Kath, you can type spaces at the end of your title if you need more characters to get to 15.

Sorry you are hurting. I don't use any of the patches or creams. I find that, for me, heat and tylenol/aspirin work best for minor aches and pains. That, and moving. You might try doing some stretches to loosen things up and see if that helps. Gentle yoga stretches are great for loosening up tight muscles. There are lots of yoga websites with free videos. I like this one:

Do Yoga With Me

Many of the videos are free; no need to subscribe unless a person wants access to more videos. Best of luck - hope you feel better soon.

Thanks DawninCal....I did a few beginner Barre exercise videos this past week. I felt great afterwards. I know my biggest problem is sitting so much. Sitting at work too for 8 to 12 hours. Not good for you.

I like the Salonpas patches (both the heat kind and the lidocaine for different purposes). For me heat patches do burn some and itch for the first 15 to 30 minutes, but worth it. Also they last a long time 8-12 hours, so take it off at least 30 minutes before showering as stated on the package. I learned that one the hard way!

I've never been into patches. We have prescription for Voltaren on hand.

Kath, would you be willing to try the 10,000 step challenge? Could you get up every 2 hours at work and do a walk around where you work? I know you are a nurse, not sure where you have to sit while doing your job.

I have the app Accupedo on my phone. I don't want to wear a Fitbit bracelet. What I like about this app is that it is constantly on. No forgetting to start it. It does have a walking feature where it diagrams your walk, and you have to press start for that feature to work. Then stop it. It will continue to add this to your other steps.

For me, 10,500ish steps becomes 5 miles. So, I use 5 miles as my goal. As soon as I wake up, I get my phone so I can get credit for all my steps. I try to have 2,000 steps before I leave the house. This can be easy or a challenge depending on what I have to do.

Some people do less, but to be honest, I don't think it will get you much. It's that five mile mark that seems to make a difference. For me, it is helping maintain my weight.

For a muscle strain, I just had a bad one from lifting weights a the gym, my doctor says cold is best. I think for a ongoing chronic pain, you use heat.

I have used the Salonpas 4% lidocaine patches for pain from spinal stenosis -- no burning, just relief. Eight hour limit. Really cheap at Costco. I've also used the roll-on. Aspercreme is the brand, but most drugstore chains have their own knockoff 'brand'. My hairdresser uses the roll-on for shoulder and neck pain.

Eld6161, I am a telecare nurse now. I used to walk at work during my lunch break but when it's cold or even cool out my asthma prevents me from walking. Last time I walked was in the Fall, 50s outside...spent the next hour and a half coughing and using my inhaler. I did join Planet Fitness 2 weeks ago but have gone sporadically. I am going to start going again on Monday. My daughter wanted to start going but she's been working nearly every day and our schedules don't always line up right. I'm bad about going on my own...but am determined to just do it. I'm tired of feeling like this.

Chisue, my Salanpas have Lidocaine in them. Just put one on my shoulder and ankle.. Sprained that stupid ankle almost 2 years ago and it's still swollen and painful.

Kath, I was thinking that you can walk inside! Up and down hallways, and if there are stairs, do a few flights.

I cannot use the Salonpas with lidocaine. I also worry about lidocaine tonicity. I find the larger patches ineffective for my muscle aches and pains and think those are the ones that may be causing you a heating sensation. I use the small ones that are perhaps 2 1/2 by 3 inches. The do not heat. Some people have a problem with menthol which can be derived from wintergreen which can cause burning of the skin if rubbed. For me the small ones are very effective but not the larger ones. I would suggest removing. If you have a red spot tomorrow do not use again.

I use acupuncture and CBD salve for my neck and back pain.

Feel better soon.

I go for a massage....

Hope you feel better!

Moni

Eld6161, I would but the building I work in creeps me out. It is very old and work nights except on holidays and weekends. Even in the daytime it's creepy. I've tried walking in there and the hair on the back of my neck literally stands up in some of the hallways. I'll walk outside when it warms up or at Planet Fitness on a treadmill.

Maifluer, the burning did stop after a little bit and the next two patches didn't burn at all, which I thought was weird. They did help, although, the pain isn't completely gone.

I think I'll do some chair yoga at work tomorrow in between calls. At least I will be doing something.

Carol, thanks. A lot of people here are using that oil.

Moni, that sounds like a great idea! Haven't had a massage in a long time.

Sounds like you too may have the type of asthma that is exercise induced if you have problems at 50 F. While walking exercise can help some people for other people it can cause problems. Simply do what your body tells you that it will accept.

Interesting thing that recently ran bells with me is that I took the DNA tests at 23andme and did the health portion. I am healthier than I thought but recently they have been asking for me to complete questions on asthma. There must be some genetic marker that has told them that I has asthma. Mine is very mild. So far.

Maifleur01, actually it's only in the cool/cold air that I have problems. Walking, hiking in warm weather doesn't irritate my lungs.

I use an electric heating pad and my husbands tenz machine (better than the DR Ho one, he got his from WCB years ago). Works like a charm. I have degenerative disc disease in my upper spine/neck and a torn muscle in my shoulder. I think I also damaged my rotator cuff at work hauling milk (if you're on my FB page, you know all about our seniors day, or as we call it: Milk Day). I was in so much pain this week. I used my husbands CBD oil two nights in a row (relief within 15 minutes) and the heating pad and tenz machine last night. Still a little sore but not like I was. If I do use a rub, I like Voltaren as it's not scented. I can get some RX Voltaren from work if I whine enough. lol They'll just put a little in a jar and let me take it. It's called Diclo. Love the stuff.

I've used the icy hot ones. One night I had such a backache I couldn't sleep. I put it on and out I went. It has never worked that well again but if it happens I will give it another try.

I also go to a good LMT -- I was assaulted by a patient some 14 years ago and still can get neck pain from certain activities or just from letting myself get sloppy in posture, slacking off on the exercises, and also something like you did -- spending hours with a drooping head. My therapist seems to get me "back into alignment" and pain free (although while she is working on me it can be uncomfortable!) I do have to be diligent about the exercises -- this video shows some of the ones that the physical therapist taught me: exercises

I've used the regular Salon Pas patches and they've worked for me.

In November my neck and upper back hurt, and I had a large knot on my shoulder. I was going to get a good massage but never got around to it. Instead, I decided to break down and buy a My Pillow and after about a week, the knot was gone and no more aches and pains in the shoulders and neck.