topic Re: Severe Back Pain in Wellness

Severe Back Pain

Pasta Lover — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 22:25:15 GMT

Hi,

I have always endured back pain since a car accident in 2001 and usually gets worse when I over do it with housework. Well last Saturday it became so intense that I was in tears. Went to doctor and she ordered x-rays of the lower spine and PT. She said they would give me some exercises to do that can be done at home. Does anybody have this condition and can suggest any exercises in the mean time. Cannot take Tylenol that much because of my liver and any pain killers due to bad stomach.

Thanks,

Linda

Re: Severe Back Pain

bullyluv — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 22:49:22 GMT

Years ago when I had my son, during labor one or more of my vertebrae got twisted. Then after I had him and he was a big boy, and I carried him around on one hip making things worse. Well one day my back had enough and gave out I had horrible horrible pain and could not move! I saw a chiropractor after 3 days and with some twisting and electronic therapy I was better. I feel for you, back pain is horrible! I took no pain killers however, the electronic therapy was very nice and relaxing. Have you seen a chiropractor? Good luck and hang in there!

Re: Severe Back Pain

151949 — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 22:59:23 GMT

OP - what condition do you have? Back pain can have many causes - if it is just back spasms it is best to use ice on the back. But it could be spinal stenosis, slipped disc, the joints on the sides of the spine can be diseased - many things.

Re: Severe Back Pain

brandiwine — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 23:00:03 GMT

Since you don't describe exactly what the condition is, stick to what your PT person & your doc tell you. I know from my own back issues pain killers really don't help. I have found help by taking an aqua class 3 times a week in a therapy pool. Temps are around 90 degrees. Makes movement so much easier. Have you tried a nice hot bath? Sometimes heat or ice can give you some relief. Best of luck.

Re: Severe Back Pain

spent2much — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 23:09:11 GMT

Hi, Pasta Lover! To make a very loooooong story short, I have chronic pain with a lower back condition called spondylolisthesis. Yes, exercises will help you. The exercises I have done for years were given to me by a chiropractor. Hopefully, you will get some helpful information at your PT appointments. It takes a while, but you will get some relief with PT and home exercises.

Something else I've been using for about 30 years is a TENS unit. It's been a life saver and reduces my pain quite a bit. Google it. I really hope you get some relief soon.

Re: Severe Back Pain

Dorothy11 — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 23:19:22 GMT

You might check out Foundation Training. http://www.foundationtraining.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOgxWp0WyiI

I have the book and video. The exercises are different from others I've used. Of course review with your doctor, but their book explains in detail what spinal conditions this will help. It was developed by a chiropractor.

Re: Severe Back Pain

hckynut — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 23:29:16 GMT

On 6/16/2014 Pasta Lover said:
Hi,

I have always endured back pain since a car accident in 2001 and usually gets worse when I over do it with housework. Well last Saturday it became so intense that I was in tears. Went to doctor and she ordered x-rays of the lower spine and PT. She said they would give me some exercises to do that can be done at home. Does anybody have this condition and can suggest any exercises in the mean time. Cannot take Tylenol that much because of my liver and any pain killers due to bad stomach.

Thanks,

Linda

You don't mention anything about having an MRI. While x-rays are ok and usually one of the very first steps, most medical back specialist will not conclude a diagnosis of one's back via an x-ray only. Even if you had an MRI in 2001 that doesn't mean anything 13 years later.

While I could list a myriad of what "could be's and might be's", I think if your doctor has not told you "exactly" your spinal problem I would find a doctor that would do so.

Back exercises are not only for trying to heal an already injured back. They are for helping prevent further and more injurious future problems with the spine. They are also not "temporary" exercises and everyone, not just those with a sore back, should do daily exercises that develop stronger abdominal muscle groups and more flexible rear side muscle groups. By rear side I mean: spinal erector muscles of the back/hamstrings on the rear of the upper leg/calf muscles on the lower leg/Achilles tendons on the foot and also even the Plantar Fascia.

