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Oh, my achin' back!

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Dec. ~ 2006 Feb.: Health Center: Oh, my achin' back! users admin

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Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 8:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
Ouch! Never had it this bad before. Last Sunday I lifted something a little weighty, not too heavy. I think it was more the way I lifted it than the actual weight.

It hurts! It hurts in my lower back -- a little below waist line. Standing up from sitting position hurts. Almost impossible to sit and reach down to put on socks. I slept OK, but getting out of bed. That took me a while.

What should I do? I'm not a pill popper, but I've been taking some ibuprofen. Sorta helps, I guess. Finally got the heating pad out yesterday. Any stretches / movements I could do to help? Massage? I want to avoid doctors because I have limited health insurance coverage and am already paying some medical bills.

Help!

Jmm
Moderator

08-16-2002

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 8:17 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jmm a private message Print Post    
Color, You may do better with ice on your back rather than heat right now. It's generally recommended that you use ice for the first 72 hours after an injury and then heat.

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 8:22 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
It first happened a week ago today. Friday morning I thought it was feeling better. Then sometime during Friday I made some kind of movement.... It's hurting more again. Cold or hot?

Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 8:23 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
Color, for some people heat helps, but you may want to dry ice as well (a bag of frozen peas really works well for that). Not longer than 10 mins at a time. You can alternate hot and cold, too. Play with it to see what works best for you.

Lower Back_Chatelaine

Nismat

Those were just 2 of the many sites I found by googling "lower back exercises". Only do them within your comfort zone, though. Don't hurt your back more by demanding something it is not able to do just now.

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 8:43 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
Thanks, Jmm and Lumbele. I'm going to try cold too.

This morning before I was finally able to get out of bed, I tried laying on my back and then pulling knees to my chest and then putting knees to each side. One at a time wasn't too bad, but at the same time -- not possible. I'm going to lay on the floor and work on that.

Hypermom
Member

08-13-2001

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 8:51 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hypermom a private message Print Post    
Color, sorry you are hurting right now. :-(

Like Lumbele said, a bag of peas works well. If your stomach can handle it, 4 of the ibuprofen will help with swelling.

Right after Thanksgiving, I hurt my back somehow. I couldn't move. My DH had to call the paramedics to take me to the ER. Mine also gave me sciatic pain. I was on pain meds and 800 mgs. of Motrin. The ER doc said not to lift anything heavier than a phone book for three weeks and to limit exercise to stretching only. It took almost a month for mine to feel normal again.

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 8:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
Hypermom, there's hope? I can be patient, but it's got to get better eventually.

Now that I'm up and have been moving around some, feels a little better. Get the stiffness from laying still in bed out of my back. Thought I might be stuck there this morning.

Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
Color, over the years I have found that staying in one position for any extended period of time when my back is acting up, is asking for more trouble. That includes lying down.

If you can, move at least every 1/2 hour, even if it is just to change chairs or walk to the next room and back. Just don't stay put in one place if you can at all avoid it.

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:36 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
Yes, Lumbele. I'm finding that to be true. Sitting still (and sleeping overnight) -- muscles kinda freeze up some.

Shadoe
Member

11-04-2004

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 12:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Shadoe a private message Print Post    
Color, I have had problems with my back for years and there is one thing I do know - if your back hurts and you try things to make the pain go away, most times it does.

Just don't think that your back is all better; it may be that your back has just gotten used to being out, in the wrong position.

I found that out the hard way. I went to a dr about about my neck and shoulder and found out that my back kept going out because it thought it was out when the dr put it back. It had been out for so long that the right spot felt like the wrong spot.

After a few visits, I was sent home with a stern talking to and some advice and exercises that would help strengthen the weak area.

I hope your back feels better soon, and stay away from the lifting.

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 3:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
Thanks, everyone. I didn't sit in one place too long at all today -- not in an upholstered chair like yesterday when I was watching U.S. National figure skating for hours. Feels much better, but still a little pain. Have to be careful how I move.

Laid on the floor and pulled my knees up to my chest to stretch those muscles. Was able to do it and it felt good. There's hope?!

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Monday, January 16, 2006 - 2:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Glad to hear that things are improving. I'm 50, and I've had DDD (degenerative disc disease) since my late 20's. I find that those magic-bags that you buy at the pharmacy and pop into the microwave for about a minute or two, works like a charm for me. Also when I'm in flare sometimes the best thing that really helps is a therapeutic massage. When I am climbing the walls I will give in and take a tylenol 3 for the pain and a muscle relaxant, but it makes me really irritable for a couple of days. You do not want to be around me when I've taken them. I don't usually realize it til its too late, but I become a first class b*tch! I'd rather go with the massages that turns me into a pussycat instead. LOL.

Best of luck - Color!

