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General health

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Original poster

Back pain

16 replies

Onemorning · 27/10/2011 13:18

Does anyone have any advice of coping with excruciating back pain?

I'm signed off for a week with a recurrence of back pain. I'm on paracetomol/codeine for the pain, and valium for muscle relaxation. I'm also wearing a heat patch but I am still in agony and can barely move. Can anyone help?

OP posts:

mellymooks · 27/10/2011 13:45

You need to see an osteopath, chiropractor or massage therapist. They can identify whether the pain is being caused through muscular or skeletal problems and advise accordingly. In the short term hot baths, rest and movement in moderation - sitting/lying still generally makes these things worse.
2-5 drops of Clary Sage in the bath can help too.
Has your doc offered to refer you to anyone?

Avenged · 27/10/2011 20:06

How long have you had the pain for OP?

Original poster

Onemorning · 27/10/2011 21:08

I've been in pain for about a fortnight. I think the valium is starting to work as I am generally a bit more comfortable, I'm lucky I'm off so I can nap.

OP posts:

Avenged · 28/10/2011 20:12

I was just asking because I've been suffering from excruciating back pain for almost 7yrs (since DS was born) and if I forget to take any one of my meds, I end up in tears or go very quiet because I'm in so much pain.

Anyway, how are you today OP? Do you feel any better?

Original poster

Onemorning · 28/10/2011 20:17

Hi Avenged, it's a bit better and I feel like I may be on the mend. I put my socks on without too much pain today, which is huge progress!

OP posts:

Avenged · 28/10/2011 20:49

Well done lass. I really hope it does get better for you. I wouldn't like to see you back on MN telling us that your back pain has got worse and your finding it hard to cope with the pain . I prefer you to come on tell us that your back is better and you're turning somersaults at being pain free

Avenged · 29/10/2011 23:06

Going to bed in a wee mo, but just wanted to ask you OP, how your back is? Are you much better today?

I'll be back tomorrow morning to see how you are and how your back is, but until then OP, take care.

Original poster

Onemorning · 30/10/2011 13:14

Hello lovely, I somehow missed your post yesterday. I'm feeling a little sore today, but that's because I went to a party and didn't take my meds (didn't want to mix with booze).

The stiffness has mostly gone, and I haven't had a spasm since yesterday afternoon. I now feel a bit bruised but it's definitely better.

How's your day going?

OP posts:

lookbutdonttouch · 30/10/2011 13:26

I would also suggest some anti inflammatory type pain killer, ibuprofen or something stronger like naproxen or diclofenac....

topsi · 30/10/2011 16:51

yes was just about to say that, a course of anti inflamatory will help.

Original poster

Onemorning · 30/10/2011 17:15

Thanks look and topsi.

OP posts:

ELF66 · 30/10/2011 17:48

Hi, I too suffer with back pain (three disc prolapses)- I have previously found a cranial osteopath helpful. Also, regular exercise. Meds are just a short term fix but I found going to the gym regularly prevented further recurrences. Hope you feel better very soon.

Avenged · 31/10/2011 16:33

Sorry I haven't been around for a day or 2, I've not been sleeping well and went to bed at teatime yesterday to catch up on sleep. Also been helping sort out the Halloween party for my kids, nieces, and DC's friends today.

Anyway, how are you feeling today One? How's the back? I hope it's not giving you too much jip these days. I've been enrolled on a 6 week pilates classes for back pain. The lady who takes it is a Rheumatology Physio and she's absolutely brilliant. She emphasises the need for your core muscles (pelvic floor and transverse abdominus) being in good shape and able to engage when you do things go to the toilet or lift an arm etc.

Day' has been going alright. Got all my nibbles ready for the onslaught of children clobbered in skeleton/witch costumes. My back's not great though, but I'll stick it out and hope for the best. My pain, ATM, is about 7-8 on a scale of 1-10. but I need to keep going or I'll seize up like an old rickety thing , so must get off MN and come back later when kids are in bed.

Take care OP.

Original poster

Onemorning · 31/10/2011 16:59

Hey Avenged, hope you enjoy the onslaught of kids

My back has been behaving today - I've taken one load of painkillers and one valium, and that was about 8 hours ago. Not a twinge, thankfully. Hope your back starts to feel better soon, my doc has recommended pilates so I've signed up to start in a few weeks.

OP posts:

Clawdy · 31/10/2011 17:23

Found my osteopath bit of a quack but physiotherapist hugely helpful.I still do the exercises she taught me whenever I feel a twinge. Lie face down on floor and do very gentle push ups,letting your back relax as you breathe out. No more than ten each hour.

Avenged · 01/11/2011 13:26

Good morning OP and Clawdy, ELF66, Topsi and Look. How are you all this morning? Hope you are all OK today.

Phew, glad the onslaught of kids is over now. Couldn't take them trick or treating because it was p*ing down and soaking outside, but we did musical statues and a few other things as well. I've got one thing which may or may not brighten your day for a bit folks. If you all go to Youtube and type in Gummy Bear song (the Long English version) then I think you'll probably have a wee chuckle at how daft it is. It's quite childish but good fun and rarely fails to get you movin' .

One, glad to hear you're going to do pilates. It normally works in the majority of people, but I'm not one of them unfortunately. Must try something else like bouncing around like a gummy bear .

Be back in a tick, just going to check bank balance.

Take care til then.

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