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 💐

I have had the same issue for about 20yrs, its awful. I agree with PP that exercise is the only thing that has helped, obv can’t do much when its bad but i work with a PT and do strength training. Squats and glute work has been unbelievably effective. I have to vary the load depending on pain levels but overall, over a year, i am in a much better state. I do still get back pain but it rarely goes up to a crying in pain level these days.

If you are worse in the morning and after inactivity then it may be worth looking up the symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis (used to be known as ankylosing spondylitis) to see if it sounds familiar.

It’s an autoimmune disorder affecting 1 in 200 people and generally starts in your teens or early 20’s. Similar to rheumatoid arthritis but predominantly affecting your spine.

Just to add, it comes in flares similar to how you described without warning or trigger and is absolute agony. The pain level is somewhere between childbirth and breaking a bone according to the McGill Pain Index 😅. Sounds like you are in a lot of pain given the drugs you’ve had to take in the past.

I was personally diagnosed at 23 after having it since I was 16, I saw physios, chiropractors, osteopaths and my GP and no one helped until I diagnosed myself and privately referred myself to a rheumatologist through my work Bupa scheme. So what I’m trying to say is that although you’ve seen professionals, it may have been missed or not considered.

@OopsOutnumbered123
Thank you, I'll look into that ❤

@bunhead1979 how do you know when you're safe to do the exercise?

I'm suffering lower back pain and I can keep it mild and bearable if I stay mobile, don't sit for too long and avoid bending to pick things up or access low-down drawers.

I'd love to strengthen my core with exercise but am too nervous that exercise will make my pain worse!

I'd go and see a physiotherapist who'll give you the correct exercises.

I would consider seeing a women’s pelvic health physio. I had recurring sciatica and it was actually a hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor will tighten in response to pain, which then increases your back pain. It’s a vicious spiral.

I also have scoliosis and am hyper mobile but really have been pain free since I sorted out my pelvic floor.

Definitely work with a physio or PT to address this. I don’t find weight training ever makes it worse but i am mindful of how hard i push it.

That's interesting I have scoliosis, unfortunately L1 and L2 4 and 5. Are now showing compression and arthritis. Exercise does free it up somewhat but walking is now difficult even with a stick.

Thanks @bunhead1979 - how do you find a PT with enough knowledge about back problems? Any tips?

Start with a physio and they’ll probably be able to make a recommendation

welcome to the miserable world of a bad back!

the Only thing that help my chronic pain after exhausting everything was cannabis. It really was a last resort for me I was suicidal with the pain and felt I had nothing to loose. Give it a try