Will doing this cure back issues? Might for some, but there is no downside for anyone to do them as long as they are doing them correctly and with precise specificity. Doing nothing with do nothing when it comes to the spine, but it will enhance ones chances of having continual back issues that will get much worse before they will ever get better.

You can go online and there are "graphical pictures of many back side muscle flexibility exercises" along with some video's on utube and other places that show you how they are done.

You say you have stomach problems and you can't take certain painkillers. Have you gotten a diagnosis of exactly what is causing your stomach problems? I know you mention the liver but NSAIDS are one of the worst things to take if one is already having liver issues, not Tylenol. When I was on Celebrex I had to have a liver blood draw done every 3 months at a minimum and at times monthly.

These types of pains can be debilitating. I say this as one that has had 3 ruptured lumbar discs removed and also currently still have 3 crushed cervical vertebrae of the neck and know very well the disabling effects they can have on an individual. Knowledge is power and getting to the exact diagnosis is the best knowledge any doctor and her/his patient can have for dealing with these types of issues.

Re: Severe Back Pain

pepes mom — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 03:15:44 GMT

I have cervical/neck and lumbar/low back issues. I just completed an 8 week course of PT for my neck, as I didn't want to have a 2nd neck surgery.

Please ask your doc to order an MRI to see exactly what is going on with your back. As John said, most ortho/neuro/spine docs will only give a diagnosis once this info is available. In fact, some specialists require this to be done prior to the first visit with them.

PT is a Godsend. Please understand that you will need to not only do these exercises in the immediate period, but you will need to do them for the rest of your life. The last thing you want to do is to begin to strengthen the muscles now, then let the exercises fall by the wayside and lose everything you work for.

Please let us know how things go.

Re: Severe Back Pain

ROMARY — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 03:23:23 GMT

What always works for me is a flat gel cold pack, covered in a lightweight, smooth cotton dish towel. Wrap it to your back for a few minutes at a time while lying down. Don't leave it on too long, always 'on for about ten minutes, then off for about 10 minutes'...... In a couple of hours, your back will be 'back' to normal (no pun intended). I have several flat gel cold packs I keep in my freezer. They are very handy. p.s. Do not bend over to pick up items. Use one of those pick-up contraptions. Forget about bending over to retrieve items at the market. Ask for an employee to get them for you. They are very helpful.

Re: Severe Back Pain

TootyJane — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 04:55:37 GMT

Pasta Lover -- as one who has been living with chronic back pain for over 11 years I really believe you need to see an orthopedist and have an MRI. Not knowing exactly what is going on and why you are experiencing pain to the point you are in tears you might exacerbate the situation by doing exercises without having a proper diagnosis. Good luck and keep us posted.

Re: Severe Back Pain

PamB226 — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 05:10:26 GMT

The only way the can really know what's wrong with your lower back is with an MRI. I'm sorry, but PT could make it worse if they don't know what the problem is! If it were me, and it has been, go to a pain management doctor so you aren't jerked around trying a gazillion things first!

I'm not blowing smoke, because I'm now in the process of getting a Spinal Cord Stimulator implant within the next ten days because of having Spinal Stenosis (Arthritis), which cannot be found with X-rays, and after trying every procedure there is.

I'm not trying to scare you, just trying to make you aware of all your options.

Because of you medication issues, try a TENs program. One of the best is by Icy Hot Smart Relief. Do a Google, and read up on it and other options that utilize the TENs

http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/tens-for-back-pain

Re: Severe Back Pain

sfnative — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 05:29:05 GMT

Hi Pasta Lover,

My answer is based on clinical and personal experience.

Since you have a pre-existing condition and have experienced flares in the past, but none of this intensity, I'd say it's time for you to take the next step forward: get a referral from your PCP or Internist for a Neurosurgeon or Orthopaedic Surgeon specilizing in matters relative to the spine. You not only need this level of care at this point, but also an MRI, as hckynut suggested. MRIs provide a wonderful look at the soft tissue in your back. This includes nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles, etc.

In the meantime, can you take Aleve or any OTC version of Motrin? These anti-inflammatories might be very helpful. Also, limit your lifting to 10 lbs and when you do lift, let your quads do the lifting. If you're in a situation where you need to twist, beware not to twist from the waist, simply pick up your feet and re-position your body in the newly desired direction. Icing is also very useful; however, some find heat better for them.

