Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Excruciating back spasms - help me!

53 replies

glowingtwig · 19/08/2022 10:47

Hi,

Has anyone any tips for coping with awful back pain and spasms? I've been like this for 6 weeks now: consultant says bulging discs. It was in the top middle of my back, now in the bottom, lumbar region.

I've seen an osteopath and now physiotherapist, I've a private MRI booked for this afternoon but have no idea how I'm going to get down the stairs and into the car.

I've a 3 month old baby who is exclusively BF so I'm limited with painkillers. Currently on paracetamol, ibuprofen and dihydrocodiene for when it's really bad but I try not to take it because I'm worried about the effects on the baby. I have a heat pad that's helping a bit but when it starts spasming I'm just screaming in pain - I can't help it. Sad

Any other tips? I'm in absolute agony and starting to feel so depressed about it.

OP posts:
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 19/08/2022 20:16

How did you get on OP?

Original poster
glowingtwig · 20/08/2022 12:31

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor Thank you for asking... i managed to get in the car and get the scan so that was good. They would only do the middle part of my back though as that was the referral when at the moment it's the lumbar that's worse so I'm guessing that I'll have to go back and pay again if there's no vast improvement after the weekend.

OP posts:
SpinCityBlues · 20/08/2022 12:56

I'm thinking of a private MRI scan, OP. And yup it's nearly £450 per area, i.e. one fee for lumbar and one additional fee for middle back. NHS won't order one for me yet, despite my running the risk of my becoming economically active and not being much use to my family. And the pain I'm in is met with an ever-growing list of prescriptions for codeine, NSAIDs and amitriptyline, all free on the NHS. I'm worn out with it.

Crazy system. Hope you get your results soon. Do you get your own copy directly?

In the meantime a physio excercise called 'cat stretches' (gently arching and hollowing back) has helped a little, but I have to be having a 'good period' to be able to attempt it. (DP practically had to carry me in to the Rehab Clinic to see the physio.)

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Antenatal & postnatal General health
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 20/08/2022 13:19

glowingtwig · 20/08/2022 12:31

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor Thank you for asking... i managed to get in the car and get the scan so that was good. They would only do the middle part of my back though as that was the referral when at the moment it's the lumbar that's worse so I'm guessing that I'll have to go back and pay again if there's no vast improvement after the weekend.

Go back to your GP ,insist on another MRI if this doesn't show up enough. Keep going back, ring every day if necessary. If it gets worse or you lose bladder/bowel control then immediately go to A and E, don't dither. And I strongly suggest taking proper pain meds and if that means stopping BF then so be it. It's more important you are as comfortable as possible. Naproxen is very good.

froomeonthebroom · 20/08/2022 13:37

Tens machine

Buggysleeper · 20/08/2022 13:46

I had bulging discs before having a baby which got much worse after due to the relaxin in my body causing my joints to be more mobile. I expect this is what you might be experiencing too.

I have a very good chiropractor who basically explained that seeing a chiropractor or osteopath will help to fix the problems you have, but that the root cause of the problems will lie in the muscles supporting the bones and joints. You need to build and work on those muscles in order to permanently fix the problem.

Im not sure why people are advising you to stop breast feeding, I bottle fed and found it to be extremely uncomfortable on my upper back and shoulders, particularly having to hold the baby and a bottle. I expect there is very little in it between the two ways of feeding.

The thing that has helped me the most is private Pilates classes. You need someone that understands bodies better than anyone and if you get a good instructor, they can work wonders. You need to someone to help you build your core muscles and back muscles (and probably lots of others too) to support your spine. Look for someone who uses a reformer(Google it), which is a piece of equipment that allows you to do targeted resistance work. It is not high impact crazy exercise, it is gentle and strengthening. I saw results in the first few months and made a full recovery within a year. These people at a million times better than a physio.

I realise that it is expensive, but it has been the best money I have ever spent. I did Pilates with chiropractor sessions, and it was worth every penny. I couldn’t lift my baby out of her cot at one point and it was terrifying.

Livpool · 20/08/2022 13:46

I can't take NSAID due to my asthma but have had sciatica on and off for years.

I take codeine for the pain and occasionally gabapentin for the spams - not sure if you can take BF though

Buggysleeper · 20/08/2022 13:47

Also I meant to say you don’t have to wait to be better to do reformer Pilates, they work with people who are injured.

Original poster
glowingtwig · 20/08/2022 17:34

@SpinCityBlues yes, it's nuts. I'm sorry they won't order one for you. My GP put an urgent referral through for the MRI but I've no idea how long it will take so just wanted answers. Will see what these results say. I've been trying to gently do the cat stretches. I've not had any spasms today (yet) and been up and down to the loo with my crutches so seems a slight improvement.

