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Original poster

Does anyone have any bad back cures?

29 replies

StinkinDrink · 27/07/2019 22:05

Just that really, I have had a bad back for about 8 years, damaged it moving house and it's been painful since, had a serious relapse and ended up in A & E about 4 years ago with it, I have strong painkillers to take when needs must. Physio hasn't helped, diagnosis from doctor is a possible slipped disc, muscles in spasm to protect it. At times it's total agony and I'm miserable. Has anyone had sports massage? Seen a chiropractor? Anything that had helped please advise!

OP posts:
SospanFrangipan · 27/07/2019 22:07

Go and see a sports therapist. My friend is one, and does wonders for my back. They can diagnose and treat better than anyone.

TooTrueToBeGood · 27/07/2019 22:13

I don't rate chiropractors at all and physios are highly variable in my experience. A decent osteopath is my recommendation. I had 2 herniated disks in my neck a few years back that had me just about immobilized. Spent months (actually close to a year) relying on my GP and NHS physios with not a glimmer of improvement. 8 sessions with an osteopath and I was like a new man.

BunnyJumps · 27/07/2019 22:14

Hanging upside down

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General health
dramaqueen · 27/07/2019 22:16

Pilates - yes really. I was the biggest cynic out but my spinal surgeon said trials showed had outcomes as good as surgery.

If I miss a week I start to get back ache again.

skinnyamericano · 27/07/2019 22:16

My in-laws have a back swing that tilts you upside down - sounds ridiculous, but they swear by it. DH has used it too and found it really helpful. Probably the same cost as 3 visits to a physio?

FrancesFryer · 27/07/2019 22:16

Oh my gosh BunnyJumps you've just taken me back to my childhood hanging upside down on the climbing frame in the park

CherryPavlova · 27/07/2019 22:20

Swimming and the exercises you download from NHS website.
Maintain healthy weight.
Yoga.

skinnyamericano · 27/07/2019 22:21

Now that would be cheaper than a back swing!

skinnyamericano · 27/07/2019 22:21

That was to frances and bunny

FrancesFryer · 27/07/2019 22:24

Probably a lot less safe though

Blueuggboots · 27/07/2019 22:25

Have you had an MRI scan? That would confirm the cause then you can look into decent treatment. You can't treat a problem until you know what it actually is.

Spitefulbreasts · 27/07/2019 22:26

I've had a bad back for about 50 years, going to a chiropractor helps me, the one I see does very gentle manipulation, no aggression at all. When the pain is really bad I wear a belt that supports my lower back. It has pockets to put gel packs in, I keep the gel packs in the freezer and that helps to reduce the inflammation.
I can only tell you what has worked for me.
I think I'd probably have a diagnosis of hyper mobility if I pushed for any kind of diagnosis.
I've learned what works for me, a firm supportive mattress, never sitting on a chair that doesn't have a back, bending from the knees when I have to bend down.
So much more, but this is about you. A chiropractor won't harm you and may help.
Feel free to pm me if you think I could be of any help.

NiLunNiLautre · 27/07/2019 22:27

I had a bad back for years. GPs could not give a shiny shit and literally offered no help at all.
When I had foot/ankle problems and started using orthotic insoles, my bad back got dramatically better. It may be that over pronation or other foot problem is causing you bad bad.

NiLunNiLautre · 27/07/2019 22:28

*your bad back

WildCherryBlossom · 27/07/2019 22:29

I spent a small fortune at the chiropractor. I think it helped when the pain was at its worst but my biggest recommendation is definitely swimming. Regular swimming keeps the back ache at bay. Abs excercises to support core strength (eg plank) and generally paying attention to posture, not gaining weight etc all help too.

NewAndImprovedNorks · 27/07/2019 22:32

Walking...lots. I know that doesn’t sound plausible , but it really does work and if I miss a day, my back notices it.
An EVE mattress (other brands are available) has really eloped me. I don’t crawl out of bed any more. Truly brilliant
Do the stretches! Boring, time consuming, boring, ungainly, boring and boring. But the stretches really do work. Sorry.

Good luck. I LITERALLY feel your pain

MsMarple · 27/07/2019 22:32

An osteopath saved me from bad back misery. It felt pretty miraculous at the time as he didn’t even seem to do much, but it felt quite a bit easier after the session and within a few days I was back to normal. Definitely worth a try if you are suffering!

longearedbat · 27/07/2019 22:45

I'm another one that says walking. It might be painful to start, but if I miss my walks I am much worse. I make sure my posture is good and upright (requires thought because I tend to lean forward when the pain is bad) and, once I've warmed up a bit, walk for 20 steps or so really swinging my hips like a catwalk model, if you get my drift, then revert to normal and so on. I also find that walking up a slight incline is beneficial. I have had an intemittently bad back for 50 years from a riding accident, now I am getting on I can barely move on getting up in the morning, but an energetic walk with the dog loosens it up a fair amount so I can get on with my day.

Bortusesmoustache · 27/07/2019 22:46

Definitely get an MRI done to clarify what the problem is (you can get them done privately if necessary/feasible). My chiropractor is a bloody witch doctor - after years of painkillers, NHS physio, fruitless orthopedic referrals, and osteopathy treatment, my chiro had me pain free within a few sessions. I think maybe you have to search around for the most suitable treatment/practitioner for you (even after the orthopedic surgeon has told you that you really should accept the situation and look into 'life-long pain management options').

julensaor · 27/07/2019 22:46

Well firstly I'd get scanned to see what is going on. If that isn't going to be possible; I am not sure but maybe try a TENS machine if all else is not working? Lookup the "gate control theory of pain' which I think TENS ties into and see if that might be something you could try.

Ihatesundays · 27/07/2019 22:58

It seems random but perhaps get your vitamin D levels checked, my friend who had a terrible bad back was found to have very low levels. Getting it sorted has cured hers.

SolitudeAtAltitude · 27/07/2019 23:01

2 slipped discs here....

Best thing for me is to keep moving, never sit still for too long

So I walk where possible, walk the dog, do cardio or pilates, swim

Tried everything else (bar surgery) and keeping moving seems to be the answer

Some mornings I can't even bend to tie my shoe laces, but after a 45 minute walk I am good to go

Original poster
StinkinDrink · 27/07/2019 23:02

Loads of great ideas here, thanks! And sorry to hear of some of your back problems, it's truly awful. Never had an MRI as per pp doctor not all that interested. I have a very active job, on my feet all day, walk quite a bit but could try harder. Would love a miracle cure, never going to happen!

OP posts:
Cuddlysnowleopard · 27/07/2019 23:03

I suffered for 15 years. Doctor just suggested pain killers.

An osteopath sorted it in the end. He was amazing. I have to do decent exercise a few times a week (a run is best) but other than that I'm fixed!

Original poster
StinkinDrink · 27/07/2019 23:05

Vitamin D is an interesting point.....also been through spells of other half needing to put my socks on in the morning 🙈😣 not ideal with a 7 month old baby to look after. Funnily enough pregnancy was one of the best times for my back ache, muscles loosened and I had barely any pain throughout.

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