If you are a side sleeper, make sure you bring along an extra pillow to place between your legs. I know this will feel weird at first, but may mean all the difference to you. Also, experiment on which side you should sleep - which is less painful. Or, perhaps for your condition, sleeping on your back with 3 pillows placed under your lower legs will provide the best relief.

Again, if it were me, I wouldn't sit on it. Get that referral to a specialist.

God Bless - Rebecca

Re: Severe Back Pain

chessylady — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 05:56:26 GMT

I have scoliosis which causes chronic back pain. I do yoga, have a monthly massage, maintain a healthy weight and get chiropractic adjustments. When ibuprofen is ineffective,I take a prescription muscle relaxer which works well for me. Work with your doctor but stay active. Good luck.

Re: Severe Back Pain

LilacTree — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:12:29 GMT

On 6/16/2014 ROMARY said:
What always works for me is a flat gel cold pack, covered in a lightweight, smooth cotton dish towel. Wrap it to your back for a few minutes at a time while lying down. Don't leave it on too long, always 'on for about ten minutes, then off for about 10 minutes'...... In a couple of hours, your back will be 'back' to normal (no pun intended). I have several flat gel cold packs I keep in my freezer. They are very handy. p.s. Do not bend over to pick up items. Use one of those pick-up contraptions. Forget about bending over to retrieve items at the market. Ask for an employee to get them for you. They are very helpful.

This should be highlighted because it is very important. I have a "picker-upper" (my name for it) and I use it all the time. If I forget and bend over even once, I can count on increased pain for several days. "Twisting" is another no-no. Turn your whole body, do not twist. I also never lift anything more than a half gallon of milk and even then do it with two hands.

I am talking about my own situation where I have ten compressed vertebrae and severe osteoporosis, so it probably depends on how serious your back problem is.

I agree with hckynut that an x-ray alone is usually not sufficient to diagnose the cause of severe back pain. If it becomes a common issue with you, please get an MRI.

Re: Severe Back Pain

esmeraldagooch — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 07:31:20 GMT

http://www.ehow.com/way_5557937_tens-unit-back-pain.html

We have two of these units. They help relive pain between chiropractic adjustments.

My girlfriend who is a physical therapist sells Power Strips. They help many people.

http://painreliefpowerstrips.org/

Re: Severe Back Pain

depglass — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:45:54 GMT

I don't go to chiropractors but I have friends that do and they swear by them. Give it a try.

Re: Severe Back Pain

sfnative — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 23:52:43 GMT

On 6/19/2014 depglass said:
I don't go to chiropractors but I have friends that do and they swear by them. Give it a try.

Please do not go to a chiropractor until such time as you have a diagnosis and have been told that it's OK to seek out such treatment.

Re: Severe Back Pain

Annabellethecat66 — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 00:01:40 GMT

This is me raising my hand on back pain! I carry a sheet of paper describing (in Dr terms) all of the things that are wrong with my back!

I broke my back in 3 places when I was 18. Never had trouble with it. Then in 2002 it started hurting and it has been downhill from then on.

I go to a Dr who is part of a practice that covers several states on the East Coast. They have done everything (the latest and greatest) on my back and still as I sit here, I'm in terrible pain!

The problem (among others) with back pain is that no one can visually see it. I always say "If I had a cut on my arm I'd hear, 'Oh! I'll bet that hurts'". However, people can't see our pain, so we manage on.

Re: Severe Back Pain

lizzief — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 00:05:29 GMT

The kind of pain you describe should not be fooled around with. I agree with everything the previous posters have said, especially John (Hckynut). He's been there, as have I. Insist on an MRI and get an accurate diagnosis before you have any treatment. You could very well have residual damage from your car accident, you don't want to make it worse.

Re: Severe Back Pain

TootyJane — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 21:20:55 GMT

Linda -- Just checking in to see how you are doing. Has your pain decreased any? Were you able to talk to your doctor about getting an MRI?

Lisa