Crippling back pain

[talkingtoclarry]

A slight twinge in my back yesterday morning has now turned into excruciating back pain which has left me in bed, unable to move for nearly 24hrs. The only thing I can think caused it is the cold I had, I did some pretty violent sneezing. I didn't do anything else which could have caused this.
I've been taking Solpadeine Max but it's not really helping. I can't even sit on the edge of the bed without nearly blacking out from the pain.
Will an out of doctors GP prescribe stronger painkillers or will they expect me to carry on with Solpadeine? I've had to stop BFing due to the Sopladeine so I might as well get the good stuff which will actually give some relief.
Poor OH has spent the last two days looking after me and our 1yr old DS but he is feeling ill himself. :( emptying my 'saucepan' chamber pot can't have helped!

Talking, if you do the right things, it could literally be a few days or weeks and you will be much better, it may never happen again, but the fact you have had it before says you need to keep on top of it and like Mellifera says, manage it,

I was fine for years, with a little niggle here and there, but I could literally just step off a step wrong (you know how you can misjudge it?) and my back would 'go' and I'd have to be careful for a few days, one time I was lifting the ironing board out the cupboard, twisted and was stuck in agony, so totally understand the ridiculousness of it.

A GOOD Physio is essential, ask around, where are you based? Just one consult could help, I would pay £30 a session, but I would go in hobbling and come out walking - she also does acupuncture., but worth every penny, definitely ask your Dr ASAP, as there could be a wait, can you get just one to be going on with?

Don't google too much, having an op is the extreme, it's taken me 25 years of managing it and a nerve root block, to get to this stage - it first 'went' in my late 20s. - so it needn't be disasterous. In that time I had a baby, ride horses and kept very active, doing a physical job. A huge % of slipped discs will recover on their own .

Get up as soon as you can and avoid siting, slouching, lifting too much (sooooo difficult with a little one) unless you bend at the knees. If you have a spdesk job, get up and stretch, be aware of posture, if you drive, do 30 mins, stop, walk around 5 mins, if you stand, be mindful if your weight distribution and don't stand still for too long in one position. Maybe occupational health can help, if your company is big enough.

Look up Mackenzie technique for exercises.

It sounds like you are improving, mental positivity is the biggest healer!

I'm in Bolton. There are quite a few local to me, as well as chiropractors and osteos, definitely going to ask my friends for refs. We do have an OH dept at work too so will be asking once I'm back. I definitely wouldn't drive at the moment and I doubt I could cope on the trains yet. I know other people have those kneeler chairs too so will put a request in for one of those.

Your story is a lot more cheering than the others I've read. I don't actually know anyone IRL who has had this so have been googling like mad!
Would a stationary bike help perhaps, thinking it could open up my spine a little? I have one in our bedroom (admittedly covered in laundry).

This could well be the big kick up the bum that I needed to shift the excess baby and prepregnancy blubber.

I'm not a million miles from you - Wigan area, I can give you my physios details, but it would be getting there, she specialises in rugby players and back injuries and I have been going to her for at least 10 years on and off and she is the reason I have avoided surgery until now.

I wouldn't do anything much by way of exercising just yet, until the inflammation has gone down. Apparently everything inflames to protect the disc. Keep up the tablets and don't miss them. I know it feels as if you are pill popping, but they help you move normally, which you must do if you can.

Lie flat or on your tummy (peas on your back), or stand and move, avoid sitting, it puts the biggest pressure on your spine, don't sit up in bed, it curves your spine and can push the disc out.

A few weeks ago, my back went ape and my Physio told me to lie on the floor, put a pillow under my tummy, and put ice on my back. It was hell when I got up, but it really worked.

The fact you got up and moved around is good, maybe shouldn't have tried the stairs!! I passed out several times with pain and yes, it is as bad as labour, if not worse, as you haven't got anything at the end of it! At my worse OH took a video of me in the kitchen, leaning on the work top swaying and breathing - it was to remind me, before I has the operation, just how bad it was, in case I chickened out!

You will get through this, just give it a day or two, pace around the bedroom and upstairs if you can, keeping upright. Get a Physio appointment as soon as you can on Tuesday.

The fact the pain is in your back is really good, that means it can be sorted, when the disc starts pressing in the nerves and you get siatica in your leg/s it takes longer, but can still be sorted.

My mantra was 'just keep walking, walking - walking'. At three in the morning, pacing with pain, it kept me sane!

