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Original poster

Twisted my back and in absolute agony

26 replies

foreverinadaze · 14/01/2022 07:25

So I twisted my back at work. This was 3 days ago. I am in absolute agony. I went to the docs yesterday and got naproxen twice a day, diazepam three times a day and I'm also taking paracetamol mixed with codeine over the counter. It's not even touching the pain

Once I'm up and moving it's more of a sharp ache in my right lower back and over my hip. Getting up and sitting down hurts. I have to almost lower myself down in stages. If I move too quickly I almost get a spasm around my back and I have to pause to catch my breath. I'm no wuss to pain but I'm in agony
Sitting down hurts my hip. The pain is down my legs especially the right one
I work a physical job, luckily I'm off on annual leave for 11 days so hoping that it at least eases
I have some stretches from the docs but I can't even get into the position to do them and I have a very active toddler
Has anyone got any suggestions?

OP posts:
whiteworldgettingwhiter · 14/01/2022 07:56

Make an appt with a physio?

Loopyloulou007 · 14/01/2022 08:08

I had this, toilet seat moved and I tried to rectify. Never felt pain like it, literally made it to my bed and collapsed. I got an out of hour Dr call out, who came and could literally see my back going into spasm. He gave me an injection in my bum cheek. The pain went immediately. I asked him if he would marry me. I was only 26. I was however off work for 6 weeks. The smallest thing would send me back. Normal Dr, just said I would just have to deal with it and gave me strong pain killers. No stretches etc. Hot water bottle. I did find getting on all fours and arching your back, then inverting it, helped, but not when in full spasm. Good luck, my thoughts are with you.

Original poster
foreverinadaze · 14/01/2022 08:14

@whiteworldgettingwhiter

Make an appt with a physio?
I've self referred myself but could be up to 6 months. Private isn't even a consideration. Don't have the money
OP posts:
mdh2020 · 14/01/2022 08:56

Why are you off on annual leave when you should be on sick leave?

whiteworldgettingwhiter · 14/01/2022 09:00

Oh shit, I'm sorry to hear that. Could you beg or borrow the cash from friends or relatives? You really need to see someone now.

Original poster
foreverinadaze · 14/01/2022 09:04

@mdh2020

Why are you off on annual leave when you should be on sick leave?
I already had the annual leave booked. January is so quiet at my work place so took some time. Plus I get paid more. We only get SSP at work
OP posts:
GlamGiraffe · 14/01/2022 09:06

Id recommend an osteopath over a pyshio every time. Ask around for a good one. They tend to be much more effective for back injuries. Are you in london by any chance?

Blinkingbatshit · 14/01/2022 09:16

Oh gosh - I’m sorry. My dh split a disc in his back with a twisting movement. It re-occurred several times throughout his 40s but as the specialist predicted it improved with age (finally, something that does!!). Keep alternating hot water bottles & ice packs (/frozen peas!) on your back - it really does help. Once you’ve recovered loads of free Pilates sessions to be found on you tube, use these to strengthen your core which is preventative!

Tidypidy · 14/01/2022 09:18

Perhaps try a stick on heat pad. I find they ease my back pain and make it possible to move.

GrumpyPanda · 14/01/2022 09:31

Not normally in favour but this sounds like the sort of situation when it makes sense to get an injection to stop the spiraling tension & spasms. Longterm yes to any decent prevention. If you can't afford physio then as pp suggested pilates and also ask at your gym about equipment suitable for core strengthening/book a couple of sessions with their personal trainer.

Original poster
foreverinadaze · 14/01/2022 09:50

So I'm gonna see how it goes this weekend. I won't get a doctors appointment at all at this time, husband has been sent to Tesco for heat pads and I'll alternate hot and cold.
I'm going to ring my sister and see if I can lend any money for physio or an osteopath but I'll have a look on YouTube for Pilates in the meantime
Thanks for the suggestions.
In tears as I can't even pick my daughter up

OP posts:
Mischance · 14/01/2022 10:01

You have my sympathy - I have been like this for 6 weeks and GP has put me on an opiate patch as I am in agony. I also managed to break my other foot on Boxing Day! - so I am in a bit of a pickle.

I am having private MRI on Tuesday - only way to get it looked at. Can't have these patches for ever.

The pain is eye-watering - so sorry you are also in this boat.

The NHS guidelines suggest GP should wait 8 weeks before scanning referral.

steppingcarefully · 14/01/2022 13:17

Pain down your leg suggests a disc problem. I would recommend a sports physio. I have recently recovered from a herniated disc, I ended up needing an operation. The physio I saw before and after the operation was really helpful and gave me the right exercises to do without putting any further strain on the disc. I now do pilates from online videos but this is only since my recovery. Be careful of anything you do without a physio's advice, you don't want to do yourself more damage. Google nerve glide, that helps if it is a disc problem.

myothercarisaskoda · 14/01/2022 13:19

Nothing helped for me other than prescription strength codeine - 30mg. Made me really sluggish though.

purplesequins · 14/01/2022 13:19

as it happened at work contact hr and ask for referral to occupational health.
specifically ask for physio.

