Bad back

[sherrardk]

My husband has done something to his back - it is muscular pain, both sides of his spine in his lower back. What's the best thing he could do/take to alleviate the pain, etc? Thanks

[alexanderd]

If it is muscular pain then he needs heat to relax the muscle. Have you got a hot water bottle?

[sherrardk]

No hot water bottle - would a hot bath do the same job?

[alexanderd]

it would certainly ease it but only while the back is warm, pop down the shop and get some Fiery Jack or similar to spray or rub on it.

[albaqwerty]

As hot as he can tolerate, keep topping it up if need be and stop being so vigorous with him sherr :)

[sherrardk]

Thank you - I'll go and have a look in the medicine box (Tupperware box in the garage, out of the way of little hands).

[Eve]

Anti inflammatories such as ibuprofen. If muscular you could also try pain/anti inflammatory gel just don't go mad, I think you can take it with ibuprofen but bear in mind they contain similar stuff. A pharmacist would be able to advise (or Sqad if he's about) as to dosage.

If heat doesn't work, try cold.

I find the one of the radox bath stuff good for relaxing if I'm aching.

[sherrardk]

Thanks all - I will forward your suggestions and then he can do as he sees fit (not that he is awkward!).

[mumsie_wumsie]

Doctor told me not to use both diclofenac and the gel together, as they both contain the same ingredient(ibroprufen). I would try the gel because it rubs in exactly where the pain is.

[carmalee]

okay - take ibruprophen - check out the dosage on line -warm the area for 20 mins then apply a cold compress (packet of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) alternate at regualar intervals throughout the day - don't be a hero but move around frequently - with the help of a walking stick if necessary. Have been there done that and got the tee shirt for over twenty years - if it is very bad, a support belt helps

[Sqad]

I agree with carmalee and Jenna.

Ibuprofen at least 400mgms every 6 hours if necessary.