[Rmdctc]

back pain?

I have a bad back as I know alot of us here do. I was wondering what helps all of you manage the pain?

[sabby]

I think it all depends on what kind of a bad back you have. Is it muscular, disk, stenosis?

Most of my back pain in muscular in nature, so I will take an nsaid like aleve, I'll do some hot/cold therapy and some gentle stretching exercises and that generally helps.

I think for disk or stenosis pain, you would probably need a stronger pain med for and I don't think any amount of exercise will help.

Hope you find something that gives you some relief.


sabby

[Rmdctc]

Ice and pain meds do help. Still hurts a little but getting better.

[Rmdctc]

Ahhhhh....I spoke to soon. My back is in sooooo much pain now I can't walk up straight. I am walking like a little old lady I look so funny bent over at the waist and holding on to things as I go. Damn I really thought it was getting better I dont like my back anymore I want it REMOVED!!!

[January]

Can you use a heating pad on your back? I have the kind that automatically shuts itself off after so long so I can't burn myself with it. It might help you. I hope you feel better very soon.

[Rmdctc]

Ty January. I do have a heating pad and im going to try putting it on now to see if it helps. Thanks again

[lynn P.]

Hi Rmdctc,
I agree it depends on what kind of back problem it is. From the time I was 18 till about 35 I had horrible back pain off and on. Mine was muscular and it would go into spasm more so on 1 side causing scoleosis temporarily. It would be so bad I leaned to one side and couldn't stand up straight. When it was like that I had to go to the emergency room and get a demoral shot. I wanted to have children and was worried it would get worse being pregnant. So I got myself in shape. I did my back stretches, started power walking and lifting weigts. But a person needs to get clearance from a doctor and this isn't for all back problems. Gradually I became in tip top shape and then I became pregnant(continuing to exercise). I now have 2 girls and never had trouble with my back again - thank GOD.

So if you can, start exercising even if it's water aerobics and do dtretching exercising that are doctor approved. I recommend moist heat from those magic bags filled with seeds. Also learn how to meditate and be aware of how your body tenses up while stressed. It's also good to be aware of lifting from your legs not waist. If you can tolerate it, the stronger you make your abdominals the better your back will be. You could also try acupuncture - tai chi exercise is great for people of all ages and relaxing at the same time.

I know what it's like to have severe back pain, so that's why I'm offering you so many choices, hoping something will help. I hope you'll find relief like I did. Good luck.

[Rmdctc]

Ty for all the advice. I am going to try acupunture on tuesday. Ive heard from a few people it works and a few that it doesnt. I hope it will work for me because I would really like to be out of pain and to be able to walk up right.

[Rhapsody]

I would suggest a good warm soak in the tub after taking about 4 Advils.
... when my body hurts I enjoy a good soak in the heated pool at the YMCA.

[Rmdctc]

I went to acupuncture today for the first time in my life. I thought the needles would hurt but they didnt and I have to say it did make me feel better. I am not totally out of pain but I am able to stand up right more. She gave me alot of herbs as well. Boy do they taste nasty! But I must admit I do feel better. I go for another treatment tomorrow. Thanks to all who have given advice!

[lynn P.]

Happy to hear the acupuncture helped a little - you'll probably need to go back for more though. I forgot to mention that a nice hot bath with 2 cups of plain epsom salts also helps relax the muscles. Also make sure you take a supplement of magnesium as it's good for muscle relaxation. Glad you got some relief. Take care

[Rmdctc]

I went again today and she stuck alot more needles in me then yesterday. But I must say im doing better. Im still in pain and cant walk up right yet but very slowly getting better. The herbs are still nasty though lol. I havent been able to take any tonight though because my stomach has been upset.