Back pain won't go away

[mayaknew]

I've had lower back pain for over a month. Struggling to bend, lift, or getting up from sitting position.

I've been to GP who prescribed cocodamol. Takes the edge off but doesn't really help with mobility.

Been to a chiropractor who did a great job at cracking my neck but hasn't done anything for my lower back.

I've tried ice packs, stretches, massage gun.

I cannot get rid of this pain 😫

Any advice would be much appreciated 🙏

I’ve got a dreadful back. A combination of being tall, having big babies and an accident in my late 20s. The things that make a huge difference is a good osteopath and lots and lots of walking. If I feel it going my old instinct was to rest it. This made it worse and more prolonged. Getting out and walking honestly makes such a difference.

When it gets really bad I use lots of ibuprofen gel, ice, heat and if it spasms diazepam (I can’t take much though as it has a terrible effect on my mood!).

I hope you feel better soon x

Agree with @Vickles20 about osteopath, I saw one for months for shoulder and plantar fasciitis, waste of money. Was relaxing but didn’t solve anything, she didn’t even seem interested in solving the problem actually. Eventually a few months later I cracked my shoulder beautifully myself, and my feet are still fucked. But for back, deffo physio and Pilates!!

I've seen physios and osteopaths, it's down to how good each individual is. Not as simple as saying a physio is better than an osteopath or vice versus.

You need to ask around for recommendations.

Physio all the way. I have developed terrible back pain, and tried the DIY method as you have done, but to no avail. The physio, however, has really worked in just a few days. Both the actual pummelling and Tens machine (sheer bliss) at the appt, and also the tailored exercise programme.

Thanks this is all so helpful.

I had 2 10lbs babies in 3 years since then I've had a niggly back stiff in morning etc but never actually proper back pain.

Recently I've actually tried to walk more I'm trying to lose weight so I've been out walking every day.

I have issues with my Pitiformis and the cure is loads and loads of daily stretching, tedious but works.

At first I actually thought it was my Mirena as its overdue coming out. But the longer and more intense it got and more effect it had on my mobility i dont think it could be that.

I literally could have wrote this my self OP.

I have an appointment tomorrow to see an osteopath. I really really hope she can help.
I’m in my 30s but feel like I’m 89.
I can no longer wash my face over the sink as the pain to bend over is too much.
I just want my old pain free back back!!

I have lower back issues and it's actually due to my pelvis being twisted. My job is quite physical and it's basically from doing the same movement repeatedly. I go to the chiropractor about every 3 months but the first one I saw didn't help at all so tried someone else and they worked wonders! They seem to use different techniques so glad I switched. Unfortunately due to my job it's an on going issue so unless I change jobs nothing else they can do! I suffered for years before actually seeing a chiropractor so I feel your pain and hope you can get it sorted out soon.

How are your legs and feet? Any pain or numbness or loss of strength?

@NeverMetANiceOne

How are your legs and feet? Any pain or numbness or loss of strength?

I definitely have loss of strength eg struggling to stand, use stairs etc. No numbness though.

NHS physio
Monthly osteopath massage
10,000 steps every day
Eat more protein to strengthen the muscles
Avoid uncomfortable furniture

Oh and yy to back care Pilates. Life changing.

Another back pain sufferer here. I’ve got lumbar disc degeneration and sacroiliac dysfunction. I’ve found the osteo best, I thought the chiropractor was a waste of time. Physio is good too and I do Pilates and plenty of other exercise to keep my core strong to support my back. I have tight hamstrings which always make my back feel worse if I don’t do my stretches.

You don't need your back cracking. It won't fix anything and can actually be harmful!

A good physio is your best bet right now.

I had recurring back pain for years, turns out I have a degenerative disc disease. My GP never progressed me to a specialist and just kept giving me pain killers, but I'm 36 and not prepared to take them for the rest of my life.
I went private, the consultant immediately picked up on my loss of strength in my leg as a symptom of a particular nerve being damaged and I needed an operation to fix it.
I've had the op now, feel a million times better and every time I hear anyone talk about back pain I feel it my duty to tell them to get a second opinion.
Happy to DM you more info if you would like.

Also if your legs feel numb or you can't control your bladder or bowel, it's a medical emergency and you need to head to A&E.

I am not a doctor. I have absolutely no medical training.

I have pain similar to what you have described. I have been told I have 2 bulging disks at my lower back. I see an osteopath every couple of months. He does some massage and stretching and someone tapes my back up. I also do several core exercises.

The dr gave me neproxin. Stops the pains but doesn’t help me bend when it’s really bad!!!

I have very bad lower back pain and went to see an osteo yesterday- a waste of time and £49
She barely spoke to me. She didn’t tell me what was wrong. She just done some very random taps around my back. And today the pain is worse.

I am going to get a physio appointment instead.

Can anyone suggest any other specialist I can try?
I haven’t tried my doctors yet as I assume they will just tell me to self refer to physio.

I have tried ibruprofen, paracetamol and cocodamol and none of them take the pain away.

Go to an osteopath, don't bother with a chiropractor again.

@DrinkRefilled

I have very bad lower back pain and went to see an osteo yesterday- a waste of time and £49 She barely spoke to me. She didn’t tell me what was wrong. She just done some very random taps around my back. And today the pain is worse.

I am going to get a physio appointment instead.

Can anyone suggest any other specialist I can try?
I haven’t tried my doctors yet as I assume they will just tell me to self refer to physio.

I have tried ibruprofen, paracetamol and cocodamol and none of them take the pain away.

My gp said it’s best to go private with physio. As nhs ones are all remote via email She said to use a private physio. It’s £50 an hour. Best money spent. It was diagnosed and he put me on the treatment bed and gently massaged to double check diagnosis. Then did acupuncture. Then showed me 4 exercises to strengthen the left facet joint. Once a week for 3 weeks. Then once every 3 weeks for 9 weeks. Then done.

arcphysio.co.uk/

Maybe they could recommend someone nearer you. I cannot recommend Ashley enough. (Have spend thousands of pounds over the years on Osteo’s and Chiros.