Does anyone have a remedy for backache?

Question

I don't ususually have a problem with my back, but after moving air conditioners last weekend, and then sleeping on a "not so great" mattress for two nights after, an aching back has set in and NOT going away! (Yes, it's lower back.) FYI what I have tried:
Heating pad, heating packs, alternating heat with cold, muscle ointment, pain medication (Alleve), gentle exercise and flexing (although maybe someone would have some specific ideas here?), avoiding any lifting of even medium variety, trying to stay off the computer for most part(!), pillow for support....anyone with other ideas???

PS I have tried chiropractor in the past, and didn't like. Would consider massage therapy, but hoping for other solution before spending time and $$ for massage.

PPS Also wanted to let you know that I have NO medical insurance.

Appreciate answers still incoming, just an update on situation:
Did go to a trusted massage therapist. She thinks lower 5 back vertebrae + hips out of alignment. In doing pressure point, she really "hit home" (with pain) on an area of the chest, where the "psoas" is located (never heard of it before), a sausage-shaped muscle connecting back with leg; runs alongside ribcage. Makes sense because pain has begun alternating with lower right back/buttocks and right knee. Vicki is excellent, gives me sliding scale and really knows her stuff. Movement definitely started happening after seeing her; first time I have had periods of comfort in over a week. Trying to decide whether to go back to see her one more time this week --or go see a new chiropractor who magically "fell into my life" with high recommendation this week. Problem with chiropractor is the cost: $150 for first visit, $100 for visits thereafter,.

PS Last update was added early wed morning november 8th at 4:15 AM EST

Answer 1

1. I found the advice below from FamilyDoctor.org very helpful; even 2 to 3 pillows in your bed under your knees/legs can help take pressure off the back; I've tried it. Also if lying on your side, use a pillow under one leg and a 2nd pillow between the legs to take pressure off (this last is from experience & experimenting).

Here is from theFamilyDoctor.org website re lower back pain:
"The best position for relief when your back hurts is to lie on your back on the floor with pillows under your knees, with your hips and knees bent and your feet on a chair, or just with your hips and knees bent. This takes the pressure and weight off your back. If you're resting a hurt back, you may need 1 to 2 days of this sort of rest. Resting longer than this can cause your muscles to weaken, which can slow your recovery. Even if it hurts, walk around for a few minutes every hour."

2. As may have been mentioned above, use heat but definitely MOIST heat, big difference.

3. A friend has just recommended to me a book called "Healing Back Pain" by John Sarno MD. this is a different approach, dealing with stress and back pain, the "mind-body connection". haven't yet finished reading, but my friend's neighbor swears by it. I have put link below to a website where you can read excerpts from the book.

Answer 2

For the most part a doctor is going to tell you to do some of the same things you've already tried. You can continue to take Advil but take 600mg every 6 hours with some food. To prevent stomach upset. If you do heat to your back make sure it is moist heat. If your back continues to give you trouble and you cannot afford a doctor's office call a local hospital, urgent care clinic, or public health dept. Ask if they have indigent care funds that will assist you with paying for your visit or if they adjust the payment of services to your income? Either way it will hopefully get you into see a doctor about your back. Then talk with them about your pain issues. Your pain could be from muscle spasms and muscle relaxant would be more effective than pain pills.

Answer 3

I have trouble with my back all the time. I swear by my chiropractor. This is what I do Aleve or Advil for the pain or your favorite. Then it is moist heat such as hot hot showers or I make a towel wet and microwave it for a minute or two and then wrap it in a towel so I don't burn myself. Leave that on for 20 minutes. Then I will ice it up. A bag of frozen veggies wrapped up for another 20 minutes. The best bet is to lay flat because the worst thing to do is sit. And go for the massage. Do not try and crack your own back! Let that up to the professionals. It sound as though you have tried just about everything you could. You may have to brake down and go to the Doctor. Lots of luck. Believe me I feel your pain.

Answer 4

A chiropractor can examine you by way of an orthopedic examination and an x-ray after which deal with you. Many occasions a therapeutic massage therapist will paintings within the identical workplace because the chiropractor and in combination they are able to aid you greatly. Stay clear of narcotic medications as a result of addiction problems and so they handiest duvet up the predicament, no longer deal with it. The backside line is that Consumer Reports simply got here out with a research and confirmed that chiropractic care was once essentially the most mighty medication for again affliction. More mighty than professional care, surgical procedure, bodily medication, and injection medication. Results is the important thing.

Answer 5

Have you spoken to your physician? It is very likely that a course of physical therapy will help you. The goal is to show YOU what to do to help take care of your back. Theraputic massage and modalities might also be used, but the final goal is for you to know what exercises to do and how to use good body mechanics when lifting, moving, etc.

Your medical insurance should have an allowance for physical therapy, but how much will vary between policies. Most people have a co-pay between $10-$40 a session...most cases of backache can be done with PT in as few as 3-6 visits.

Answer 6

before my brother also have a problem like that.easily get hurt in the lower part of his body or in the back.
the answer for him or maybe can help you is to reduce fat if you're little bit over weight or try to look for the food you eat like nuts or other food related to this.

Answer 7

My solution LORTAB 7.5! Just head on down to your Dr.'s office and ask for some! ;o)

Answer 8

EPSOM SALT AND LONG BATHS
GET A MATTRESS PAD

Answer 9

no I do not.