Has anyone got any advice for back pain?

Question

I had a motorcycle accident 4 years ago (hit from behind and knocked off) and was left with a bad back, which was compounded by another rear shunt last May (and no, I don't have a target painted on my back, although it sometimes feels like it!). I have had physiotherapy and been told they can do nothing more, and that I'll just have to 'put up with it'. My doctor has prescribed Co-Codamol which is good but I need the full dose which sends me round the twist so I never take the full dose as I prefer to be sane for work! This obviously leaves me in pain still, although with the edge taken off by the painkillers. So, my question is this - does anyone have any advice on how to alleviate the pain to make it more bearable? All sensible suggestions sooo welcome!

ps, can't take diclofenac as it makes me really poorly

i've heard about injections in your back (not an epidural, can't remember the medical term for it) - any experience of this? also been told yoga will do me a mischief as i am hyper-extensible...

Answer 1

Firstly, you are referring to Cortisone injections. These are administered into the facet joints of your spine at the epicentre of pain. Take it from me I've had 6 - they don't work! They are a bandaid solution don't bother.

Have you tried the diclofenac with Ranitidine? This helps prevent the nasty aggressive side effects of the diclofenac (Voltarol).

I have been recently put on Pregabalin, it is a neural pain killer, for want of a better term. This was prescribed by my Pain Clinic.

Get your GP to refer you to your local Pain Clinic, they are experts in managing your pain.

I also use a TENS machine, (try www.physiomedhomecare.co.uk), but if you order use the manual snail-mail form to avoid the VAT.

I have also just ordered an inversion table, (try www.Teeter-Online.co.uk to see the principle).

Get into a Pain Clinic. They can and will help you more than your GP.

Answer 2

I had crippling back pain for nearly 10 years. I got it from moving a piano when I was about 25. I was barely able to walk,sit, stand or lay down EVER! Mine was located in my lower back, so the advise I give you relates to that part of the back, L4L5 with and S1 compression. If I could lay down on my back, I would put pillows under my knees to lessen the pressure on my lower back. If the nerve was pinched, I would lay on the opposite side with a pillow between by knees. If the nerve is involved DO NOT USE HEAT. Only ice. If it is just muscle then you can use heat or alternate heat and ice. You can get one of those units that physical therapist use that deliver a static level shock to the area affected. I basically just "tricks" the nervous system to confuse it. I finally had surgery, and although I sitll have pain, I am sooooo much better for it. I take it your injury may be inoperable? I am not sure if any of this helps, since I don't know the actual location.(ie muscle or nervous system) I really do sympathize with you. I know how it feels to be in contant pain. I think I have taken so much Ibuprofin over the years, that I may have an ulcer.....so I can only recommend that you go easy on that. Good luck to you, and I hope you find some relief soon!

Answer 3

I would recommend a portable TENS machine. It passes a small electrical current and helps to distract from the pain. It has settings from 1 to 10 for intensity. They do cost around £100 but often chemists will let you try before you buy....so it's worth asking. It's small and clips onto your belt or pocket and you put the two pads on the areas that feel worse.

I had coccxydenia with very bad pain (had it removed now - the coccyx), and I used a TENS machine for it. It was worth it to me...it doesn't take away all the pain but certainly improves it.

Other than that, I'm sure physio. has already told you, it's important to keep your back mobile to prevent future stiffening, so though it's a bore and a chore, it's worth keeping the exercises up.

Hope that helps, best wishes.

Answer 4

OK! well whilst resting in bed, if you sleep on you back put a pillow underneath the top half of your legs it helps relive pressure off your back, or if you sleep on your side place it inbetween your thighs, it does same thing.
Try taking a herbal supliment (excuse the spelling of it)
Glucosumin and choindroition found in holland and barret it helps with pain and also rebuilds the fluid that coushions each bone joint and reduces the acidity around them.
Pilatas is surpossed to be good as well or so ive herd its an exercise that can be used by people with medical conditions such as this. Check out your local gym and inquire about the course. Un fortunatly its not somthing that will heal for good the only thing to do is to work around it and do things within reason .
What i surgessted wont cure it but will ease it a bit.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Answer 5

Check here a very effective Sciatica Natural Treatment ( http://cure-sciatica.info )
Normally, I would not answer a question like this as my expertise is generally in medication but I had severe sciatica while I was pregnant with my 3rd child (after having had twins) and I had sciatica so bad that I was finding it difficult to walk. I tried massage therapy and physical therapy and could not take medication
I went to the chiropractor and the pain was instantly relieved. My hips and lower back were out of alignment because I had carried twins the year before. On occasion a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) can also work but they usually only work on one joint at a time - the chiropractor will do your whole back which works faster. Anyone who does not believe in chiropractors will tell you they are quacks - don't listen.
I don't necessarily believe that chiropractors can cure things like diabetes but they can definitely relieve some types of back pain especially if a pinched nerve is involved which is usually the cause of sciatica.

Answer 6

The spinal injections are cortisone injections & they work for some people , but the results are not permanent. I'm surprised your Dr never mentioned them. Besides pain meds there are moist heat wraps you can use. Also my Dr prescribed a TENS unit (transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulator).It is no bigger than a pager & can be worn under your clothing & adjusted to alleviate the pain as needed. Unfortunately, I can't offer any cures because even 2 surgeries did not take away my pain although the pain is not as severe as before. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable , as far as using pillows Or lumbar cushions when you sit or lay . Good luck to you !

Answer 7

Not quite in the same league as you but I had a bad back after having children - i had 3 epidurals (!).

As well as taking pain killers i used to sit with a hot water bottle against my lower back. Not really a long term solution but eased the pain and discomfort alot at the time. Massages also helped.

Have you tried a chiropractor? I went for a few sessions and i don't suffer with back pain any more..hope this helps, tc.

Answer 8

I know this is very basic, but I hurt my back in an accident a little while back and I find that a hot water bottle really eases the pain out of it... I'm on strong pain killers, like you, but would rather not take them. If you don't want to use a hot water bottle, there's now these heat wraps that you can buy from Boots that really help too. i feel for you I really do, hope it helps.

Answer 9

I have had the injections into my spine, they are cortisone and a small dose of local painkiller. They work but are limited to 3 or 4 times a year. They helped me enormously. The best thing I found was a back rehabilitation course. It helped using exercise to strengthen the muscles around the injury to naturally protect the back.
Please be careful of the pills. I know from experience they can cause long term problems. I am 46 and have a damaged liver from years of taking prescribed painkillers and anti inflammatories. I have also found out recently that I have Chronic kidney disease again through the use of the painkillers. I face an uncertain future; I hope your future is much brighter, good luck;

Answer 10

Your uterus is not reacting well to the IUD. The larger and stiffer the IUD and those that do not conform to the shape of the endometrial cavity produce endometrial ulceration and infection which in turn, cases pain.The prostoglandin release might also play a problem. Sometimes people who experience this pain might also have a pelvic inflammatory disease or be going through an ectopic pregnancy. If the pain becomes unbearable, I'd to go the ER. Hope that helps =)