My husband coughed about 3 weeks ago and has been in pain ever since. An x-ray showed what they think is a degenerated disc (MD wasn't sure without an MRI). Nothing helps the pain. He's tried many prescriptions with no relief; vicodin, tramadol, a steroid pack and muscle relaxers (not all at once). Cold packs and heat don't help either. Tomorrow he goes for an MRI and then hopefully some epidural injections.
In the mean time what can I do to help him get some sleep tonight? Lying down hurts, the lazy boy chair hurts, the couch hurts, etc. ANyone have any ideas how to relieve the pain without drugs?
2007-02-07 13:48:44 · 7 answers · asked by KJ 5 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Tried to give him a gentle massage, he won't let me touch his back it hurts like hell he says. If you put pressure in a certain spot it sends tingles all down his leg to his foot.
2007-02-07 13:56:16 · update #1
Well, i've got some bad news for you. Coming from experience (i have 2 herniated discs) and a medical point. Disc pain is very tricky. The pain drugs and any muscle relaxants WON'T really releive any back pain because the drugs can't make it too the discs. The best thing for him would be to get a massage and maybe go to the chiropractor. If he needs to sleep i would go to the doctor and try to get him some heavy duty sedatives and analgesics to help him sleep. It won't help much of the pain, but it might help him get some sleep!
2007-02-08 21:33:55 · answer #1 · answered by Kitsters Mufasa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have tried a chiropractor first. When I threw my back out it took 2 days after he put it back into place to be able to sit comfortably or do anything for that matter. All I was ever told was a cold pack- 20 on 30 off- and ibprofen. Other than that you'll probably have to wait until you see the doctor tomorrow.
2007-02-07 14:36:36 · answer #2 · answered by cat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alternate heat and ice packs, 20 minutes at a time, every few hours. A gentle massage may help the muscles surrounding the sore area.
Muscle relaxants and sleeping pills didn't work for me, but valium did. My friend has similar spinal problems and she said the same thing. Just don't drink alcohol or drive after taking valium.
2007-02-07 13:53:40 · answer #3 · answered by ne11 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
I feel your hubby. I have the same problem too. I was diagnosed of having degenerated disc 2 yrs that was caused by my last job, but thats a different story. All I can say is, that he is going to have to try his best tonight to fall asleep. What my wife did for me and what the doc told me to do was, take 2 big pillows and put his legs were they bend at the knees over them, that way it takes the pressure of his lower back. Whats going to happend is that he shouldn't see a regular doctor, but a chiropractor. They do work wonders and he will be put on a rehab treatment.
2007-02-07 14:46:24 · answer #4 · answered by Da Bears 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A heat pack and sleeping pills if he is that severe! Soma with a Vicodin would really help.Get several opinions before you let any one operate.The naturalist MD DR. William Douglass might sugesst help.You cannot get his help tonight.Look him up on the internet tomorrow.
2007-02-07 14:00:52 · answer #5 · answered by Gloryana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have him lay on your bed face down arms to his side . sit on his butt and put your hand like an X on the part of his back and push down hard .you can do this up and down his whole back.
i hope this helps
2007-02-07 13:57:20 · answer #6 · answered by HDMOM77 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1882.html
2007-02-07 13:56:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