Boswellia

Deree · ‎06-30-2018

Hi. I have been recovering from a distal radius wrist fracture. My bones are essentially healed and my wrist isn't even the big problem. I seem to be having a bigger problem with pain in my hand and especially fingers. It feels like possible nerve damage as a result of my fall. I've seen my orthopedist over the past 2 months and also a physiatrist for pain management. The more PT I do the more pain I have and this makes me think I'm doing more damage than good. I've asked if I could have an MRI but both said it's too soon.

My doctors have prescribed a short course of steroids for any inflammation or also gabapentin for possible nerve pain but I don't like taking drugs and both of these have seriously serious side effects that aren't good for me with my medical history. I'm thinking of going the natural route and wondered if anyone has tried Boswellia topical cream for any type of arthritis or other inflammatory problem. It comes in pills but I won't take the pills. I also know about turmeric and ginger but get nauseous with the smell and taste of both. Help.

Wear a mask. Social distance. Be part of the solution - not part of the problem.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

@Deree-

I did try it years ago and didn't notice any benefits but it is supposed to be an anti-inflammatory.

You can look up the benefits and side effects and interactions on healthline or webmd etc.

I will try something once and if it works with acceptable side effects then thats a good thing. I guess it doesn't hurt to try if everything else about it is ok for you.

As for the pt, it shouldn't make you hurt more. Maybe they are asking too much!

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

Deree · ‎06-30-2018

@on the bay I was just reading about Boswellia topical and that it hasn't really been studied well for its anti inflammatory effects which is why I decided to ask here in case anyone has tried it and had good results. The pills have been shown to work well but also have side effects.

I don't think I'm doing too much PT at all. I do it at home just a couple of minutes twice a day of various movements and I have to do it under hot water because hot water is the only thing that loosens up my fingers to move and relieves the pain temporarily. Thanks for answering.

Wear a mask. Social distance. Be part of the solution - not part of the problem.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

Seriously? This post must be joke. I understand that you want an immediate cure like you see in an hour long tv show but medicine doesn't work like that. Obviously, you think you know more than your physicians know. So self medicate with your herbals, just make sure that you let your doctors know what you are taking because one of the many things you do NOT understand is that herbals ARE drugs. They are drugs just like any drug compounded in a factory and they can have dangerous interactions with other drugs you are taking. Also, you are not seeing a physiatrist for pain management, that's silly. You are seeing a physiatrist a because you have a problem with that wrist, which is a joint. It's possible that you do have nerve damage, it's likely that you have a problem with the ligaments or tendons. The physiatrist will sort it out, if you actually communicate with him are compliant with the treatment plan but not like it happens in a tv show. It's your body, so it's perfectly ok to voice your concerns with your doctors and to ask questions. You can even discuss this herbal plan of yours with them, many younger doctors have an open mind when it comes to alternative therapies. They will work with you on it.

GenXmuse · ‎05-15-2016

@chrystaltree wrote:
Seriously? This post must be joke. I understand that you want an immediate cure like you see in an hour long tv show but medicine doesn't work like that. Obviously, you think you know more than your physicians know. So self medicate with your herbals, just make sure that you let your doctors know what you are taking because one of the many things you do NOT understand is that herbals ARE drugs. They are drugs just like any drug compounded in a factory and they can have dangerous interactions with other drugs you are taking. Also, you are not seeing a physiatrist for pain management, that's silly. You are seeing a physiatrist a because you have a problem with that wrist, which is a joint. It's possible that you do have nerve damage, it's likely that you have a problem with the ligaments or tendons. The physiatrist will sort it out, if you actually communicate with him are compliant with the treatment plan but not like it happens in a tv show. It's your body, so it's perfectly ok to voice your concerns with your doctors and to ask questions. You can even discuss this herbal plan of yours with them, many younger doctors have an open mind when it comes to alternative therapies. They will work with you on it.

You’re really enjoying yourself here.

qbetzforreal · ‎08-28-2010

@chrystaltree wrote:
Seriously? This post must be joke. I understand that you want an immediate cure like you see in an hour long tv show but medicine doesn't work like that. Obviously, you think you know more than your physicians know. So self medicate with your herbals, just make sure that you let your doctors know what you are taking because one of the many things you do NOT understand is that herbals ARE drugs. They are drugs just like any drug compounded in a factory and they can have dangerous interactions with other drugs you are taking. Also, you are not seeing a physiatrist for pain management, that's silly. You are seeing a physiatrist a because you have a problem with that wrist, which is a joint. It's possible that you do have nerve damage, it's likely that you have a problem with the ligaments or tendons. The physiatrist will sort it out, if you actually communicate with him are compliant with the treatment plan but not like it happens in a tv show. It's your body, so it's perfectly ok to voice your concerns with your doctors and to ask questions. You can even discuss this herbal plan of yours with them, many younger doctors have an open mind when it comes to alternative therapies. They will work with you on it.

Consider seeing a PM&R physician if:

You had an accident or you have an injury or chronic condition that has left you with pain or limited function
You’re contemplating or recovering from surgery
You have an illness or treatment for an illness that has diminished your energy or ability to move easily
You’re recovering from the effects of a stroke or other problems related to nerve damage
You have chronic pain from arthritis, a repetitive stress injury, or back problems
Excess weight makes it difficult to exercise or has caused health problems
You think you’re too old to exercise
Life changes such as childbirth or menopause have created new challenges to your physical function

graciesmom1003 · ‎03-05-2018

both steroids and gabapentin are the treatment of choice for neurologic/inflammatory conditions? if you haven't had any side effects, why don't you want to take? if it's because you MIGHT have a side effect, please understand that so-called 'natural' treatments have as many or more side effects as medications, they just aren't well tested and you never are sure how much you are really taking because no one is monitoring the strength that was packaged or the sterility of the conditions packaged under....less risk with the devil you know

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

@Deree I get your hesitation with steroids but gabapentin is for exactly what you are describing; nerve inflammation. It is not a controlled substance so if you are worried about addiction tendency, it has none. I would try it and see if you tolerate it and if it helps. It is prescribed a lot for shingles nerve pain.

Also if you are looking for anti-inflammatory, if you tolerate NSAIDs, you could always stick with ibuprofen. Not natural but certainly well known and usually well tolerated.

Other than what you've said, I will offer green tea maybe although most natural substances need time to build up in your system and offer relief.

tsavorite · ‎03-09-2010

Putting HOT water on anything would make it get more inflamed IMO. I would try the medications the doctors prescribed to see if they help. Perhaps you can try them at half the dose?? ask your doctors about that since you are afraid of side effects. I totally get that and most all the time my doctor lets me try half the dose 1st to see how I do.

Skip the boswellia or any other herbal thing...usually a waste of money and time. Getting the inflammation down is best.