Severe Back Pain - Page 2

PamB226 · ‎10-01-2010

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

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

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

chessylady · ‎05-01-2010

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.

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

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.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

esmeraldagooch · ‎03-10-2010

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/

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

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

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

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.

Annabellethecat66 · ‎03-12-2010

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.

lizzief · ‎09-27-2011

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.