Significant back pain-how to treat

[maybeinanotherlifetime]

For many years now I have suffered with quite bad lower back pain.

if the truth be told this started before I started to put on weight but has continued since I have become overweight and become worse since I started a job where I sit down in an office all day.

I try to move and walk but I have a bad knee and foot so I am limited in what I can achieve, which is making weight loss very slow.

I try to do stretches as well but they only bring very temporary relief of maybe a few minutes.

I have been managing my pain through using Ibuprofen and paracetamol, and using the Voltarol Emugel 2.32 strength rub. I use it more often than the directions state.

i am too ashamed to go to a doctor about my condition so I am asking here if anyone has any recommendations on other things I can try.

the chiropractic treatments I have tried have not really helped. I would be so greatful if anyone with experience of back pain could help me. The pain is awful right now and my quality of life is getting harder.

Have You tried an osteopath?

Hi@redtrain123 thank you for your reply. I have only tried the chiro and actually an osteopath had not even crossed my mind.
on the back of your reply I have just googled and there are three Osteopaths within my local area so I will definitely look into making an appointment. Thank you so much for this suggestion.

I used to have pretty excruciating piriformis pain and lower back pain.

I started to do 2 sessions of yoga a week concentrating on back bends , and healthy back movements, since then the pain has gone and not come back.

I know there could be lots of things causing the pain, if it's more bones ignore what I'm about to say..

I would give the stretching a good go, I am getting old and have to do a weekly stretch session (for atleast an hour) normally whilst watching tele. And this keeps my back pain at bay.

Lots of back and leg stretches, every week without fail.

Haha cross post, I'm the same!

I am similar - I got a standing desk which really helped. Otherwise hot water bottle when seated. Good luck, it's so depressing.

@Pumpy001 thank you for this suggestion. It’s funny you mention yoga as one of our neighbours recently mentioned that a friend of hers has begun offering Yoga classes at a local space so this could be an option to explore. Thank you.

@yellowduckling1 i definitely agree I could look into incorporating more types stretches in the day and build them up.

I have a peloton bike + that i use for healthy back yoga.

The yoga has completely changed my life,to be constantly in pain when sleeping or sitting was destroying my spirit in life. I was constantly in anguish until a colleague mentioned at work she had bad back ache and done yoga to heal it , I thought to give it a try , but 3 Rd day back pain was gone , but I do need to keep the yoga up else it returns in earnest!

YouTube has some yoga for back pain that you can do at home at your own pace... saved me after a spasm that diazepam didn't even touch! I probably looked like a broken dolphin but it really did help.

@wifeywish1 i actually did myself a hot water bottle the other week. I was pretty sure I had closed it securely but the next thing I knew it leaked right onto my back but luckily no harm done as I had wrapped it in a tea towel and was wearing a reasonably thick jumper.
I haven’t risked it since but I tried one of those wheat log things- which was about as much use as a chocolate teapot 😅

@Pumpy001 and @SquashGnocci i’m so encouraged by the positive outcomes you have both had from yoga,
I could definitely do this as a regular thing, I will probably look at videos on YouTube first and then work myself up to actually going to an in-person session locally. Thank you so much for the advice.

We bought a heated back warmer for DM it's brilliant. £20 off Amazon. She doesn't have a hot water bottle anymore she's too wobbly & I'm too worried about it going wrong

It's like sitting in my car with the heated seat on

I prefer an ice pack when my back is sore. Reduces inflammation. I also visit an osteopath monthly.

If you have any pain radiating down your legs, or any urinary problems, you must see the GP though and get an MRI

Do you know what's causing the back pain?
Is it constant or does it come and go?

Ice can be very good to reduce inflammation.
I also like heat and have a small heat pad from amazon I lie on when I have back pain.
I also like a tens machine.

Be careful with stretching, bending, turning etc

I suffer with low back pain, osteopath always sorts me out, and I do Pilates 3 times a week. Just by myself at home using YouTube vids, focusing on vid specifically for back pain and core strength

I've tried everything I can think of for chronic back pain and haven't found a solution yet.

Chronic upper back pain here, am booked in for a breast reduction!

Hi would you have a link. I get overwhelmed looking