Back pain - rest or remaining active, what REALLY works?

[Tinker]

I've been laid up with really, really bad back pain this week, excruciating.

I know the up-to-date advice is to remain as mobile as possible and exercise. But, I feel better when I've just been lying down. No pain lying then and I am much more able to move around almost upright when I do eventually stand up.

So, which is REALLY the best treatment? Is this just another get-back-to-work-you-lazy-barstards ruse?

AW Tinker it's grim isn't it?

Gentle movement ie no lifting (unless coffee /cake).

Take anti-inflammatories if you can.

If you have had pain all week, see if you can get an appointment to see your Dr.

HTH

Don't stop moving - your back will seize up.

Opinions differ as to whether hot or cold packs on the area are better. I think it depends how inflamed it is - I usually use a cold pack (or frozen peas in a tea towel) and then when inflamation has reduced warm things help.

I personally use a chiropractor when my back goes (about twice a year) and find I get fast relief then. I have never got any help from a doctor or the NHS.

Take the analgesia/anti-inflamatory drugs regularly and keep as mobile as possible.

If pain persists after a week, see GP

!!! keep fluid intake up.

Personally I do not take painkillers for a bad back unless I really have to. I need to know what makes it hurt and I need to remember it hurts to stop me over doing it.

I don't have the option of lying down [sigh] so I do keep mobile, concentrate on my posture and do loads of gentle stretches to ease it out.

Osteopath/chiropractor is fab.

I use hot and cold packs alternately for 5 mins - cold first

cold - hot - cold - hot - cold

Do it 3 times a day

This helps with inflammation. Take neurofen and move around gently and slowly. Inactivity makes my back seize.

I suffer from a bulging disc and pull/strain muscles recurrently and this generally works for me.

GP will prescribe something stronger if necessary and a muscle relaxant if you need it.

I swear by osteopaths who have sorted me out EVERY time - the last time was at 35 weeks pregnant and he worked wonders.

Good luck

And, if you can find them, keep your stomach/core muscles tensed to support your spine

Oh tinks, sorry to hear this
I think the advice to keep mobile is generally good for most back pain, but it's important to see a GP and get a dx if possible.
Hope yours is a temporary thing

See GP - valium helps!

I have a knackered disc - I am laid up unable to move for about 1 day in 10

But not moving is FATAL! So when I get unable to move I stuff myself with drugs (nurofen and valium) until I can get up again and then START WALKING

I try to walk - 1 to 2 hours of brisk walking and generally things improve. I am trying to get at least 40 minutes of brisk walking in a day

It's SHIT, you have my sympathy

I try to avoid the drugs too, and just keep on the move. But IMO you need proper walking really, rather than just faffing with children (if at all possible)

I've had bad back for years but have managed to improve things a lot since having traction with a physio a few years ago and then doing the following as well. I take the point about painkillers and doing stuff which makes it worse because you can't feel the pain BUT I now always take nurofen now as soon as it comes on not to stop pain but because from experience that really does seem to make a difference - reduces inflammation. Keeping mobile is key. My old boss was advised to walk around for 20 mins then lie down for 20 mins when in your situation. Personally I now avoid sitting for any length of time in one position if I can possibly avoid it (at any time) and I have an automatic car which I am also sure has made a huge difference. And if you can afford it, buy a new mattress (mine is tempur).

Another sufferer - I have scoliosis (slight curvature of the spine) which has given me no end of gyp for years. After a barrage of useless medication and "advice" from GPs (one told me it was "because I was driving") I finally went to see a chiropractor and haven't looked back (no pun intended) since. Every time it starts flaring up I make an appt and they sort it out. So if you haven't seen one already, I definitely suggest trying it. Can recommend one in London, if you're London-based?

Thanks all. It's been going on since Saturday evening and I would say is just beginning to ease a little now.

Went to GP who, basically, could only offer diaza/e?pam which I can't take as pesky youngest still wants to bf!

The idea of a brisk walk is unimaginable - for most of the week I've been almost at 45 degrees forwards and my right hip is completely out of line with my body, even when I'm looking in a mirror and trying to force it back to where it should be. Then left leg feels too short. I look lovely! Having to move around the house in slalom fashion using chairs and walls for support.

Got a TENS machine after Mrs Moo's recommendation, which is good fun and does stop pain for a while.

Think oesteopath is the way forward.

x posts - am not London based but thanks anyway. Have been given a few recommendations - will ring today. Sitting here is very bad. Went into work Monday morning and just sort of seized up. And sneezing is like being shot internally.

Definately osteopath.....I know that feeling. You may be able to get them to come round and give you some ultrasound treatment which helps. An osteopath is the way to go and price is not an issue when it hurts like that - believe me they work wonders!

Diazepam, when used in low doses is a muscle relaxant

Absolutely positively an osteopath. They should get you straight again.

Oh god yes.... sneezing [shudder] Have to ensure I'm holding on to something if I sneeze.

Yes so do I (as well as cross my legs )....My back went on me once when I got cold in the swimming pool with my nieces and nephews....I sneezed and felt it go - I knew I had about 30 minutes to get them dressed and home before I seized up.

Think about every movement and take it gently

The mis-alignment is probably muscles in spasm, which shortens one side. It's shite - I have one shoulder two inches lower than the other and the hip on the same side is about an inch higher - I know what you mean about having one leg too short! Crap innit.

Valium will help - I took it while breastfeeding. It didn't affect DD at all (I think you will know if it is affecting her) - you could always take it last thing at night (if she isn't feeding at night) and it might relax a bit overnight. Start with 2mg though. I would also take 4hrly anti-inflammaory like ibroprofen.

I have spent a fortune on osteopaths and they have done nothing at all. I wish I'd bought a gym membership instead. I spent a lot of time hoping that someone would 'fix' me but I'm now accepting that it's in my own hands really, and exercise is probably the best route.

My approach when I'm as bad as you is to take the drugs and then get walking as soon as you can. Good luck.

Have you thought about something like Alexander Technique lessons for later on? Might be an diea to go to osteo first to get the immediate prob sorted, but AT good for long term and avoiding future probs (note to self: must get more lessons organised)

My experience with osteopaths is that they fix the problem but it's your job to stop it happening again. In my case, I was meant to do pilates to build up muscle strength which would hold my spine where the osteopath put it.

You may be interested to know that:

"A recent study found that three hours' walking a week was more effective than specific lower-back exercises in reducing pain, improving mobility and lowering psychological stress in back-pain sufferers."

I've had massages in between osteopath visits and generally learnt how to live with it and look after myself...massages are fab and a bit of "me" time....if there is one at the osteopath clinic, you can have manipulation if required during your massage.

Slight tanget... I was told to go walking to help my back. I went once and sprained my fecking ankle!

Swimming is good as well and my GP recommended that...then I sneezed in the pool and..........

I would lol but that hurts as well

Yes, I have grand plans re yoga and pilates. We'll see. Just had hot shower and am really trying to walk upright - am definitely better today than any other day this week. Am taking ibuprofen regularly.

Yes, had wondred about teh diazapam and whether taking it at night woudl be ok. Meant to stop the spasms isn't it?