Iamnotamermaid · 14/01/2022 13:27

Had something similar..not sure how. Just walking along and suddenly I couldn't. Back in agony, could not sit down, driving tricky and sleep was hard.

Went to a chiropractor who manipulated me back (turned out to be an inflamed nerve). If you back is hot to the touch, lots of ice (used an ice bag) with paracetamol and nurofen.

Original poster
foreverinadaze · 14/01/2022 17:56

I think there's like a knot or something. The pain in my legs is lessening but the right side of my back and further up my back, sort of above the curve of my hip is solid. And when I try to stand up straight I feel like I can't do it. I'm walking with a bend in my knees, I have no idea if this makes sense, I'm going to ring the doctors on Monday

Does anyone know if I can continue taking the paracetamol and codeine still? It's been 3 days already but mixed with the naproxen it's taking the edge off a tiny amount, the box says don't take for longer than 3 days

OP posts:
MaybeHeIsMyCat · 14/01/2022 18:01

@foreverinadaze

I think there's like a knot or something. The pain in my legs is lessening but the right side of my back and further up my back, sort of above the curve of my hip is solid. And when I try to stand up straight I feel like I can't do it. I'm walking with a bend in my knees, I have no idea if this makes sense, I'm going to ring the doctors on Monday

Does anyone know if I can continue taking the paracetamol and codeine still? It's been 3 days already but mixed with the naproxen it's taking the edge off a tiny amount, the box says don't take for longer than 3 days

Yes - I was on codeine for months with my back and I've been on it for maybe 4 years, just be aware it can be addictive Take the drugs religiously, set alarms if you need to up to max doses as the instructions Thermacare lower hip and back wraps (they heat up) Try a pillow underneath your knees or between knees Avoid sitting, it's better to stand or lie down and think of keeping your back in alignment Don't bend over, squat instead Keep moving slowly and gently or you will get stuck Try directing a hot shower onto the sore spot Don't be afraid to go back to the GP if you need to If you need to sneeze try and brace! ANY saddle numbness or weird sensations or change in bowel or bladder movements then go to a&e

Disclaimer not HCP but years of sciatica, cauda equina, spinal surgery

sohypnotic · 14/01/2022 18:06

If you're going to try and raise money for private I'd also recommend an osteopath over a physio every time too. My experience is physio just give you exercises, osteopath will do massage, chiropractic manipulation (if needed) and give you exercises. I've seen so many physios who don't care that I'm often unable to do the exercises - too much pain or just physically impossible. Be prepared to pay £50-£60 for initial consultation and £40-£50 for treatments thereafter. I have found private osteo well worth the money, kept me functioning and reduces pain.

The leg pain sounds like trapped nerve in back or sciatica. Try sitting on a cushion or heat pad/hot water bottle. Don't stay in any one position too long, and make sure your posture is well supported. Try massaging the area - roll a ball (spiked baby balls or washing machine balls are perfect) firmly in area, or sit and roll on it. Massagers (or vibrators!) can be useful for just disrupting nerve pain and giving temporary relief. You can also try deep heat/freeze or ibuprofen gel. Good luck!

sohypnotic · 14/01/2022 18:08

And yes keep taking the meds if needed. I've taken naproxen and co-dydramol daily for 7+ years (chronic pain condition/dodgy joints and back)

workwoes123 · 15/01/2022 05:48

Herniated discs sufferer here.

I found a TENS machine gave instant relief from the pain when the meds didn’t seem to be working. It only lasts as long as the machine is on but it was great just to have some relief, I was able to straighten up and walk around with on. They are cheap on Amazon.

If this is your first time with back problems then presumably the dr wants to see if it will fix itself. I ended up going down the X-ray / mri / steroid injections route once it’s clear it wasn’t going to fix itself.

In the end the most efficace treatment was a course of Prednisone- steroid anti inflammatory tablets.

Pyewhacket · 15/01/2022 06:03

Go and see an Osteopath. It's the only thing that worked for me. Cost me £45. Worth every penny.

KissedintheDark · 15/01/2022 06:08

The most powerful TENs machine you can find - don't get the little stick on ones. Plus a decent back brace. [Try Amazon for both] It breaks the pain-spasm cycle that you're in and you'll feel much better for it.
Give it a week to 10 days to feel ok again.
And if you're doing physical heavy work in future wear a back brace to support your spine, op.

coffy11 · 15/01/2022 06:20

When I hurt my back my heat pack was a saviour, it was the only thing that took the pain away. Hope you're better soon.

generaljake · 15/01/2022 22:03

I am afraid to say a glass of wine or two was the only thing that stopped my agonising back spasms after two weeks or so. Not ideal as I had a hangover - but that only lasted a day!!! I guess alcohol is a muscle relaxant.