Back pain help

[BackPainSucks]

Any advice to ease lower back pain?

I have a physio appointment for next week and GP has prescribed strong painkillers but they are not touching it. But is there anything I can do before I see physio to ease the pain?

I suspect I’ve slipped a disc, I did this 2 years ago and have never fully recovered. This time the nerve pain is off the scale along lower back, my leg is numb from my hip to the sole of my foot and to top it my saddle area is buzzing. Don’t suspect it’s Cauda Equina but I am keeping an eye out

Anybody have some super amazing top tips?

I was diagnosed with a slipped disc (via MRI) and sciatica 20 years ago, but occasionally get mild sciatica due to scar tissue. I had epidural injections and a procedure on the disc that isn’t widely done in the UK.

Contact your GP and tell them that the painkillers aren’t helping, and see if you can bring the physio appointment forward.

Alternate heat and ice for 20 mins at a time; don’t take to your bed for long periods - keep moving. Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to stop your spine slouching.

If you feel up to it do some very gentle glute and leg stretches which may help. I was told not to sit with my legs stretched out in front of me (like an L-shape), but to always have legs bent. Avoiding sitting for long periods as that position puts the most strain on the spine.

Good that you are aware of cauda equina and definitely mention the buzzing sensation to the GP.

These things are never a quick fix but I hope you find some relief soon.

Thank you for reply and do sorry you have suffered too. I have managed to get a physio cancellation for tomorrow so that’s a good start.

Will keep moving & taking pain meds.

i have been sleeping with a pillow between my legs and for work I invested in a standing desk which means I’m not sitting too long

Thermacare lower back and hip wraps (they’re heated) kept me sane with sciatica that turned out to be cauda equina
Painkillers constantly, don’t miss any
keep moving gently, try not to sit at all. Stand or lie down
if you’re lying on your back a pillow under your knees or between your knees if you’re on your side
don’t twist, bend or lift anything, squat down if you need to pick something up
Google log roll out of bed

Physio has advised me to take painkillers and keep moving. I have to go back in June

I asked about the buzzing and numbness but she’s not concerned it’s anything more than nerve pain

So heat pads will be bought.

Feeling a bit defeated and very sore now. Not sure what I thought but figured she might give me some advice

Thanks for all the advice