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Original poster

Anyone recovered fully from back pain after many, many months?

43 replies

buzzheath · 16/12/2024 14:21

Just that really. Started in May, lasted through to August. Then with exercises etc it disappeared for a few months. Now it's back. Urgh.

OP posts:
Original poster
buzzheath · 18/12/2024 12:59

DancefloorAcrobatics · 16/12/2024 18:34

PS, it's worth finding out what the problem is first!

I sort of have! MRI was normal, GP and osteo both said it's likely not a disc injury, so just muscular pain. But it started in May and I'm still having it, hence the worry!

OP posts:
Original poster
buzzheath · 18/12/2024 12:58

Icepop79 · 16/12/2024 18:28

Kind of, yes. Had bouts of absolutely crippling back pain about once a year for a few years with chronic ache the rest of the time. At its worst I couldn’t even perform basic hygiene tasks. Finally got referred to a physio. Had about 6 sessions with her. Now I get a bit of a flare up pre-menstrual but I know what to do and it’s very short-lived. The rest of the time I’m blissfully pain-free

Thanks and glad you're better now! As in, you didn't see a physio for many years, but when you did, it went away quite quickly?

OP posts:
Evaka · 18/12/2024 12:58

I've been destroyed with back pain on and off for years. Also had an MRI which found some bulging discs etc but nothing catastrophic. For me it's 100% linked to stress which i carry in my jaw and eventually makes its way down my neck and back, resulting in crippling lower back spasms that take weeks to recover from.

Last year I saw a great PT with physio training who helped me cope better with pain when it happens and took much of the panic out of it for me.

I also quit a v high pressure job and have something more low key lined up for the NY.

Back still hurts/twinges but the epic spasms whereby i can't walk seem to be over for now!

CantHoldMeDown · 18/12/2024 12:41

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Original poster
buzzheath · 18/12/2024 12:41

Nerdlings · 16/12/2024 18:26

Yes with exercise.

You probably do need to keep up the exercise long term

Thanks! Glad you're better now. How long did your pain last, in total?

OP posts:
Original poster
buzzheath · 18/12/2024 12:41

RosieLeaf · 16/12/2024 18:24

Yes. Saw the physio twice a week, and did the exercises they gave religiously.

Pain reduced, got worse for a week or so, then completely disappeared.

Thanks! How long was the duration of your pain in total?

OP posts:
Original poster
buzzheath · 18/12/2024 12:40

Thanks everyone! To those saying it went away completely, how long did it take? I've had an MRI to rule anything serious out, and been told it's just muscular/mechanical pain, as opposed to a disc issue. Osteopath has also said this seems to be the case. It makes sense to me as there's no tingling or neurological sensations that you tend get with sciatica, etc, and it's not a sharp pain as such, just a constant, mild-moderate general ache.

I do need to be more disciplined with my pilates exercises. Just so gutted that the pain came back after being fine for 3 months...

OP posts:
Mountainhowl · 16/12/2024 19:02

My OH did, after YEARS of suffering and high dose opiate based painkillers. All thanks to the book 'The Divided Mind' by John Sarno

AlertCat · 16/12/2024 19:02

Back pain can also be very much linked to stress and emotions. Might be worth looking at the context in which the original pain and the relapse have occurred- any similarities at all?

WomanInTheBoat · 16/12/2024 18:59

Just to add, I agree about diagnosis but our experience was that nothing would be done on that score until at least 12 weeks. The reasoning being that something like 90% ( or maybe 95%?) of cases will get better in time. Plus NHS resources etc. We had to push even to get physio appointments but so glad we did.

WomanInTheBoat · 16/12/2024 18:53

Yes, my DP. Earlier this year he was in constant pain despite quite strong painkillers. He saw a physio and religiously followed the exercises given even though it was really really difficult. Physio was certain it was an L5 slipped disc - apparently they can tell from examination/ responses to leg being moved in certain ways.
After 3 long months, he started to see some improvement. It has taken a further 3-4 months to regain strength and be completely pain free. He is now back doing everything he used to including hiking twice a week. After seeing the benefit of exercises, he agreed to come to pilates with me and is now a total convert.

DazedAndConfused321 · 16/12/2024 18:47

Depends what problem it is. Ruptured discs, nerve damage and long term inflammation can be irreparable. A slipped disc or pulled muscle can be fixed.

DancefloorAcrobatics · 16/12/2024 18:34

PS, it's worth finding out what the problem is first!

DancefloorAcrobatics · 16/12/2024 18:34

Another one saying yes, but with the exercises given by physio.

I just do them as a morning/ evening stretch routine... takes about 5 minutes!
If I stop, the pain will eventually come back. But I have been doing this now for nearly 14 months and not even had a twinge!
(That's after a really bad episode of sciatica.)

Icepop79 · 16/12/2024 18:28

Kind of, yes. Had bouts of absolutely crippling back pain about once a year for a few years with chronic ache the rest of the time. At its worst I couldn’t even perform basic hygiene tasks. Finally got referred to a physio. Had about 6 sessions with her. Now I get a bit of a flare up pre-menstrual but I know what to do and it’s very short-lived. The rest of the time I’m blissfully pain-free

Catandsquirrel · 16/12/2024 18:27

Couldn't tell you the timescale for recovery off hand but my DM had nasty sciatica and it went away fully. She's absolutely fine now many years later, does yoga regularly.

Nerdlings · 16/12/2024 18:26

Yes with exercise.

You probably do need to keep up the exercise long term

RosieLeaf · 16/12/2024 18:24

Yes. Saw the physio twice a week, and did the exercises they gave religiously.

Pain reduced, got worse for a week or so, then completely disappeared.

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