Bad back hack - please help!

[pinkberet]

My final assignment is due in 9 days. I've hurt my back and cannot sit at the computer. I've tried standing. I've tried frequent movement breaks etc it's just agony

Does anyone have any idea how I can just stop the pain for 2 days to get this finished. Anything.

Heat: so a hot bath, hot water bottle or those cuts heat type patches.

But get it checked out and if you are not peeing then go to A &E

Contact your tutor and ask for an extension. They’re usually sympathetic with medical issues like this.

I once instantly cured an awful back spasm (could barely walk it was so bad) with a swim. I think being completely supported by the water meant my muscles relaxed. It was like a miracle! Can you get yourself to the local pool and give it a go?

Is it a long-standing problem? This is standard advice, for standard people. Obviously if you are on any other meds or have specific needs it may not be right for you.

Usually you need anti inflammatories (ibuprofen) and painkillers (paracetamol or cocodamol) on a set timetable, so you take the full dose every day, staggered.

You might also need anti spasmodics, but that needs a GP.

Gentle movement, good back support - I like to be reclined, so would work on a laptop in a recliner.

Heat and cold, alternating.

Ibuprofen gel on the area that hurts.

What position are you comfy in? Could you use a laptop in that?

Thanks folks. It is not a long standing problem. Normally I am on my feet all day. I've hurt my back by sitting down trying to force myself to write 🤦‍♀️

@Hugasauras I'm comfortable laid down completely flat or standing with my arms by my side. Unfortunately neither of those are useful for writing!

I'm finding that trying to work in Different positions is just making different parts of me hurt. When did I get so old?!

Can you see a physio?

Is it muscle spasm or something like a disc issue?

I've had three herniated discs over the years and at their worst I can't stand to work (certainly can't sit!) and found two positions I could sort-of work in.
1- laying on the floor on my front.
2 - better position is laying on my back with two pillows under my knees. Then another pillow across my thighs with the laptop keyboard almost upright against the pillow. You need to get the right height of pillow under your head not to get neck strain.

Now I'm not saying this would be 'good' for your back but in an urgent work situation....

Doing cobra helps me but obvs I am not qualified!

Go to the doctor and get some diazepam. It will help with the spasms and you’ll feel beautifully relaxed.

@PragmaticWench this is the tip I needed! I'm going to give it a go

@TheFoxAndTheStar I wish I could afford to

@OhTheLeetleHandsAndFeetle Will that affect my concentration? I'm not well versed on meds to be honest

if you can get to a private physio - they could show you exercises & stretches that help.

look up bob&brad on youtube.

personally I like the 'dead bug' exercise for almost instant relief if the back muscles are tight.
also good is the superman or mermaid raise.

can you raise your computer and work standing up?

Could you use a speech to text tool on your laptop so you wouldn't have to type?

@purplesequins I'll look at the videos, thank you!
Private physio is well outside of my affordability sadly. I have been working standing up but this has now caused pain elsewhere in my back and shoulders.

Failing back pain resolving, dictation? Do you have anyone who could type for you?

@lisavanderpumpscloset I'm sure I could drum someone up but my god they would hate me by the end of it. I'm exceptionally pedantic with essay writing. If that's what it comes to though, of course I would

Heat and pain meds.

@picklemewalnuts @PragmaticWench currently attempting an amalgamation of your ideas, cushions propping me up on the recliner.

Do a Yoga session for back pain. Adriene has one on YouTube. Really helped me with recurring back pain and I felt great afterwards.