Back Ache

[smurfchops]

I have had lower back ache for a year or so now, on and off. If it was an infection would I be having other symptoms ? It is not a pain, just achey below the waist and all cross the back. Getting on, could it be just wear and tear ? Thanks all.

[Sqad]

I should forget the infection line of thought as this would be extremely unlikely.
It does sound like a bit of wear and tear and I would have thought than an analgesic.such as Ibuprofen 400mgs might relieve the pain.
If this doesn't do the trick, then a trip to your GP may be all is required.

[smurfchops]

I have been taking Nurofen when it is really uncomfortable Sqad, about once a week I should say. Should I bother going to the doctor do you think ?

[woofgang]

do you have or do a job where you spend a lot of time in one position? (shut up sqad)

[Sqad]

woofgang...LOL
smurfy...if the Nurofen relieves your pain...........then stick with it...........if it doesn't, then see your GP.

[jamesnan]

Are you by any chance on cholesterol reducing medication? I suffered really bad back pains when taking them, 3 different types tried altogether, and had to stop - the pain then went.

[Sqad]

jamesnan....good point.

[smurfchops]

james nan I take 20mg simvastatin daily, could that be why ??

[jamesnan]

I would think that is the cause of the problem - I took Simvastin first, then Pravastatin, and then Ezetimibe and each one caused severe lower back pain, and no pain killers worked. On my doctor's suggestion, I stopped taking the tablet for 2 weeks, then re-started it, and each time, the pain went within a couple of days and came back again. I now take no cholesterol medication, and never have the pain. Try "googling" simvastin and see how many people suffer muscle pain - this is a definite side effect.

[Chaffinch]

If its not the above, get your GP to refer you to Physio. I only went once was given a sheet of easy exersizes, bingo no pain. I was given these exersizes about 10 years ago and still do them if I get a twinge

[woofgang]

I know I was joking with sqad but i was serious about the being in one position for a while. I thought I had a bad back till i retired an realised it was because I spent so much time sitting in an unsuitable chair. It didn't feel unsuitable at the time and I didn't ache when sat in it but every evening i would feel my back stiffen up.

[smurfchops]

I don't have severe back pain, it is a dull ache. Nurofen seems to help but I don't want to be taking them on a regular basis as I don't know how safe they are. My cholesterol was 7.7 before taking Simvastatin and now it is down to just under 5. When I took 40mg it was 4.6 but I didn't want to take that high a dose.

[Hopkirk]

Is your mattress old?

It could be as simple as that.

[smurfchops]

No, new mattress.