Severe Sudden Back Pain

[Karamia]

I have no recollection of doing anything out of ordinary to cause this but 2 days ago I started with a severe back pain which came on suddenly. For past 2 nights I have had no sleep. It feels like I cannot lie down, sit down or stand up to get any relief from it. It is lower back pain and twinges badly at any movement. Hot water bottle not easing and taking 2 zapain tablets every 4 hours but again no relief. Any ideas for what else I could try? Will try get doctors appointment Monday but need to get through weekend first. Thank you in advance.

[Patsy33]

That's awful for you karamia. Hopefully, it's nothing more than muscle strain., which can be extremely painful. Apart from painkillers, I can't help anymore, until you speak/ see your doctor. Best wishes.

[Sqad]

You are describing nerve root pain due to irritation of compression or iritation of a nerve in your lower spine, most commonly the sciatic nerve.

You have suffered for two days and be prepared to suffer for at least another month

Until you see your GP, take Ibuprofen 400 mgs morning afternoon and evening with your food and and try to continue your daily chores as best as possible.

Hot baths might help as an adjunct to Ibuprofen.

[sandyRoe]

You might get some temporary relief from the pain by lying flat on your back with your lower legs raised and supported by a chair or a pile of cushions.

[Karamia]

Thank you for your answers. I have heard sometimes people taking both paracetamol and ibuprofen for some pain - does that mean 2 of each at exactly same time every 4 hours? Or 2 of one type alternating every 2 hours?

[Sqad]

I am not keen on the combination, but it is quite popular in the medical world.
I would not take them together, but alternate as you have suggested, alternate leaving at least 2-3 hours gap.

[webbo3]

I had this the other night, incredible pain all night, all across my lower back and on my left kidney area, got an appointment with the docs, did a urine sample, had blood in it, got to do a blood test next week and another urine test mid November and having a scan, she seems to think it may be a kidney stone/s.
I don't want that pain again.

[237SJ]

^ renal colic. Sounds like it. I`ve seen people throw up with the pain from that.

[jourdain2]

Hard lines, I have perennial sciatic pain (compressed vertebrae). Squad's absolutely right. I get prescribed painkillers (bit stronger) but am having to take them more often lately.

[Khandro]

Certainly sounds like sciatica, I do sympathise, I have only experienced in once thank God. There is no position you can adopt to find relief, (I described it as being like toothache in the back!)
Sqad's ibuprofen is the best advice, heat might help.
Just think it will pass.

[Khandro]

p.s. My Doc gave me (or at least his nurse did) an anaesthetic injection.

[jno]

I'd be asking my osteopath to do a home visit.