To ask for your tried and tested relief methods for slipped disc pain?

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I've a herniated disc in my lower back. The first time it 'went' I'd never experienced pain like it. I screamed and cried with every spasm and couldn't move an inch.

I've kept it under control last 3 years with ice packs, acupuncture, physio and chiropractor. I had a bad reaction to painkillers. P redlus a knee pillow wedge, less in my handbag and new office chair. Touch wood, no more spasms, just bouts of it hurting a lot.

Today it's hurting a LOT. Been lying on ice pack for 30 mins now, about to have a hot bath. I need sleep tonight though. Anyone going through this that has something else to try? Thanks.

The last flare up I had was agony and the only thing that sorted it was gabapentin.
I've had it years but it only occasionally flares up. Strangely my physio said to keep moving as it can it can only help and wouldn't make it any worse which was proven to be true. I'm a keen runner and tried stopping which made no difference so i carried on running, didn't help or make it any worse.

Intervals of walking for 15 to 20 mins. Sitti g on an upright chair for the same time and lying down for the same in rotation. Its boring but helps massively. In the end building up your core as a long term protective strategy. Ibuleve gel and 15 mins of ice every hour help or alternate ice and heat depending on the person. Walking seems to be most helpful IME. Good luck

I agree with @raquelW Heatpads are great in the short term, but I think long term you need to go speak to your GP to get a better plan in place.

Tens, Pilates and drugs.

I’ve had a slipped disc twice and believe that it’s bulging at the moment (I’m in a lot of pain but nothing like the other two times when I had to call an ambulance because I couldn’t get off the floor).

Really I just want to lie down and not move but I’ve been forcing myself to get up and keep moving. Heat packs help a bit, I’ve been prescribed codeine but it literally knocks me out so I won’t use it when I’m with the kids but I pop two of those bad boys as soon as my husband steps through the door.
Hot baths are also helpful but it’s painful getting in and out. There are also some really good stretches online but I would check with your dr before doing them. I feel you pain (pun totally intended) hope you start to feel better soon.

CBD oil? I have sciatica, CBD oil was recommended and the pain eases up with a few hours I know this won’t help tonight but might be worth looking into for next time. You have all my sympathy back pain is a nightmare xx

I feel your pain (literally)!!
What worked for me after being told surgery was going to be the only option (I couldn’t even lie/ keep straight to be scanned) was a medication programme. Gradually increased dosage of nerve blockers, pain killers and muscle relaxers to sedation level then reducing back. Had a fantastic GP who told me I would get better and this would work. Got out of that awful ‘ can’t carry on like this pain’ and then had a spinal root nerve block. Heard lots of bad things but mine worked instantly and has meant I’m medication free whilst the disk heals. Now physio and exercise ...
also many people gave me advice as I asked loads and was willing to do and pay anything. I regretted this as everyone was an expert despite never experiencing it and gave me the most ridiculous answers ... voltarol doesn’t touch a compressed sciatic nerve believe me!

Another vote for surgery- changed my life! I also suggest keeping your weight low if possible, as that takes the pressure off a bit.

I'm waiting for a referral for surgery. In the past (when it last went 10 years ago) a steroid injection sorted it out. This time the injection has helped a bit but not enough sadly. In meantime lots of painkillers and walking helps.

McKenzie stretch
McGill big 3 back exercises

I had a spectacular herniation (as the surgeon called it) of L5/S1 and then got cauda equina and had a 5hr op

I also had a combo of naproxen, paracetamol, diazepam, codeine and morphine all at max doses
That didn't touch it and quite frankly the next person who suggested yoga was likely to get slapped given I couldn't walk without dragging my leg behind me
I had an MRI and saw the neurosurgeon who said "my god, you must be in so much pain, let's get this sorted"

@whogoncheckmeBoo laughing at that. "Try Pilates or yoga" as I'm drinking oramorph out the bottle after the doctor did a home visit. I didn't even think they would do a home visit but I was stranded in bed like an upside down tortoise while screaming and I can see the surgery from my window. They decided to come out and save an ambulance as that was the next option

TENs machine. Stretching. Acupuncture. Swimming

I’ve had 4 spinal surgeries for disc herniations, foot drop, suspected cauda equina... good physio, coupled with the right drugs, are the way to go. Every time, we’ve done everything possible to try and avoid the surgery.
Exercise, exercise, exercise is key. I do Pilates based exercises every day (I’m 6 months post spinal fusion this time), a bit of swimming/aqua aerobics, and now a bit of yoga too.
I’d be suspicious of a physio who says no exercise, tbh. 🤔
Steroid injections can help - also losing weight, if you’re carrying anything extra.
Good luck. It’s fucking relentless, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Well, except maybe my boss.... 🤣

I have always been advised by the neurosurgeons to avoid chiropractor/osteopath as they can do way more harm than good.

