Chronic lower back pain

[MoonWoman69]

I have suffered from this since my mid twenties and when it hits, it hits hard. And usually for no reason, as I'm very careful how I move and handle things. It's once every few years, but even that is too much.
This time, again, I hadn't done anything to trigger it. I'm in absolute agony to the point of bursting into tears when I move. And I have run out of options. I have tried absolutely everything in the past and nothing is working now. I just wanted a bit of advice if there is someone out there in the same boat.

1. The only painkillers that worked were dihydracodiene, (the last step before morphine, so I was told by the GP) but now they've started making me physically sick.

2. I can't have physio, chiropracty, massage, as the bottom of my back curves out not in, hence I can't lay on a hard floor either.

3. I've tried CBD cream, heat cream etc to no effect.

4. I am doing regular gentle exercises, which again are not having the effect they used to and making me cry with pain.

Is there anything out there that will take the pain away enough to get me more mobile?
This is day 4 and it's starting to affect my mental health.
The doctors advice includes all the things I've listed above that no longer work! It's like I'm talking to a brick wall.
Thank you for taking the time to read 💐

Hi I’m so sorry, I know exactly what that’s like. I got so fed up with it that I eventually got the doctor to send me for a full scan. It showed up an actual degenerative disease in my spine. In the long term, it might be worth asking your doctor to refer you as well. At least then you know what you’re dealing with. In the meantime, there’s not a lot I can suggest other than trying out different drugs and perhaps pushing for a spinal injection.

@Moglet4
Thank you. This is what they told me a few years ago, after a scan. (I'm sorry, I forgot to add that in my original post!) That is was degenerative. But then apart from the dihydracodiene, offered me no other solution! It was more a case of, there you go, we've told you what it is now... I'm trying to get around without a stick now, but it's difficult. Thank you for replying, I appreciate it ❤💐

I know m, they weren’t much better than that with me. They have made it clear that at some point I will need surgery which my mum and brother have had. It won’t fix the problem but will i
prove the symptoms for a few years. Go at them like a dog with a bone. Also, I found dyhydracodeine didn’t work as well as diazepam and codeine phosphate taken together- have you tried that? Admittedly, it sends you to sleep but it does help

No I haven't, thank you, I'll note that down. My husband went up to the GP this morning to see if he could get me in for a cancellation, he explained the situation, the best they could offer was to ring back at 8am tomorrow! Although right now, I doubt I could get out of the door, let alone into the car!

Baclofen is a drug that is now used off licence for back pain. It’s an anti spasmodic, most back pain results from muscular spasm.
I was put on it after muscle relaxants didn’t work when my back played up a few years ago. I generally trigger it then develop sciatica when the muscle spasms trap the sciatic nerve.
I now take a low dose daily but can increase it if I trigger the muscle spasms.

When you get to see/talk to the GP ask for a referral to a Pain Clinic

If you’re getting spasms, acupuncture can really help. Go to a proper Chinese doctor though

Thank you @Angrymum22 and @SapatSea
I'll mention both of those too ❤

We have an acupuncturist nearby that has good reviews, she's been in practice over 30 years, thank you ❤

Are you sleeping in a good position? Have you worked on building core strength? Have you tried a figure 4 stretch? Just some things that might help alleviate symptoms.

I always find a rotation of..

Tens machine
Hot water bottle
Ice pack
Painkillers
Stretching gently

Help. But if it's not muscular then the above won't really help. I also seem to do this a couple of times a year and literally shuffle around like I've soiled myself. It's awful!!

I did go see a physio and she basically seemed to think it was all in my bum muscles so I try and stretch these daily now. It hasn't happened since but it's worth a try!!

Sorry if that's not helpful, and I hope you feel better soon.

When I do it I have to try and get my self to think rationally like ' you will feel much better in a week ' or I sort of spiral and get upset that I will be in this pain forever and then it feels overwelming.

So be patient with yourself. All the best x

I have terrible lower back pain with several things wrong, one of them being a spinal disorder I was born with, and i know the pain can be so severe. I would maybe try ask the doctor for lidocaine patches on top of any current medication or any changes. Like you I'm at the top of the ladder of pain relief and my next step is morphine unfortunately. Lidocaine patches numb the area and they really can be amazing for pain. Beware though, they are very costly on the NHS. I found when I previously stayed in England it was a postcode lottery on whether they could actually prescribe them, even though they agreed I needed them. Whatever medication changes, I really hope they help you. Push for a referral to a specialist and get a scan

For his sake , OP, don't take advice online about what drugs to take for a problem like this. See a doctor again.

I have chronic back pain and the only thing that works for me when I'm in pain is some sort of anti inflammatory suppository (not the nicest but it really helps with the pain!) I also went to an osteopath and that really helped. I hope it gets better for you soon xxx

Most of the drugs that are of any use are prescription only. Standard for acute back pain after the more serious causes are excluded are painkillers and muscle relaxants. These have to be prescribed.

Please be careful with the acupuncture, I've got exactly same back probs as you and it awakened every bit of pain. I hated what it did for me. Just my personal experience.

Diazepam and Deep Freeze gel worked for me aswell as codeine/paracetamol together. I'm interested a pp said Baclofen as I've not tried this, might be better than diazepam.and less drowsy inducing.

You need to go back to the consultant have another MRI scan to compare to the first to see what has changed. I have scoliosis, like you it came and went over the years until the intervals got closer together finally it was pretty continuous.

You maybe ready for surgery now. I had a steroid injection in my spine which worked for a bit.

I'm on Gabapentin for the spasms which do work for that but the ongoing pain is still nagging. I've pulled my right shoulder trying to use it to stand up. My physiotherapist is great I have very gentle exercises to do. Just a few at a time, two or three times a day.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond, I very much appreciate it. And I have made a note of all suggestions 💐
Update - was on the phone bang on 8am to the doctors, they wouldn't even add me to the queue as it was full. Rang constantly on and off for half an hour, still the same. My husband and my friend both said hospital, but I cannot, in clear conscience, do this. There are people that need hospital services more than me and my back. I will keep myself moving as best I can and try some of the suggestions you've all given.
I will get an appointment as soon as I can, so that going forward, I have something in place to keep the pain at bay enough to move around, when this happens again. I've been lucky so far, it's been 1 and 1/2 years since the last episode.
Thank you all again and have a superb weekend 🤗💐❤

When I phoned the surgery at 11am my GP call me in straight away. Concerned about cauda equine (not sure of spelling). They keep emergency appointments back. If you can't get in the car ask for callback

"Cauda Equina Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments" https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Cauda-Equina-Syndrome

Exercise sorted mine. I took up Pilates, yoga, then weight training and it’s worked. I was plagued by back pain when younger. Stronger muscles help so much. Seek out a really good teacher or PT

Could you ring 111? It's dreadful that you couldn't get a GP appointment. Try heat as much as you can if you find that helpful (or ice it if you prefer that). I hope you feel better soon

This exactly, but it would be worth checking what the services are comprised of e.g some are physio/therapy led, but you may want to to ensure you see a pain consultant

You need some sort of manipulation and/ or exercise. Try swimming. Get an xray to see what is going on.

@Topjoe19 Tried 111 online, I answered the questions as best I could, as they aren't specific enough. The end result was to go to a pharmacy and discuss it with them!
I have emailed the surgery, but I shall be ringing first thing Monday again.
I've been moving as much as I can today and the pain has lessened slightly, I think I may get a good nights sleep tonight! 🤞