The Back Pain Emporium is Open For Business. Browsers Welcome. Thread 7

[MatildaTheCat]

For anyone experiencing back pain it can be a terrifying time. What is wrong? Who can help? How long will this last? We,on this thread are here to support you;offer empathy and help to navigate the almost impossible task of getting a diagnosis and the right treatment.We are not doctors but people who have trodden this path slowly and painfully. We also chat a LOT and welcome all newcomers. It is strictly non competetive regarding pain and no niggle is too minor.

Those who have long term back problems know that the best way to help manage back pain is to internet shop for shoes, bags, and back support devices. Those who are new to back pain, these are important lessons to learn. And here within this thread is where you will learn those lessons.

You will also find other helpful advice on pain management, different treatment options from hydrotherapy and physio to surgery, experiences of others navigating the big and scary medical world, both private and NHS (and abroad from the UK) too, as well as issues around work, being a parent while managing pain and disability, and the impact on the relationships around us. Not to mention the pain of dealing with claiming disablity benefits. .

Between us all, we have a huge wealth of knowledge and experience, and more than the practical advice, the jargon and information, we know what back pain is like, how much is affects everything around us, and sometimes, all we need is to have people listen who Get It.

We talk painkillers regularly,sometimes drink , have hot water bottles and wheat bags galore, and hold hands a lot. It's potentially all very Unmumsnetty as we do actually show some lovin' from time to time, although we Never Ever call each other hun.

If you have advice, need advice, need a hand to hold, want to do some shopping, then come in. We are friendly. We talk a lot. Come in, have a and say hello

Previous thread for anyone interested

Well girls.

I'm home.

And that was probably one of the most difficult days of this whole back debacle. It wasn't the pain as such, it was the fear of undoing the surgery or something. Had plenty if pain relief in the end up.

So good to get home. Feel very glad and fortunate that I'm this side of the operation and not still waiting on it.

Thanks again for all the handholding.

Hi all,

Looks like I'm going to have to join you :-(

A bit of background is that I has SPD 9 years ago which took about 4 years to finally heal. Had an injury to ligaments surrounding pelvis last year - surgeon thought it was broken but it wasn't.

I've had grinding in my right hip, and clicky hips in both. I struggle to move my right leg more than 20'. Had xray of pelvis, and nothing obvious through waiting for a consultant physio appointment and MRI. The pain comes and go. Well, it never goes but sometimes gets less. At its worse (this morning ) I couldn't stand up right. The pain is constantly all across my lower back. Spreads into my hip when standing or walking, and at times I can barely walk around a supermarket. pain spreads into my upper back and my neck (across both shoulders but not into arms). Buttocks hurt , struggle to sit or stand at times. Pain often goes into thigh. Doctor thinks it's sciatica, but wants to find out what is causing it. Currently using a TENS Machine, a cold freeze spray, 30/500 and 15/500 co - codamol (using 15 in the day as I feel really ill with them). Also on ibuprofen with something else (to prevent ulcers). Taking anti sickness for the side
effects as well. Wake up loads over night, and it literally feels like I can't move

I know it's nowhere near as bad as some of yours, but any advice?

Thanks

Welcome inkpad sorry you have to be here. Sounds like a disc higher up than mine (although I NOW have neck pain) so can't really comment but someone smarter will be along in a minute!

Sounds like sciatica but that just another name for nerve pain isn't it? Which could also be discs - sounds sore - good plan with the 15 and 30 as yes they are a bit strong for every day (and watch out for constipation)

Hope the MRI gives you a proper diagnosis.

Hello again (LeapingOverTheWall on a nc). I know I only come here when i have questions, sorry . But I could really do with some advice as the last time i had pain in this particular spot, the hospital doctor terrified me about MS . Which it wasn't thankfully.

So, I have a bulging disc in my neck (C6/C7), tingling and numbness in my left arm and hand (diagnosed as ulnar nerve compression), if i don't concentrate, my left shoulder drops down and forwards (it's been like this for forever though). Back MRI showed nothing other than the neck thing, the rest of my spine was OK apparently.

But, I have a sharp achey pain in a particular spot in my back, about an inch to the left of my spine, underneath where my bra sits. I've had it before twice (first time had a diagnosis of pneumonia and pleurisy - except it only cleared up with steroid tablets, the ABs did nothing, so not entirely sure about that diagnosis, esp since the xray couldn't be found afterwards) and second time was along with the arm issues and a generally sore shoulder. It's been there for about three weeks so far this time.

