Long Term Back Pain

[Scarlett]

I have had a bad back for 20 years now, and it is stopping me from functioning. The pain changes, but these days I can't sit without being in pain. When I have to sit for an hour for my job, I can barely stand up afterwards and have to go and lie on my bed for a long while to re-set it. I have 3 slipped discs and regularly get my facet joints injected; this does very little. The last time I had a median block and was actually pain free for a bit, it was bliss. The results of that are that I could have the nerve fried to destroy the link, and be pain free until it grows back. That is really unappealing though, and I know the procedure is very painful. Does anyone have any advice for this sort of back pain?!

[tamborine]

My OH had spondolisis & got some relief by wearing a belladona plaster on bad days.

https://www.chemist.co.uk/belladonna-28x17-5cm-plaster.html

[weecalf]

Tens machine could give some relief . Hope it works for you I have tried it at times could help .good luck

[NoMercy]

Are you saying you wouldn't consider Rhizotomies? You could explore other options with the Pain Management Team.

[newbie99]

Sorry to hear this....
However, I can share my story.
15 years ago I was lifting a heavy object in an awkward position and my back gave way. My back was unable to support my body weight and I fell to the floor on agony. Colleagues came to help me but it was too painful for me to get up. Ended up in hospital and scanned with slipped with discs.

Since then I was unable sit or stand in the same position for longer than 5 mins at a time.
I went I saw all type of specialists and didn't get a fix including accuppuncture. My last hope was to do regular light weight exercises to build the back muscles. And i always have a regime such that I don't sit or stand for more 30 mins. I did this for a few years and now my back pain has gone. I don't require medical attention now.

This is just my case and people have different causes will have different treatment.

[Scarlett]

This is why I'm not keen on having a back op of any kind- I'm wondering if exercises can help it? That said I have been to a physio for several years and it hasn't had much help really.

[newbie99]

Scarlett,

Sitting position is also very important for recovery. Are you sitting correctly at work. You mustn't sit for more say 20-30 mins.
You should take regular walk or stand up at least and move the legs.
I also got rid of my sofa at home and only sit on kitchen wooden chair.

[Scarlett]

I can't really stand up or walk so I know a lot of my problem is caused by muscles not being stretched/used, so they get all short and stiff and cause pain. I try and move, and have an okay PC chair, but I'm only comfortable either lying on my side or in a tub chair where I can hold myself up with my arms. It's quite common with hypermobility IO believe!

[Samuraisan]

I am sure exercising , strengthening your back muscles would help. They say the very best is swimming, I find that very very boring so go to Aquagym and am more or less back pain free. It is important not to be overweight too.

[Buenchico]

Does anything here help?
http://hypermobility.org/help-advice/pain-management-2/pain-relief-techniques/

[tamborine]

install boards under mattress & arm chair. Extra cushion on arm chair, to raise height, is easier to alight. Lumbar/back support helps on bad days. Hope you find relief soon.