Lower Back Pain

[Misky]

Since Tuesday I have had a really bad back. The muscles in my lower back seem to have seized up completely. On a morning, I roll out of bed, I can't sit down without just flopping down, and have to grab on to things to get back up. It does ease a little during the day, so I'm not too worried about it being anything more serious than a pulled muscle, but half the sites say rest it, and the other half say try and carry on as usual (which is a silly thing to say, but I guess they mean "as best you can"). Even driving is painful, I dread changing gear as it means lifting my feet off the floor and so taking weight on my lower back. Does anyone have any quick fixes, or at least tips for me please? I thought it would be a lot better by now!

[missspeedy23]

My hubby had something similar last week. He took co-codamol and ibuprofen to help with the pain and he found that those wheat bags that you heat in the microwave helped. A hot water bottle will do just as well. He found moving rather than resting helped too. Have a hot bath to try and relax it too.

HTH

[Misky]

Thanks for this Missspeedy- I've been plodding on with Paracetamol and never thought of upping to cocodamol, which I will now. I can get some of those heat pads at lunchtime - they might work if I can keep them on here at work....? If moving helped your husband, I'll keep on going! I just wish I knew what brought it on so I could avoid doing it again - ever! Cheers.

[missspeedy23]

He only bent down to paint the fence so it can be something silly like that!

To be honest I've had those heat pads before and they weren't much good but I can't remember which one I used. You can give them a try though!

Jo
x

[Misky]

Actually, I might just get a little hot water bottle - I've seen the small ones somewhere. I just hope it doesn't send me to sleep like they used to when I was little. Thanks for your help Jo.

[Cheekystar]

try ibruofean (sorry about the spelling) which is an anti inflamatory, also voltorol gel on the area. Also alternate your hot water bottle with an ice pack to reduce any swelling. If the problem persists go to a chiropractor.
I know how painful a bad back can be, take it easy, maybe roll up a jumper or someting as a back cushion at work to help.

[Misky]

thanks Cheekystar, I'm a bit wary of ibruprofen as it once gave me a bout of asthma (I'm quite fit actually, not usually the wreck I sound on here!), but will try the gel. Till lunchtime I'll roll up my work cardi & use that as a cushion. Thanks. I just thought it would have gone by now!

[bensmum]

I had a similar problem with my back 2 or 3 years ago. A doctor ill tell you not to stay in bed but try to keep mobile (sensibly). They also suggest ibruprofen and painkillers. I have also used the heated wheatbags alternated with bags of frozen peas. Unfortunately it just takes time.

[Misky]

Thanks Bensmum - I suppose hoping for a quick fix was very optimistic of me......

[Panic Button]

Sit in a good chair with lumbar support, or roll up a hand towel and put it behind the lower back as a bolster.

Lie on your front and do a sort of pressup a few times, but just lifting your upper body and leaving your legs on the ground.

You need to ensure that the lower part of your back is forward, so that your spine makes a sort of S shape.

Slouching or bending forward a lot means your lower back is forced the wrong way.

[Jugglering]

Awwww poor Misky.... I've been there (and still occasionally suffer from my back pain, especially when I've been over stretching or lying down in bed all due to a cold/flu etc).

If you find that the agony eases off during the day, it's almost definitely muscular and all you can do is take pain killers but KEEP MOVING. Obviously it will be agony getting up in the morning - try some gentle bending and stretching whilst still in bed (lying on your side), this may help you actually get out of bed. Then, when you are standing up, try touching your knees - ok, I know it will only be bending over an inch or so, but also do some sideways moving to increase your flexibility. Then you should be at least able to get into the shower.

Regarding the driving, if you can raise your driving seat, that might help, as will pushing the seat a little further back and using your ankles as pivots on the pedals instead of lifting your feet off the floor.

[Misky]

Thank you both for the replies - I have done lots of weights & cardio exercise for years and thought that would stave off this kind of thing. Then I turned 40 and I think this is my punishment for being so smug. I'll try Panic Button's exercises too, and Jugglering, I never thought of trying to stretch before I got out of bed, hopefully this will stop me looking so blummen stupid! Thanks everyone. X

[beso]

Sounds like a herniated disc. They are often caused by muscle strains pulling the body out of alignment. Tendons slip out of their proper positions.

Stand upright facing a tall mirror. Look for misalignment of the hips. Do they both extend sideways from the midline?

Go and see a chiropractor. If they don't bring substantial instant relief find another one.

The longer you leave this the harder it will be to put right.

For some instant relief. Lay face down and arch you back by pushing the top of your body up as high as you can.

[Velvetee]

Do you think your matress could be causing you this problem?

[Misky]

Velvetree, I'm going to try turning my mattress (well, not personally, obviously!) and seeing if it will make a difference. I guess it, and the fact that I've been lying without moving, contribute to the problem in the morning. Beso, I wasn't ignoring you, I wanted to look up that herniated disc thing before I panicked, but I don't have any numbness, so I'll pin my hopes on getting my muscles right at the minute. Thank you though.....