Pain is worse when I breathe out, but reasonably manageable with ibuprofen and paracetamol. I found some old stock of omeprazole, so have been OK with taking the ibuprofen, but i run out in a week. Can't get an appointment with my GP for three weeks (she likes me to just see her) but last time she suggested I see an osteopath privately, which I haven't done yet (RL has been busy).

I can't decide whether this pain is something which needs an urgent appointment, one in 3 weeks time, or the osteopath. I can't find anything online, as I can't work out what terms i should be using to search, other than the nHS page which says middle back pain is rare, but if it's combined with arm numbness, see someone urgently. But I've had the arm thing for nearly two years, the back pain comes and goes, so presumably it's not whatever that is trying to deal with.

So (finally, if you've made it this far ) - any suggestions for what it might be, and if you were me, would you go for same day appointment (with AN Other GP), 3 weeks time with my GP, or osteopath? I've been treating it as muscular, but maybe it's not?

I'm taking 1800mg gabapentin plus oramorph (which I hate).

Has anyone used Kratom for pain?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitragyna_speciosa

I'd probably go same day appt AND osteo (can't do any harm).

Everything you read on Google ends with "rare" or "call an ambulance" so ignore that.

I too have neck issues and as its gone on about 2 months this time will bring it up (again) with my GP (although might also do private Physio or Osteo). The pain radiates down my arms (both now) and also the middle of my back too so not so blooming rare then (under my neck, above bra)! Thought it was trapped nerve but am now worrying another disc gone.

Someone smarter will be along soon with more help cos I was rubbish! Back/neck pain is so complex (and then there is referred pain but don't get me started) but better get it checked out.

inkpad sorry you are in pain? It sounds like a complex problem, there are posters here who have started off with SPD which then became chronic back.maybe there is more than one thing going on?,what is the MRI of? Lumber spine? It could well be a disc problem. The spreading pains into your upper back may be related in that back pain has a nasty way of moving around but may not mean another injury.good release massage helps me a lot with this. I hope you get some answers soon, it sounds as if this has been dragging on too long.

Visions, hello again. It does sound as if the pain in your upper back has been pretty thoroughly examined and looked at so no, probably not urgent. I do get pains all over my back and a spasmy muscle can be excruciating. I wonder if this could be the culprit. As above, a release massage by a proper therapist can work wonders, as can heat. It may be related to the neck problem in that back issues do affect your posture and movement and cause all sorts of knock on problems.

schmeegle glad you are safely home. Are you resting quietly? There is a thread on Style and Beauty about dungarees < stares hard>. Just to clarify, nobody has said yes!

I'm bored, bored, bored. Help me find an occupation from lying down. Don't know why, I usually manage to fill my time, I'm just so fucking bored.

Do you do Sudoku Matilda? ... I have a wee hand held dvd player that saw me through the worst of it (Buffy series 1-7 then Angel, then Grey's Anatomy)? Umm thats it sorry I'd come round and amuse you but suspect we are around 500 miles apart (that's a song lol)

But I would walk 500miles and I would walk 500more..... proper stamping music! It's a big fav of DH and his golf tour buddies after a refreshing ten pint in the clubhouse.

Have been to AT and now intend to catch up on Wolf Hall which always sends me to sleep in the evenings and I need to pretend to love it so I don't look stupid amongst friends.

No, soduko is maths. Used to play online scrabble but went off it. Need a decent book. And the concentration to read it.

Thanks for your kind thoughts, though.

Ah yes Wolf Hall is a snoozefest lol

Hope you find something to read

Hiya, may I join you? I appear to have buggered up my back somewhat.

I lifted 4yr old DS out of the bath and he slipped so I did a sort of twist and scoop and I actually heard my back crunch. GP diagnosed two torn muscles in my lower back.

I can't stand up for long or walk for more than a few minutes without getting a spasmy pain that shoots through my bum and down my thigh.

It bloody hurts.

Anyway - hi!

Hello to new peeps, will post properly later. Just popping in after a fun day at the zoo. Back not feeling great, so hired a motorised scooter and it made a world of difference, I have been so stubborn over the years, dragged my sorry backside around places, just could not face it today. I got a few looks, especially when I smashed into a plant pot at 'full' speed and raced the children down hills

