People who live with chronic lower back pain understand all too well what it’s like not to be believed half the time and not to be able to control the pain much of the time. However, researchers are dedicating a lot of time and resources into finding ways to manage chronic pain of many types, including lower back pain.

A study presented at the European Federation of International Association for the Study of Pain Chapters (EFIC), researchers showed that of 181 patients who were living with chronic lower back pain, the majority who took Cymbalta reported less pain and this reduced pain lasted for the 41 weeks of the study.

The trial was an open label trial, which meant that everyone knew what they were taking, unlike a blinded study, which took place for 13 weeks before the open label, when patients were given a placebo or the study medication.

After the 13-week blinded study, the patients were divided into groups where one group received 60 mg of the medication and the other 120 mg. This was to see how long the effects of pain relief would last.

The patients who had received the Cymbalta during the initial 13-week trial were given the same dose that they were taking then and those patients who were on the placebo during the 13-week trial were switched to Cymbalta.

Fifty-eight of the 13-week study patients responded well to the Cymbalta, so researchers followed them to see if their response to the medication would continue over the 41 weeks. What the researchers found was that not only did the patients who responded in the 13 weeks continue to respond later, many of them saw their pain decrease even more.

This finding is promising and may mean that many people can be helped find pain relief. Of course, like all medications, Cymbalta is not recommended for everyone and only your doctor will be able to tell you may be a candidate for it.

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Image: iStock.com

Post from: Blisstree

Cymbalta Helping with Low Chronic Back Pain

Diabetes Alert Day – Diabetes Alert Day is tomorrow, Tuesday the 27th of March. The goal of this day is to raise awareness of diabetes. As I said in my earlier post, diabetes is serious and you can have it without even knowing. Take this Risk Test to find out if you are at risk for diabetes or use this Alert e-card to remind someone close to you to take the test.

My Mom – I shared with you last week that my mother had a knee replacement and there were some diabetic considerations that go along with surgery. She did great, her incision looks beauteous and there is no sign of infection. I actually caught her vacuuming today, yes 1 week later. Walker was in the corner and she was happy as a pig in, well you know. She is stubborn, apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

Delta Burke – My interview with Ms. Delta Burke was exciting. It was my first time conducting such an interview and I think it went well. My voice was nasally and I had a huge Baltimore accent when I listened to the interview on tape, but not much I can do about that.

Byetta- Which leads me to Byetta. That has been very interesting to research. I have spoken to many doctors I work with on a regular basis, as well as some specialists, and we just haven’t seen a whole lot of use in the Mid-Atlantic yet. Many of the docs I talked with had similar comments and concerns about potential abuse of the medicine. Hey, anything that can help you drop 50 lbs in 6 months has a definite potential for misuse!

Tooth Decay – I let my dentist in on the whole tooth decay and diabetes thing. I gently explained that I had no issues finding any research or articles on the topic. By her reaction, you would have thought I had discovered the cure for cancer. Maybe I should look into a new dentist.

Cancer – Is there a link between certain cancers and diabetes? Will research be able to provide a definitive answer? Only time will tell. For now, I suggest us diabetics keep on exercising, eating right and using whatever treatment works best for each one of us.

Alternative Treatment – Will herbals be a mode of treatment among diabetics? How safe are these supplements? I will not personally be swallowing weeds, seeds or grasses of any sort but that is not to say it doesn’t work for everyone. To each his/her own!

Mental Health – I have also had a lot to say about depression, mental and emotional health of diabetics as well as the medications that go along with this subject. I think it is so important for mental health to be a priority. We all need someone, or something to lean on, whether it be a spouse, child, therapist, friend or medication. Happiness is a key factor in physical health as well. Thank heavens I have a big ol’ hubby that supports my big ol’ butt!

I am still open to any suggestions or advice. I like feedback. If you haven’t noticed, I’m a talker. If anyone would like to share a story or experience, related to diabetes of coarse, let me know. I could use some guest bloggers. I look forward to hearing from anyone, anyone at all, I know you are out there! LOL!

Post from: Blisstree

Hot Topics On Diabetes Notes For The Month Of March

Diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage, occurs in people who have had diabetes because their blood sugar level is higher than normal. Over time, high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels and nerves.

It can be painful and everyday activities become major inconveniences. Just imagine having to ask for help to walk to the bathroom or open a piece of mail . How frustrating. I don’t even like asking for help changing a car tire. Like my youngest says, “I can do it all myself”.

Imagine how your foot or hand feels when you wake up in the middle of the night with pins and needles from laying on it wrong. Diabetic neuropathy mimics this feeling, just like your foot “fell asleep”, but it doesn’t go away. Are there ways to reverse neuropathy? No, nothing can undo or reverse the nerve damage caused by diabetes. But hope is on the horizon.

Cymbalta is the first prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, or diabetic nerve pain. Cymbalta doesn’t undo or stop nerve damage, and it can’t make diabetes go away. But Cymbalta was proven safe and effective in clinical trials to help manage diabetic nerve pain.

This is great news for patients that suffer with diabetic neuropathy. Cymbalta has been prescribed to millions of patients with diabetes and depression. It helps treat both the mental and physical symptoms.

via Cymbalta and Family doctor

Post from: Blisstree

Cymbalta Helps Treat Both The Physical And Mental Symptoms Of Diabetic Neuropathy