What to do about crippling back pain?

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This started last Sunday. I’d had about a week of sleeping awkwardly with a poorly dd. We also have a close relative that is on end of life care so I’ve been very stressed. Sunday I got up and felt a twinge which developed into not being able to get up and down or pick anything up. It eased off a bit the next day but i felt awkward and stiff all week. Then yesterday I woke up and I couldn’t get off the bed, can’t stand without leaning to one side, cant get up the stairs or sit down unaided , can’t even switch the kettle on because pressing the button down hurts. I’m also getting like lightning pains in my lower back that would bring me to my knees if I could get down there. I’ve tried ice, exercises off the internet, Valium and Ibuprofen. I hate going to the GP as they know I have health anxiety anyway. Help?

Try sleeping with a pillow between your thighs and another in the small of your back. Volteral gel helps too. You can buy it without prescription

Poor you, that sounds really painful! You could consider heading straight to a private physiotherapist if finances allow. Chances are you will be seen quicker and within just one treatment you may find some relief from your symptoms. I have done this a couple of times with really good outcomes for a short course of treatment.

All the best OP!

I also get bad backs. I personally stick with ibuprofen, exercises, regular walks and caution. Eventually it should improve.

Important with the exercises to do them cautiously or you will aggravate it.

I also avoid the sofa and sit on a stool or lay on the floor when it is bad.

I also recommend seeing a private physio if finances allow. This has happened to me a few times and the physio has got me moving again. I'm just coming out of a recent bout and the relief after seeing the physio was incredible.

I had sudden very bad back pain so kept moving like they advise and it made it worse! I ended up like you sound started getting slightly better then one move and set me back several weeks every move breath etc was excruciating couldn’t sleep more than a few hours (if added up). If I could have afforded private physio I would have paid as I know it can make a big difference from just one visit. I tried everything after I could start moving again.

I have just gone through this as I tore my L5 a few years ago and two weeks ago from not being careful it went into spasm. My suggestions for you are to see an osteopath and second call your go and ask for co codamol which will take the edge off the paint keep icing your back too. Good luck

Can you afford to see a private physio? Even a 1 hour appt should help a lot. Last time I did that it cost £35 but depends where you are, I guess and they may be more expensive now.

So sorry OP, I've suffered a lot with back pain and it really depends on where it is and the cause. Ibuprofen not paracetamol if you can, lying flat with legs elevated (up against wall if you can) helps if it's lower back and something to soothe the area - either hot if muscular or cold if spinal inflammation.

As soon as you can move around very gentle exercise helps - don't overdo it but don't stay still too long.

I would definitley make a gp appt. I did this a couple of weeks ago and was prescribed diazepam and had my first appt with the physio at the gp practice 2 days later.