Hello Myvisions. I think I would agree with an urgentish GP appointment (not 3 weeks) and seeing an osteopath or chiropractor.Personally I would see the osteopath SAP. I am prone to arm and rib pain, especially when the facets lock up, or just tighten about the height of my bra strap. I usually get to the chiropractor to 'unlock' me. I know others don't get on with manipulation, (and for lumber problems nor do I) but for thoracic trouble I find it helpful - no - essential. I do have some self manipulation methods too, but I think get to an expert first. The trouble with lock ups and trapped nerves at that level is it hurts to breath, which is both painful and not very good for lung health if you compromise breathing to reduce the pain. I have some mild scoliosis (curvature) which is probably why I have had lock ups at this level since I was barely adult.
Ladyflumpalot, ooh that sounds painful. If it has just happened try and cool the injury with a cool compress (not freezing though) to reduce swelling and bruising, but if you are a few days further along warmth to get things healing and supple again may help. Go back to the GP if you are no better. Get urgent help if you get symptoms of CES (see earlier). Its worrying that you heard your back crunch! Well that's what I would do. It must be very difficult with a small child. There are far more knowledgeable people on here than me though.
Matilda sorry you are laid up and bored. Would playing patience on the ipad/tablet help? Its very addictive.
Pavlov those scooters look really fun. I have been tempted many a time myself! There is a man in our (hilly) village who nips all over the place with one, and is quite expert with it. They do look a bit tricky to control, especially the hire ones.

No not stupid Matilda Wolf Hall is BORING! I loved the books though...
I was enjoying Grey's Anatomy when I was stuck on the sofa until SIL got a brain tumor and couldn't watch it anymore.
I've been offered a Wednesday afternoon extra until Easter. It's hardly worth it financially as I'll turn up at lunchtime and finish around six then only get paid for the couple of hours I teach but it will do wonders for my mental health I hope! Just got to sort out some childcare...
Hello to new people but sorry gotta rush! and I'm really not that much help

Hello everyone, and to all the new people, sorry you're here!

Day 4 and feeling good. Was very down in the dumps on Thursday but thankfully I'm over it for now at least! Not sure if I'm walking enough or too much.

Matilda thanks for that link to a most informative discussion on dungarees

Geez Schmeegle if you are walking at all that's great! You are doing fine And its ok to have down days as recovery is a long (and boring) not to say painful process

Am trying to find that rainbow brush online but since it was recommended its unavailable (I'm such a gullible tart for advertising!) - better than dungarees though!

Oh are you talking about the one India Knight wrote about last week?
I tried to get it too even though I have been caught out twice buying things she raved about which turned out to be utterly useless. Also can't help remembering that she wrote in her book about shopping never to believe what the beauty columns recommend. I am a mug! Still want to try the brush though!

What's this rainbow brush? Is it for makeup?

Can I join you please disc buggered in neck. Painful shoulder elbow arm numb fingers generally buggered. Topped off with acid reflux from narproxin. My crown fell out from grinding my teeth now a cold sore on my nose so big it looks like leprosy feeling fed up

Girls, totally random, but have you ever heard of the project 333 where you only have 33 pieces of clothing that you change with the seasons every 3 months.

I wear the same stuff all the time, I might as well be doing this. I love the idea of having a half empty wardrobe where i can actually see what I have and not have stuff jammed in places where I never remember them.

Going to make this my project while I recover. Bored silly already!

Sorry kitten, that's an awful tale of woe!

Its a hair brush Schmeegle - lol Berrie glad I'm not the only mug - I can't resist anything I see recommended and none of them ever do "what they say on the tin" but I still never learn! . Haven't heard of 33 but seeing as I am a shopping addict would have more than that hoarded away

Oh dear kitten you are in a mess ah? You need to see a dentist re the grinding - the retainers take a while to get used to but I now can't sleep without mine and it does save your teeth from breaking (and the awful jaw pain you get from grinding!). I used to get acid reflux and found Gaviscon helped. Do you have a diagnosis of disc problem? Could be trapped nerve also which is temporary.

I am realising I now have or have had every condition known to man (or woman) - perhaps I should open my own clinic? Can't see me ever getting holiday insurance again lol

Thank you both might try 33 pieces of clothing sounds great. Crown being restuck . Zovirax in use for world's biggest coldsore. Losec mups for acid reflux and yes definitely disc seeing physio again next week. yes dentist mentioned retainers. goin back to clothes I have always wanted to be one of those really chic women that only wear black but get too distracted by colour 33 pieces might help me be more focused. Ooo allypally you mentioned that word I am longing for holiday.

I guess I'm was a bit of a shopping addict too ally, but lately its enough for me to fill online shopping baskets all day long and then just close the webpage!

kitten I'm the same, I'd love to have that effortless chic look that some people have with very minimal plain clothes. And yet I'm repeatedly drawn to the likes of dungarees for example

Had not thought about holiday insurance ally.

All going well, we are heading off on our first ever family holiday in June to Ardeche.

I guess I'll just have to go with no insurance?