Escapee
Member

06-15-2004

Friday, January 20, 2006 - 4:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Escapee a private message Print Post    
Color:
I used to work in Physical Therapy. If you back is aching, I suggest going to the doctor and requesting a referral for PT. They will do a couple of sessions with you (more than likely covered by insurance) teach you stretches and techniques for pain relief and ways to not injure yourself again. They will also do modalities with you, teaching you when to do heat and ice, how long, how to make homemade ice packs etc. I can post more info and what knowledge I have on it later when I have some more time, right now I am off work and on to home. Let me know, ok!

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Saturday, January 21, 2006 - 9:56 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
My back is just about all better again. Might get a slight twinge when I move in a certain way. From now on, I will be very aware and careful of how I lift things. That's the problem.

Something good came out of this. I had pains / aches kind of in my hips (or bones in that area) which I attribute to a med I take (for two more years). Because of my back, took ibuprofen at times (not a lot). Hmmmmmm. No more achin' in the hips either. Yessssssss!

Jagger
Member

08-07-2002

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 1:24 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jagger a private message Print Post    
Color

I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner, I suffer from continuous back pain. I have several exercises I do twice daily that really seem to help to keep the back lose and somewhat pain free ( well at least bearable)

1st exercise is to lay on your back as you did above when raising the legs, but instead of raising the legs turn them from side to side as far as possible with keeping the backside firmly planted on the floor. This exercise is great for the back and also the hips.

2nd is to lay on your stomach and raise your upper body back using your arms and arching your back. again keeping your waist area secure on the ground.

Do these exercises very slowly so that you don't over do it.

I've found that if I quit doing these for a few days my back gets all tensed up and I can not stand up straight, I have to walk around like a hunch back.

Ginger1218
Member

08-31-2001

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 3:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ginger1218 a private message Print Post    
After taking tests (MRI) and numerous xrays, I spoke with an Orthopedic Surgeon and he told me I have Foraminal Spinal Stenosis and Spondylothesis. Ultimately I will need spinal surgery, with a fusion and rods and screws. He told me If I want to try to put it off for a while (because I want to lose weight), then I should do physical therapy and be fitted for a brace. He will not guarantee this will make me feel better. Meanwhile, I should not lift, bend or twist.
I am in a deep depression. It just gets worse and worse.

Mak1
Member

08-12-2002

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 4:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mak1 a private message Print Post    
{{{Ginger}}}, this breaks my heart. You're too young and full of life to be debilitated like this. I'm sorry the prognosis isn't better and will be hoping for the best outcome.

Hypermom
Member

08-13-2001

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 10:12 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hypermom a private message Print Post    
Color, glad your back is doing better. :-)

Ginger, I so sorry to hear about your spinal problem. :-(

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 7:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Hi guys,

I am a new poster here (long time lurker, though) and have met Mameblanche (Hi Mame). I am not sure if I can be of any help or not but I will try.

I have lived with many health problems all of my life. If you want to find out more about that..I wrote about it yesterday in the prayer section. I would write it again but am just too pooped tonight to do that..sorry!

I have Spina Bifada which has to do with your back and spine. I have been through many surgeries (2 spine fusions), physical therapy, meds, etc..you name it and I probably have tried it. After my two spine fusions I had some very intense lower back spasms and lots and lots of pain. I know, for me, the use of a TENS unit helped greatly. It took about a year or so of working with it, but it definitely helped.

Some years later, I went to PT for a few months. During this time, they hooked me up to some machine and I honestly don't remember the name of it. PT put some patches on my back which were connected to the machine with wires. Then, for the next part, I had cold packs applied. The hot packs felt better but for a much shorter period of time. Although I really didn't care for the cold ones, they did help and for a longer period. And, finally, the best part was massaging that area. I felt like a new girl coming out of the physical therapy dept. The only problem was it didn't last for more than a few days.

Now, I have chronic pain all over. And, as time goes on it is getting worse and to be honest, I hate it. I can't and don't want to take a lot of pain meds. I do not want to be dopped up for the rest of my life. So, at this point, I am using Lidocaine (sp?) patches. They do help where I place them. My only problem is that I am to point I need them all over.

But, for some of you, the patches just might give you a lot of relief. I am not sure but it might be something you would want to talk over with your doc and then decide.

I hope I could be of some help to someone here!

Ginger1218
Member

08-31-2001

Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 7:30 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ginger1218 a private message Print Post    
I am so sorry Baby for the pain that you are suffering, but you have a good idea. I am going to ask my doctor for Lidocaine patches. I will try it, also on my neck, where I have 3 herniated discs.

Baby
Member

01-08-2006

Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 12:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Baby a private message Print Post    
Hi Ginger,

Thanks for your post! Yes, I have pain 24/7 and it is getting harder to cope. But, with my good friends, my wonderful constant companion, Ms. Baby (my kitty friend), and my faith, I am doing it!
Do ask your doctor about the patches. I understand they only come in one strength which is too bad. I think if they were stronger, they might help me more. I am not sure though because, for me, if they help a couple of areas where they are placed, it seems like the areas around them can be more painful sometimes.

But, for you and others, they just might make a big difference. I guess you won't know until you try them. Keep me posted and let me know what the doc says and if you try the patches, how do you like them?