In my view/experience, surgery IS NOT an easy/quick option. I’ve a 50% success rate on mine, so when it works, it’s great, but when it doesn’t, then it can be catastrophic. Get all of the info first, if you think you’re getting to resorting to that stage.

A nerve root block might work for you - I’ve a 66% success rate on these. There’s not a huge amount of side effects, and can ease things off enough for you to be able to do the exercise needed.

Drugs and movement are the way to go. Don’t just ‘take to your bed’ with it, no matter how tempting that is. I take Pregabalin (amongst my cocktail!) which helps with the nerve pain, without making me a zombie - the Gabapentin put me in a 9 month trance. The pregabalin is more expensive, which is why there can be a challenge in getting it, but it’s worth pushing for.

Good luck. 🤞🏻

IDD Therapy, not cheap but seems to have good success rates. Not that many clinics in the UK but you might find one close enough to you. My osteopath offers it, two of my friends had a course of treatment, both felt disabled by their back pain but are now back to full fitness and pain free, one is back doing iron man challenges.
Might be worth investigating.

I assume your CBD is legal and, therefore, without THC in it?

I ask as I was under the genuine impression that. CBD minus THC has no painkilling properties. Happy to be proved otherwise though :)

Thanks @HollaHolla. That's really informative.

Everyone else, some great ideas. I've been rotating ice packs all evening, reading these replies.

Work have offered me a swanky desk that goes up to stand at and down to sit at. As I find, laying, standing, or sitting for more than a couple of hours is agony. So I need to mix it up.

I've just remembered my chiropractor used to use sports tape on my back, so will get it strapped up again.

Is IDD the rack stretching @mistrals?

Don't sit!!! Whilst it's flaring lay or stand.

I slipped t3&t4 together, I was given an exercise to aid it slipping back. Lay flat on your front, push your arms up as if doing a push up, arms shoulder width, and push your shoulders up but keeping your pelvis flat to the floor along with your legs and feet on the floor, head down. Hold for ten seconds, lower down, then repeat twice more, and repeat every couple of hours during the day. Mine slipped back after three days but was advised to continue for seven days.

You have my sympathy, it's excruciating.

Word of warning I am currently nursing a bad 'burn' for enthusiastic use of an ice pack. Actually gave myself frostbite. Make sure you cover the pack with a towel and check your skin regularly. I am not sure how long I had it on my skin but it was a new icepack that retained its icy coldness longer that others I have used. It has been annoying cos I have not been able to swim.

My consultant was also very wary of surgery but I guess it depends how bad it is. His advice to me along with usual pain relief and exercise was to avoid stress as our perception of pain alters when we are stressed.

I also have a slipped disc in my lower back. I do find that exercise helps. Also had a steroid injection but it didn't last long.
I find that the Yoga with Adriene, lower back pain session is a god send. It works so well and is only about 16 minutes.

Yes, IDD does sort of stretch you, I suppose but it targets the specific disc and decompresses the spine. I think that's how it works but I only know that from my friend's and reading leaflets at the clinic while waiting for my appointments. I don't have a disc problem just general aches that my osteopath keeps at bay. 🙂

Ice packs work for me better than heat - but you should only put it on for 10 mins (not 30) every hour. When I first did (nearly 15 years ago) a combination of strong pain relief, chiropractor visits were my only comforts.

My back went again recently (it seems to go badly every 4 or 5 years) - mainly the above still works. Has your chiropractor given you some stretches? Even if painful it's important to try and keep moving a little. - so little gentle walks - even if round the house.

My chiropractor is a God-send. At it's worst I was seeing chiropractor 3 times a week. After my most recent visit, I don't have to go back until mid-September (which my bank balance appreciates)

Traction, massage, painkillers and physio exercises all eased mine a bit on a temporary basis, surgery fixed it.