I agree, keep moving, but don't overdo it! Stairs are definitely too much right now.

I forgot to mention, when I had the nerve root block the pain was down my leg, and I had quite some nerve involvement. My leg went numb twice. It was very dangerous as I was driving once.

The first and recent episode was "only" (haha) across my back. Also, hip pain (or that's what it felt like) is also part of the parcel as there are so many muscles around your pelvis, they all connect like a wide belt somehow.

There is nothing I can't do at the moment, but I don't lift heavy stuff ever. I walk at last 6k every day (school runs, dog walks).

You are still in the acute phase but should really keep moving (slowly) with lots of rests flat on your back. I wouldn't try excercises at home except the knee side to side one. Flat on your back on the floor on a mat, knees bent and together, let them fall to the left/right with your head moving in the opposite direction.

Heat helped me so I had a microwavable wheat cushion attached to me for weeks. Painkillers are worthwhile for 6 weeks only, my GP took me off them after that and I have to say, it was ok.

I invested in a new memoryfoam mattress (no more pain at night) and a special chair for me to sit on (swopper). In the car I have a roll of fabric which I squish in the small of my back. - Saying that, I wasn't able to drive for 3 weeks this time as I was in agony when I was sitting down.

Your mental attitude does have an effect, as a PP said. While I was really down about this newest flare up, I got a recommendation to do mindfulness for pain (the book is called mindfulness for health) and it worked to keep my pain in perspective. While you resent the pain you're having, you're making it worse.
I know, sounds quite new agey, but the meditation really helped me not to lose the plot being off sick for weeks.

Absolutely Mellifera, everything you say!

I will have a look at that Mindfulness book too - I need to be really positive going forward. Despite the Disectomy on Weds, I sptoo still have numb toes and half one foot. However, the nerve pain has gone and for that I rejoice!

Talking, this really will just be a blip. It will get better.

Hope you feel better soon op. Does anyone have a TENS machine that you could beg/borrow? I've found it invaluable for helping with my pain levels when painkillers weren't really touching it. Seems to be hit and miss though as dmum has tried it for her chronic back problem and didn't help her.

I forgot to say a Tens! It Sooo helps.

You can get a cheap Tens machine in Lloyds Chemists or on line. About £14 and as effective as my big one. Just but get spare gel pads.

talking - I use fulwood therapy clinic in Preston and they have been amazing for me (acupuncture and physio)

Acupuncture can help with back pain. The needles increase blood flow which can aid healing. Sorry you're in so much pain, I've had chronic back pain fir many years and when it's gone into spasm it's so debilitating.

You've had some great advice on this thread, I hope you do feel better soon.

I'm getting the impression that OH is getting mightily fed up with it all now. Having to cope with DS and me all weekend by himself can't have been much fun but I'm sure he's expecting me to be fighting fit already. DS was crying last night and as OH is so knackered he slept through it all. Apparently my suggestion that my mum takes him tonight to give him a break was 'insulting'. 🙄

Made the mistake of going downstairs only 15mins or so after taking the tramadol. Eurgh, waves of nausea and was dripping in a cold sweat by the time I can back up.
Am trying to walk a little bit every hour but I'm feeling so tired, it's tempting to just sleep all day and night.

I did have a go with a TENs machine whilst in labour but didn't think much of it to be honest. Will maybe try asking round for one.
I like the idea of acupuncture so will definitely ask about that.

Talking, your DH doesn''t realise how important proper recovery is for you. If you speed things up too much, you will suffer longer!

Everyone has a different recovery rate, every flare up is different. Listen to your body. You should be careful and only do what's manageable without being in agony. Every time you overdo it, there will be more muscles in spasm.

Get help with dc, it really is vital. My DH took a few days off work while I was a sick as you are now. No way could I have looked after my little DD. I needed help getting up, to the loo (actually help sitting down on it and getting up), help into the shower, help dressing.

Try Tens, accupuncture, heat, cold, anything really. Find out what works for you.
I took my first load of Tramadol before getting up each morning, then wait 40 mins for it to kick in.
Invest in a good yoga mat.

calm the book is called Mindfulness for Health - relieving pain, reducing stress and restoring wellbeing, is by Vidyamala Burch and Danny Penman. It has 8 tracks of guided meditation, I didn't listen to each one for a week as recommended, because I already know mindfulness and was practising daily. (I listened to track 4 and 5) Complete newbies should start with the first track.

Thanks for the details, I have downloaded it to my Kindle this morning, there were quite a few different ones, so the authors helped.

Talking, make sure you are taking your Solpadine AND Ibrufen, you can alternate every two hours one, then two hours another, so you are taking them every four hours or so each. It is really important to do this, as you may think they are making little difference but the accumulative affect will bring relief, don't miss them, even if you feel better, don't dismiss them either.

There are still lots of other drugs you can go for too if it continues, so you really are on the basics at the moment, do don't panic. I think you are doing brilliantly if you got up again - DON'T do the stairs, it is so tempting to be a hero, but don't!!!!!

You do need to tell your OH that the next 48 hours are critical, do the right stuff now and you can save a week. It's the Tamadol that is making you sleepy, so get on top of the pain too, then the Tramadol will be incidental.

Mellifera is right, each time you push it, the spasms continue to protect your discs, allow them to heal, the Ibrufen will help with the inflammation, even though you may not be aware of it.

It seems like a battle, it isn't, you don't need to battle your body, listen to it, if it says no, it means no! The time will come when you can push it a little.

It's heartbreaking not being able to do stuff, especially with your little one, but it won't be for long. My daughter is 11 and it is hard to explain I can't bend down and cuddle or lie on the bed with her as she drifts off to sleep, but this too will pass and like you, I will get back to normal.

Be kind to yourself, explain the process to OH and let your Mum have her grandchild for a night - if anything like my Mum, she will love being needed and helpful - look at it as a service to her!!!!

Ooh I havent taken any of the Solpadeine since I started the Tramadol. Will take a dose of that now too. I've been using 10% ibruprofen gel rather than tablets, would tablets be more effective? I quite like the gel but couldn't really say whether it has any great effect to be honest.

My mum and dad gave just left, taking DS with them. They will all have a lovely time, he stays over quite bit anyway. Did make the mistake of going downstairs and trying to sit on the sofa, managed 5 minutes before the throbbing pain meant I had to almost fling myself into the floor where I lay, face down for about 10minutes! Have definitely learnt my lesson now. No more stairs or sitting! The pain was just as, if not more painful that the contractions I had when induced with DS!

Am glad OH will be able to have a rest before he starts the working week tomorrow. Even if he is still insisting that he was coping fine 🙄

Thank you all for all your advice, it's all been very helpful. I am making sure that I get up out of bed every hr for a wander to the loo and then lying flat the rest of the time.

I can't believe you have been taking nothing else with the Tramadol! You can't take co-codamol (Solpandine Max), but you can take paracetamol (no coedine element) and certainly Ibrufen.

If you have 50g Tramadol, you can take up to 1000g Paracetamol. Personally, I would take a Tramadol and 500g paracetamol. If you are not happy with this, just take the Ibrufen in between the Tramadol. The anti-inflammatory aspect is more important than the painkilling part, if Tramadol is working.

Sounds like you are managing things better (even more so with Ibrufen!), Sofas are out for the moment. I have two lovely squishy armchairs by a log burner, I crave to curl up with a book in them, but it ain't going to happen anytime soon!

I have spent the last 6 months watching TV laid on the floor on my tummy - I couldn't even sit on a hard chair for more than 5 minutes, made for interesting mealtimes!

Tomorrow is another day and by next week you will be laughing at this thread!

I agree with recent posters - definitely take ibuprofen as well as the tramadol as the anti-inflammatory action is important. You can carry on with the gel as well as an over the counter dose of ibuprofen (400mg 3-4 times a day) is less than a prescription dose. I would ask doctor for something for the nausea. I find cyclizine is good and doesn't make me sleepy. You may even be able to get it over the counter - I think it is down to the pharmacist's discretion. It is similar to stugeron (used for travel sickness) so try that if no luck getting cyclizine. I have had slipped discs and they usually improve a lot in the first week or two. and for you.

How you doing today OP?

Hope it's easing a bit, even if it is better, you must get to a Physio. be wary of chiropractors, whilst they can be fantastic, a really good Physio will be more sympathetic and inclined towards the steady natural healing.

Do the right things, you could be at work on Monday.

Morning! Slept really well, almost too well as I woke up very stiff and sore! I took myl first dose of Tramadol and applied the ibruprofen 10% gel around 7.30 and ive managed to have a bit of a wiggle. I'm getting a bit of relief from the pressure when I lie on my back, knees bent gently swinging my knees from left to right.

