Back problems getting me down - bit of a whinge

[KittyB52]

I have had pain in my back/hips for several years and after being fobbed off with instructions to take ibuprofen, I have finally started to get somewhere with a decent GP.

I have had an MRI (which showed slight degeneration of discs but nothing which might cause the pain I have been getting), and been referred to a physiotherapist (for which there is a long waiting list). GP has prescribed painkillers (Celebrex) which haven’t kicked in yet, and paracetamol/ibuprofen do nothing.

I have posted about the other symptoms I have in the auto immune section, and I am working my way through various tests to rule things out. It’s just now it hit me how much it is affecting me.

I have a 9 month old DD and I am now having to rest for 10 minutes just because I had to get down on the floor to change her nappy. I don’t take her out as much as I would like because it takes a lot of energy lifting her in and out of her buggy, plus when my back is sore, I can barely walk. DD is a substantial baby (tall and on 98th percentile for weight), so there’s a fair amount of lifting going on each day.

I did ‘treat’ myself to a session with an osteopath a few months ago, and he said my muscles were fatigued and that I fit the profile for fibromyalgia. I can’t afford to keep seeing him, although he was very good.

I know backs are tricky sods and I will probably just have to wait to see the physiotherapist, but if there is anything anyone can recommend that might help, I would be grateful. I feel close to tears, which isn’t like me. It’s not always just the pain, it’s the feeling of weakness/fatigue that bothers me. Thanks.

I have chronic back pain and fatigue following disc surgery that although was initially successful has left me with problems. One thing that helps, in addition to drugs is my tens machine. It was about £25 from amazon and I use it every dsy. It does seem to help with the pain although it takes a bit of getting used to. Sorry to hear you are struggling.

Thanks, Meg, I will look into a TENS machine. Sorry you are also having problems.

DP has had chronic back pain - 5 years now. He's done plenty of physiotherapy and seen a chiropractor.

The only thing that's made a significant difference is acupuncture. A friend at work recommended a specific acupuncturist for backs, and gave her such a glowing reference I thought it had to be worth a try.

DP went to the appointment a total cynic but he's a convert now, it has really helped him.

He still gets back pain but it's minor now compared to what he was dealing with for years, a huge difference. He's in less pain, he doesn't have days he can't get out of bed for the pain anymore for example.

What area do you live in? (don't say if you don't want to!).

Maybe ask friends / go on your local Facebook if anyone can recommend a local acupuncturist, especially one who's good at backs.

I’m in the North West, Cheshire. I had acupuncture years ago for fertility (sadly didn’t work for me) but despite a fear of needles, I didn’t mind it. The cost could be an issue though - will ask around and see if it might be an option. Thank you.

I find that yoga helps me, but it may not be appropriate for your case.

It is unbelievably wearing. I have had a number of episodes of prolapsed disc and severe sciatic pain. I consider myself reasonably well at the minute as I have no nerve pain but I have a collection of exercises I have to complete each day to keep up my mobility. On a good day I can just about put on my own socks. You have to work on core strength without it you will be incapacitated. Pilates and swimming are my recommendations.

Good luck

SpongeBob, yoga might help, as least very gentle stretching, as I suffer from plantar fasciitis too.

ImperfectTents, I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet, although I had a suspected slipped disc over 20 years ago. I am pretty sure I have no core strength whatsover, and I am also slightly overweight, which doesn't help.

My back is worse first thing in the morning - I can barely walk, and basically have to sit for an hour or so to 'warm up' so I can at least move.

I started taking DD to a swimming class but of course, that means me bobbing about keeping her afloat rather than actually swimming myself (although for some reason, that is almost as tiring).

I did a 'gentle' pilates class several months ago and it almost broke me (and this was on a good back day). I think gentle stretching and some swimming may help though.

Thanks all.

Re the swimming Kitty, I do swim, but because I insist on my head being right out of the water my neck and spine is not aligned well, so after half an hour it causes me problems. Just a thought. Ignore if not relevant. You might be less wimpy than me! :)

I am not less wimpy, and do exactly the same thing. I would love to have some swimming lessons so I could learn how to swim ‘properly’. I also seem to be all ‘legs’ when I swim, as my arms tire easily and ache like a mofo afterwards.