Pain Med Alternatives - Lidocaine Patches????

[KLB84]

I've been looking for alternatives to narcotics for pain - specifically in one localized area the dr. has called a "trigger spot" in my shoulder. It becomes a big knotted up muscle under my shoulder blade and gets worse when I'm stressed. I've also been told I have tinitus in that shoulder. ANYWAY, I'm currently tapering on suboxone and really need to find alternatives for this pain. I've had this pain for probably 10 years (since I was 19) with numerous tests -  Before and after addiction. It's something I think I will have to live with the rest of my life - hence the need for alternatives for narcs. I'm an addict. I can't take anything addictive and expect not to abuse it. This I've learned! SOOO...what are alternatives??? Dr. has given me tramadol, muscle relaxers, and anti-inflamation pills for it. The tramadol I've read enough about not to take, so no need to explain...so still seeking alternatives. Someone mentioned lidocaine/lidoderm patches. Any experience/ advice or other suggestions for these or other alternatives????
Other info: The muscle relaxers probably help, but I don't like to take them. They make me too sleepy and I know they can be addictive (though I seriously don't like them). I've been using a heating pad every night for a week and it hasn't helped. Salon-Pas patches help....some. The anti-inflamatory pill helps...some....depending on the severity of the pain, but can also cause ulcers and other stomach issues if taken too much, and I'm in need of something a lot.

[Cira30]

The patches are close to 200$. I have done a ton of prior auths for patients insurances. The patches used to be approved easily. I don't know any insurance now that will pay without step therapy ( everything else you have tried ) and after that I have still seen tons get denied

[KLB84]

Yep, tried all the above, guess I need to stick them out  - getting myself a massage for my b-day! (next wk)!

[clean_in_ks]

I used to have the very same issues you are describing...and I mean for years.....in one shoulder in particular.  Granted....we all "wear" or carry our stress in different parts of our bodies.....for me....neck and shoulders BIG time.

In fact, my lack of "range of motion" with my right arm and the subsequent pain in that shoulder and in the thoracic levels in my back were what got me started on Lortabs.  Fast forward quite a few years...I have a lot of other areas of chronic pain....but not my shoulder and T zones in my back anymore.  I attribute that to several things:

Chiropratic adjustments.....
Deep tissue massage....
Specific exercises to loosen the shoulders and neck....like shoulder rolls...forward and backwards.. cross stretching with my arms..and there are many more you can find online or thru your Physical Therapist, Massage Therapist, or Chiropractor.
I have a "kneading fingers" massage machine I use at home.
I used to "beg" my hubby to deep rub his thumb around the shoulder blade  as often as possible....it hurt like h*ll....but the pressure points needed the relief.
I bought a reflexology book and studied the pressure points that were "ouch" spots for me.  
I asked my hubby to use Tiger Balm, BioFreeze, or any other deep tissue balm on me after loosening up the shoulder blades and socket.

I didn't find a topical numbing patch....or heat or ice type patch to benefit me as it was deep, muscular, and nerve related.  I still carry a lot of stress in my neck and shoulds and would "die for" a daily neck and shoulder massage....but that ain't happenin...haha...but at least the specific limiting pain is now gone.

Hope that helps you....it helped me to type it all out.....I'm gonna have to get back to some of these very same things myself...but for different chronic pain conditions now....thanks for reminding me....lol  

[ActingBrandNew]

I take the Lidoderm Patch 5% (Prescription Only) I get a box every month and share it with my mom. I use it for spinal issues and she uses it for Neuropathy. The Lidoderm patches help her a great deal and me a little. Its worth a try. I guess the cost all depends on your insurance. They are worth a try.

[nursegirl6572]

They work well, but like the others said they can be expensive.  Good point too that it will take some time to be able to see your true pain level.

I also like the thermacare products, I think they work well.  Have you tried them?  Good ole Motrin works very well too for a lot of things, and surprisingly, Excedrin migraine works for all kinds of pain too (for me anyway).  I swear by that!  Ask your doc.

Rx strength Motrin seems to work better, and you may not need it as often.  Have you tried that?  Sometimes alternating between something like tylenol and motrin will work too.

It's going to take some time and experimenting I'm sure but I bet you'll find ways to manage the pain and your overall pain level will be much lower once the dust settles for you.

Good luck!

[glamisgirl]

I've used them and I didn't feel like they did anything for pain what so ever....so wish they would have worked but no relief at all from it.

[atthebeach]

I have used them, OTC and they take the edge off the pain. I didn't find the OTC ones expensive.
You can also try massages, physical therapy, exercise, stretching, hydro therapy, swimming, acupuncture, chiropractor.  
Also not sure how long you have been opiate free, but it can take about two months to re evaluate the pain.

[Ballgame]

I've used them. Had a hard time keeping it in my lower back. For me it was good mentally to wear it but not sure it worked. They are also very $$$$