My mum and Dad have my DS today, think they will drop him home later once OH is back from work. I haven't anyone who can help me tomorrow and OH definitely can't take time off so I may have to struggle by myself. Thankfully he is in nursery on Thurs and Fri so I'm going to ring my local physios this morning to try and get seen then. I have two within ten mins walk. I think with using the buggy as a support I might be able to get there on foot. There is no way I could manouvere myself into a car yet, the spasms when I sit are excruciating.

I find the car really exacerbates my lower back pain - something to do with the pressure when you lift both feet to declutch /accelerate. Next car i am buying is an automatic! Did the go give you anti inflammatories, i know i mentioned inuprofen above but the stronger ones like difene really do help untangle all the seized muscles. I take losec for my stomach when i take the difene as it can be hard on the stomach lining.

Hi OP, the feeling stiff and sore in the morning is quite normal. The knee side to side should give you some relief, it's a great exercise, I do it daily.

Agree about the anti inflammatories. There is also diazepam (together with Tramadol) and gabapentin(?) your GP could prescribe, if the Tramadol alone doesn't do the trick.

Hope you got a physio appointment sorted. 10 mins walk doesn't sound too bad if the alternative is driving.
Try to get help with your son, at this stage one wrong movement can throw you back to the beginning.
Two weeks after the last back relapse I managed to hop on one leg accidentally when losing my balance. The pain shooting down my leg was horrendous and put me back to square one. (My physiotherapist was appalled that I had been so careless. At least the pain stayed in the lower back and didn't move down the leg.)

Be very careful and look after yourself. Don't try to put on a brave face, this is not the time.
Get as much help as possible!

Mellifera is spot on.
I've had back trouble for years. (old now) One thing to be aware of is that the slipped disc is one thing, but the muscles around it can easily go into spasm, too, if you force yourself to do stuff, then they can take quite a while to ease off, but then the tramadol will help with that. A tens machine helps me no end. A physio/chiro/acupuncture practitioner would be my advice.
Take care with your back from now on, so the disc herniation doesn't get worse (that's what a slipped disc is). Once this has passed, do ensure you strengthen your core muscles to protect your back, and do all the other back care stuff that people spout at you.

Hope you had a good day Talking and you have your medication sorted and a Physio. lined up. Sitting is the worse thing you can do, as it puts more pressure on the spine than any other position, stand, walk, or lie down (front ideally).

Forget driving the car, anything that curves the spine in the short term and once you start getting sorted out, - which you will - you will need to make sure you look after your back, like Annie says, Pilates, swimming,keeping your weight down, all the things I stopped doing over time, hence the need for my operation, it need not happen to you!

Loads of people live with slipped discs, they do repair themselves in time too, but may remain vulnerable.

Try and take it easy tomorrow, can anyone help you all , can you call in some favours?

Yesterday was an ok day, managed to hobble the house and felt quite positive. Today I don't.
Managed to get DS in nursery for an extra day but he was crying and reaching out for dada when OH dropped him off. Feel so guilty as the poor boy has barely seen me recently. Must be wondering what's going on.
I've been waiting all day for a nurse to ring me regarding more Tramadol as I only have two doses left. Have been trying to sort this for two days so feeling very grr about it.
Seem to be more stuff and sore than yesterday, and sleepier. My moving around consists of hobbling to the bathroom and downstairs to refill my water bottle. So so fed up.
Have been looking at exercises online to help recovery but still haven't managed to ask if I can get referred to physio by GP. I'm not feeling strong enough to walk even ten minutes by myself to the private physio places round here so will have to try and get a weekend appt so OH can help me.

Am looking into an Aeropilates machine (am a sucker for QVC), I would be far more likely to use that than do mat work. Not paying silly money though, there is one on eBay for sale in my town so hoping I can get it for a good price.

Hope you have your drugs sorted out now, are you taking the Ibrufen yet!??? Even though you feel it isn't working it probably is in your deep tissue.

Don't exercise too much until you have seen a Physio and certainly not on one of those torture machines! You need to do the right things, or your disc can come out further and cause worse problems, same with the wrong exercises that you see on line, they all say they will cure it, but they don't! Walking is the best exercise, around the bedrooms and back again, trying to keep upright.

If you haven't got your drugs, then go to a Walk In if you have one, even to A&E and get something, you need to get the pain under control to even start to function, you can wait for some District Nurse to then go to the Dr and get your prescription.