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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Natural Alternatives Can I Use To Manage Arthritis, Back Pain, And Muscle Spasms Instead Of The Prescribed Steroids, Valium, And Meclizine?

I am a 68 yr old woman with thalassemia minor and guten and dairy sensitivity (can t eat either or it makes my arthritis flare up creating inflammation). I have been told I have osteo and rhumatoid as my back hurts and my fingers are twisting on my right hand. My hemogloben is generally 10.6 and I ve had low blood pressure but now that I m older that has seemed to normalize. I am a 70% disabled veteran with back and neck pain. I am 10 lbs over weight but can t seem to loose it and get in better shape. I recently went in the hospital with severe mid back muscle spasms on the large muscle on the left side (near the bra strap area). I have up until now avoided prescription drugs but they want me on a steroid dexAMETHasone 2mg twice a day for a week, Valium 5mg 2x s a day and Meclizine for dizzyness (when ever I lay down or get up) 25mg 2 x s a day. I do not like taking them so I do not take them as prescribed. I want a natural way to fix my issues. ANY help would be extremely appreciated!.
posted on Mon, 19 May 2025
Twitter Tue, 23 Sep 2025 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 30 Sep 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

You have a history of thalassemia minor, sensitivities (gluten and dairy), and arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid). It makes sense you want to avoid heavy prescriptions like steroids, Valium, and Meclizine. However, if inflammation is extreme, a short steroid course can prevent permanent joint damage.

You can talk to the doctor who has prescribed you medicines for a lower dose or topical steroid is possible instead of oral. Natural approaches work best long-term at your age. You are encouraged to do gentle stretches specifically for arthritis and back pain.

Stretch exercises will give you relieve though it may hurt when you start. Since you have Thalassemia minor, focus on taking folate, B12, and antioxidants. Dizziness is indicative of positional vertigo, get clinically examined by an ENT, Epley maneuver is helpful but do it only under observation of the ENT or Physical therapist.

Keep yourself adequately hydrated, as dehydration causes dizziness. Taking Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow in the brain. Heat and cold therapy along with full-body massage on alternate days will be helpful. Take magnesium-rich food or magnesium (glycinate or citrate) supplements. It helps with muscle spasms, and gives good sleep.

Antioxidants reduce stress on the joints so add them to your diet. Curcumin intake helps with arthritis pain. Consuming ginger will help to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Take natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids or supplements as it will be helpful.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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What Natural Alternatives Can I Use To Manage Arthritis, Back Pain, And Muscle Spasms Instead Of The Prescribed Steroids, Valium, And Meclizine?

Hello, You have a history of thalassemia minor, sensitivities (gluten and dairy), and arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid). It makes sense you want to avoid heavy prescriptions like steroids, Valium, and Meclizine. However, if inflammation is extreme, a short steroid course can prevent permanent joint damage. You can talk to the doctor who has prescribed you medicines for a lower dose or topical steroid is possible instead of oral. Natural approaches work best long-term at your age. You are encouraged to do gentle stretches specifically for arthritis and back pain. Stretch exercises will give you relieve though it may hurt when you start. Since you have Thalassemia minor, focus on taking folate, B12, and antioxidants. Dizziness is indicative of positional vertigo, get clinically examined by an ENT, Epley maneuver is helpful but do it only under observation of the ENT or Physical therapist. Keep yourself adequately hydrated, as dehydration causes dizziness. Taking Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow in the brain. Heat and cold therapy along with full-body massage on alternate days will be helpful. Take magnesium-rich food or magnesium (glycinate or citrate) supplements. It helps with muscle spasms, and gives good sleep. Antioxidants reduce stress on the joints so add them to your diet. Curcumin intake helps with arthritis pain. Consuming ginger will help to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Take natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids or supplements as it will be helpful. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician