Squad - or anyone? I've fallen over!

[Maydup]

Don't laugh, I tripped on a step and went flat over onto a hard floor. Luckily no breaks or sprains but it took the wind out of me and I've jarred my lower back. I can hardly move.

I've managed to get myself home and taken 400g ibuprofen and 2 arnica tablets. I'm breathing OK now but wonder if I should put either heat or ice on my back? I have ice packs in the freezer or a hot water bottle. Either, neither or both? I never know. And how much ibuprofen?

[Maydup]

PS --- I hadn't had a drop!

[erin-x]

I would say heat since it sounds like you've pulled a muscle... I jerked my back as well today... Bloody sore!!

[sandyRoe]

My 'back woman' sold me a bag fill with gel for a tenner. It was to be cooled in the fridge before being applied to the back. Using it seemed to help, so I'd go with ice.

[sandyRoe]

LOL. Two conflicting bits of advice. ^

[erin-x]

Oh dear.... sorry Maidup! =s lol!

[Maydup]

Perhaps I should alternate!

[Buenchico]

The NHS website suggests that some people finds that heat works for them, whereas others find cooling to offer the best benefit:
http://www.nhs.uk/Con.../Pages/Treatment.aspx

However my own feeling is that cold treatments are best for reducing inflammation from injuries in the short term (which is why football trainers use ice packs or the famous 'magic sponge') but they're of little use in dealing with muscular damage at a later stage (where heat is the preferred treatment).

Chris

[askyourgran]

Sometimes a warm bath with Muscle Soak Radox works to relax the muscles and then bed with a warm hot water bottle. 2 x Paracetamols every 4 hours. My doc wont prescribe Ibruprofen, He said it makes your stomach bleed. I find that cold ice packs tend to make me ache more, but some people find it helps. Hope you feel better soon.

[Maydup]

Thanks AYG, that sounds like a good plan. I am propped up with cushions and a hot water bottle at the moment and will probably stick with it and go to bed rather than swap to ice.

[237SJ]

If it`s a sprain or strain then ice will initially help reduce the inflammation. If it`s just a sore muscle then I would say put whatever feels the most soothing on it.

[tamborine]

if its the coccyx it will be painful sitting down; I found lying down a relief & cured in less than a week.

[tinkerbell23]

Hug xxx (gentle one)

[Maydup]

I don't think I've pulled a muscle, I've just fallen hard on my backside and it feels like I've been kicked in the back by a giant with concrete boots on.

The hot water bottle feels soothing.

Thanks for the hugs Tinks! They were soothing too.

[Sqad]

I don't think that it makes a "jot" of difference whether you apply cold or warm.............my preference would be for a warm or hot bath with a drop of single malt whiskey......to drink,not to be tipped into the bath.

Dose of Ibuprofen.....I would take 400mgms every four hours and try and keep as mobile as possible.

[Maydup]

Thanks Squad, I'm OK if a bit sore this morning. I had a good nights sleep on a couple more Ibuprofen and have made it to work this morning. (Car, bus and walk)

I'll do as you day and keep taking the tabs for a couple of days and I'm sure I'll be fine by the weekend.