharmacy, where they will cost about 1/3rd of the price of the drugs at the hospital.

I was spot on with my prescription then.

You were indeed arjay! I appreciate the advice bigtime!

you sure it was the lifting da caused it Dermot, and not someting alittle bit more stenuous when arriving back in Udon, and seeing the missus again..hmmm

hahahahahhhahah Maaka! We'd been together for a few weeks and moved back together so i cant blame it on that. I saw your previous post on the thread and fair play to you if you can stand the pain! I dont like taking drugs if I can help it but when i need them I certainly will. I believe in a better life through modern chemistry but of course if used properly and under the supervision of a doctor. When are you back in town?

I would like to say " I'll be back " asap, but alas me ole ma and da are going downhill everyday, so the future is alittle uncertain at the mo, but hope to catch up with ya one day for sure...