[Maven]

I plan to see a doctor after my boyfriend gets back from his trip (which will be next Monday), but in the meantime, does anyone have any info about back pain? I have done some research, but it can be so many things.

More to the point, what will help it? I take Advil when it occurs, but it doesn't always help. I don't have any heating pads, although I might try to talk my bf into getting some when we go to the store tonight to get stuff so I have everything I need when he leaves. I'm talking about the ThermaCare things. I prefer something that doesn't have goop on it (like IcyHot patches).

Has anyone had any success with a good heating pad? I did some research a while back, looking for a quality one, but almost all of them that had reviews had complaints. Usually, it's that the pad doesn't heat up. I'd like something soft, as opposed to plastic.

The pain is almost always in the same place, lower back, right side, under or about the same place as some of my fat. It's not all the way down, to the small of the back (where the back joins the butt). I know that it started after sleeping on a very lumpy mattress (that also had holes in it and springs sticking out) for years. My bf finally tossed that mattress before we moved, and I got my own bed and mattress. My mattress is firm, but not overly so, because I can't sleep on a hard bed, but I wonder if I should have gotten a firmer mattress. I'm sitting on my bed now to work on my computer (the only place I really can right now), and it seems to cause strain on my back. This is really frustrating. Does anyone have any advice?

[Pita]

Try alternating heat and ice - like 15 minutes each. If you don't have a heating pad (and it should be a moist heat one) damped a towel and heat it in a microwave until warm (watch not to over heat) Take care

[Rhapsody]

I have to take 4 Advil's to relieve my pain..... doctor says it is ok for she gives me a Rx for 800 mg Ibuprofen, which is the same strength as taking 4 Advil's.

If you do not have an ice pack to do the heat to cold with - you can use a bag of frozen peas or mix vegetables.

[January]

Hi Maven,

You've received the very advice I was going to give you. I will tell you to be sure and alternate the heat and ice. I know it doesn't feel the best until you get used to it, but you need both. I can't remember how long you're supposed to use them though. It seems like 10 minutes of each, but I could very easily be wrong.

Maybe someone else here knows how long?

I hope you feel much better very soon.

Hugs,

Jan

[Maven]

Thanks. I do have frozen veggies, although no ice pack. No hot pack, either--my bf said the ThermaCare weren't any good (he used one). Unfortunately, I can't spare any towels for the purpose of heating.

The instructions on the Advil box say not to exceed six in 24 hours. I have Advil Liqui-Gels, I should mention. They're supposed to work faster. Are these okay to take four of at a time? I can't get anything else.

[Pita]

Another way to make an ice pack is to take several ice cubes and put them in a zip lock bag with a little water. Make sure not to put anything really cold directly on your skin. ThermaCare does not work like a regular heat pack. You could even use a small towel to moisten and heat - just something to be able to alternate heat and ice. That is the best way to calm inflammation down.

[Maven]

Well, like I said, I don't have a towel I can use. Plus, my OCD makes a lot of normal treatments difficult. But I'm still interested if anyone knows about electric heating pads that really work?

[tranquility]

Hi there,

Good advice from all. The other thing is too do VERY gentle stretching several times a day. Even if it's just standing and bending forward and to the sides until you feel a very slight stretch. Not using a muscle will make it tighten up more.

Also be careful of how you're sitting. I know you said that you can only sit comfortably on your bed but that's not a very supportive way to sit. Have you tried a straight chair? Even if it has a cushion on it.

Some thoughts anyway.........

Tranq

[Maven]

The problem is, I can't put a desk or whatever in my room, because there isn't enough room, and I don't want to take my computer into the living room. Because of my OCD, I don't want to risk anyone touching it. If someone comes, it will seem weird if I rush to take my computer in my room and I prefer not to leave it on when I'm not using it.

I learned to type in the proper position, and I think I do best in that position, but even then, I've had problems. (I used to sit in the normal position when I used my bf's computer over a year ago at our apartment before we moved.) I would find my shoulder tingling and very uncomfortable.