Back pain help

[toomanychickens]

My lower back had been feeling a little stiff for a few days. Went for a cycle ride yesterday and hit a bump in the path. My back jolted and now really hurts.
It hurts to sit - feels like pressure in my lower back. Hurts to move from sitting to standing, bending, going up stairs. Sleeping was a nightmare as I usually toss and turn, but last night had to stay in one position. I tried taking paracetamol and ibuprofen - no help.
Is there anything else I can take/do that will help?

Go to an osteopath.

Regular paracetamol, have a bath, heat pack or hot water bottle. I sit or lie with my knees raised, to remove as much "pull" or pressure on the back. Maybe get someone to massage it, we have a hard foam tube that my husband rolls across my lower back, it is painful but then helps. Rest as much as possible.

For me this last a few days and gradually eases as the muscles stop being in spasm.

Thanks for the advice. Walking on the flat is ok if I do it slowly, but I can not sit at all. So many things I needed to do today

Ice might be better than heat for now, to take down any inflammation. Keep on top of painkillers too. Have you got a doughnut/ring shaped cushion to sit on? Could ease the pressure depending on where it hurts.
Sleeping is a different beast I'm afraid. Deep freeze gel and making a support to get comfortable out of cushions is the only thing I can do.

Going to alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen. Why is it that the state of the house always bothers me when I'm ill/Unable to move easily It's usually a tip, but today I'm looking at it and really want to tidy!

I’d see a chiropractor asap but definitely alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen as well as alternating heat and cold packs. Ibuprofen pain killer gel might help too.

Finally, if you think it’s muscular, do some stretches/yoga for back pain. The worst thing you can do is sit still if it’s muscular - you need gentle movements.

Don't go to a chiropractor, go to an osteopath. Alternate ice and heat for now along with ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Developed tingly feeling in my leg so saw the GP. She thinks I've done something to a facet joint. She gave me co codamol 30/500. I've never taken anything that strong - will it make me feel funny? Currently too scared to take it! I thought I'd take it at bedtime.

Just take one if you're worried @toomanychickens, and a plain paracetamol. It just makes me feel relaxed/sometimes a bit spaced out. Best to take it on a full stomach to prevent feeling sick.

Good idea - I'll do that

Could be covid. Lower back pain is a very common side effect with Omicron. Have you tested yourself?

I found the only place I could sit was a garden chair.

Ok. I have a left facet joint issue.
Purely muscular in my case
When I saw a private physio (best £50 I’ve ever spent!!). He instantly diagnosed a left facet joint spasm.
It comes from just general wear and tear. Nothing to be scared about.

Firstly. Please get yourself to a private physio. My local gp recommended the one I saw.

He said the right facet joint was nice and squidgy (how it should be) and the left one was mega tight. He gently manipulated it. Then gave me acupuncture.

But the most important thing he did was
To reassure me (as I was a hot mess of fear
Gave me three small exercises for me to do each day. Twice times a day and it’ll over time strengthen it.

I still do those exercises very couple of days. A year on.

Please take the co-Codamol. I still have them here, in my bedside cabinet, just in case it goes into spasm again.

It took them each day, 4 times a day for about 3-4 weeks. They really REALLY helped. Big time. They made me able to function again. Look after myself and be a mum. And not walk like an old lady, barely being able to ‘hold’ myself up.

Take the co-Codamol
Ring and get a private physio. As it sounds muscular.
I see an Osteo too. But the physio, his diagnosis, his words of support, plus the co-Codamol. Helped me to no end.

Vickles20 - thanks for that advice. She did say to ring back in a couple of weeks for physio if it's no better. I'll see how it goes.
WineGetsMeThroughIt - hope it's not Covid- already had it twice and all 3 jabs