Thank you @MrsPelligrinoPetrichor I'll ask the Gp about naproxen... my husband keeps saying chase chase with the GP so I'll ring again next week.

@froomeonthebroom I actually have one of these from my first labour - I think it's in a box in the garage so will get DH to dig it out tomorrow.

@Buggysleeper I think you're right and the relaxin is really the root cause along with a weak core due to a big baby. My physio said the same thing. It's so good to know that the Pilates helped... I'm booked in to post-natal Pilates in September. I currently can't pick the baby up at all and it's so heartbreaking. If the house was on fire I wouldn't be able to lift him. I feel so incredibly sad about it. I'll look up the reformer thing. I just feel like I'll be like this forever and it's stealing away all the special moments- I missed his first roll today being stuck upstairs 

@Livpool thank you for your reply. I have codiene for when I'm desperate but can't take muscle relaxants when feeding as I think it can cause issues with the baby's breathing.

Thank you so much for the replies and advice everyone x

OP posts:
BryceQuinlanTheFirst · 20/08/2022 19:12

You continue to produce relaxin when you breastfeed, just to be aware.

Original poster
glowingtwig · 29/08/2022 04:50

Hi all, just an update because I can't sleep and the spasms are back Sad

My MRI showed 9 fractured vertebrae so that explains the debilitating pain.

OP posts:
WeAreTheHeroes · 29/08/2022 06:27

Please put yourself first and take the pain medication. Do you think stopping breastfeeding will be bad for your mental health because you feel it's the only thing you are currently capable of doing for your baby? Please don't beat yourself up like this. Far better to let yourself heal and recover for everyone than prolong this miserable, painful time.

shandon14 · 29/08/2022 07:15

Jeez OP no wonder you were in agony. I'm not a doctor but assume that you will have to keep your back in a neutral position maybe a brace to allow for healing. You may need to stop breastfeeding in odd positions- but you could express for a while and see if you can keep it going that way?

Nothing worse than back pain. My top tip is ice packs to reduce any swelling and makes everything numb which reduces pain.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 29/08/2022 08:02

Omg how on earth did you do that OP?

What treatment now? Take the pain meds, dear Lord, makes me I'll just thinking about not taking them!

Harrystylestutu · 29/08/2022 08:29

Oh God OP, do you know what caused it?
so sorry, there's nothing worse. You really need to take something. How have you been surviving on paracetamol?! You are a bloody trooper Flowers

QuebecBagnet · 29/08/2022 08:35

glowingtwig · 29/08/2022 04:50

Hi all, just an update because I can't sleep and the spasms are back Sad

My MRI showed 9 fractured vertebrae so that explains the debilitating pain.

Jesus. Do they think you have osteoporosis or have you had an accident? Do you need surgery?

Palmtreesandsand · 29/08/2022 08:50

Has noone suggested exercises. They are the only thing that works for me and I've had several episodes of very painful back spasms and also sciatica over the years. The key is to stretch and do specific exercises. The one they always say is lie on your front and do a cobra but I would seek advice urgently about which exercise you can do

Palmtreesandsand · 29/08/2022 08:51

Sorry just read the update!!

justasking111 · 29/08/2022 08:58

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 19/08/2022 11:23

You must have an MRI, it's really important, it can lead to life changing injuries if you don't get proper treatment. Sadly I speak from experience.

This is so important treatment will then revolve around it. Get drugged up and get to the appointment

Pinkywoo · 29/08/2022 09:12

I've had two slipped discs and although much better now still get pain if I'm not careful about my posture when breastfeeding (DS is 6 months and 99th centile). I do most feeds lying on my side on the bed and it's really helped and has the added bonus of him going straight to sleep if he needs a nap, as your mum is there to help with the toddler this might be a way to keep feeding without damaging your back any more?

CottonSock · 31/08/2022 09:24

How are you op? Sounds awful

Original poster
glowingtwig · 31/08/2022 22:01

Hi everyone.

Yes, osteoporosis. Really dreadful. I'm in hospital now on stronger painkillers and my baby isn't with me so I've had tons too breastfeeding.

It's going to be a long road but that's fine as long as these spasms stop.

Thank you for your posts xx

OP posts:
justasking111 · 31/08/2022 22:13

God I'm so sorry you're such a brave woman. So glad you're finally being taken seriously.

YourLipsMyLipsApocalypse · 31/08/2022 22:20

Bloody hell OP 😮

I don't know how you've managed to function. DH is currently in agony and up to his eyeballs on pain meds with the disc pressing on his sciatic nerve, and he can barely move without yelling out in pain.

You are a fucking warrior!

QuebecBagnet · 31/08/2022 22:26

Really hope you get back home with your little one soon but obviously getting better is most important. Speedy recovery