Treatment of Severe Back Pain?

Question

I have had some low back stiffness/tenderness for about a week. I've had this on and off for 4 or 5 years and frankly it really isn't concerning to me. However, it was pretty sore today, and tonight after reaching for something I ended up with SEVERE pain. It hurts to move and is nearly impossible to get up out of bed without help. I went to the urgent care clinic and got a shot of Toradol and a Valium. It barely put a dent in the pain. I was told to take Ibuprofen and Vicodin at home. I'm feeling little relief. It is tolorable when I am at rest but getting up is pure agony and causes several minutes of severe pain. Should I just deal with it and rest my back and see if things improve? Should I return to urgent care for further pain relief? Or should I see a family doctor today? I am generally distrustful of physicians and really I want more aggressive care then they are willing to offer. I need to return to work and need the best and quickest outcome for relief.

Answer 1

A quick way to determine if it is a herniated, or slipped disk. Lie on your back and have someone bend your knee forward toward your chest. If the pain is intolerable, see your doctor immediately. He or she may refer you to a neurologist or your doctor may order an MRI. Hopefully it is not a herniated disk but if it is DO NOT allow surgery to correct it. Take pain meds (exactly as prescribed) and the disk will heal itself after a few months (sometimes longer). For more info read this link.

Answer 2

An honest doctor (there are few) would tell your boyfriend that the odds are against the surgery in the first place. He can heal his soft tissue injuries by taking shark cartilage capsules available at most health food stores. For the pain; during WWI, there was a shortage of morphine; they only had enough for emergency pain relief on the battlefield and for surgery, but not enough for recovery. So, they substituted coffee retention enemas, instead. The secret is to find a light to medium roast coffee (the longer they roast it, the more active ingredient is baked away) and to brew it weak (about half strength). Start off with a regular fresh water enema to clear the colon, hold for 15 minutes if possible. Then the body temperature coffee and hold for 15 minutes. It is not recommended to do this more than once or twice a day because it reduces your bodies electrolytes. The pain relief effects are cumulative meaning you will get the maximum relief after the first couple of days. Not only does it kill pain, but it boosts energy as well (Don't do it just before bedtime or you won't sleep). The effects are quite different than from drinking coffee, and it recommended that you don't drink coffee while performing the cleans program (coffee enema every day for a month).

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Treatment of Severe Back Pain?
I have had some low back stiffness/tenderness for about a week. I've had this on and off for 4 or 5 years and frankly it really isn't concerning to me. However, it was pretty sore today, and tonight after reaching for something I ended up with SEVERE pain. It hurts to move and is nearly...

Answer 4

Pain is a real issue. It's also a legimate reason to return to be seen. We have continuing educational classes concerning healthcare. A class on pain and it's control are yearly here. Pain is real and the control of pain is not just drug seeking behavior. Maybe a better work up might be order. Consider getting a MRI of your back if your having pain radiating down one or both legs.


night shift x-ray tech

Answer 5

ok first dont panic yet hot showers and a heating pad tend to eas most lowerback pain as ive experienced this befor it may b a slipped disk and second if you know somone who will it would b a wise choice to have them give you a massage thus loosening the tension and releaveing a lil more pain and if this meathod doesnt work i would seek a doctor family or otherwise for further assistance




~pyro

Answer 6

Management and treatment
Treatment

More than 85 percent of people with lower back pain improve with minimal treatment in a matter of days. However, if back problems persist, doctors generally prescribe one or more of the following treatments: proper exercise, rest, heat and cold, posture training, weight loss, stress management and relaxation exercises, medication, spinal manipulation and/or surgery.

For some back conditions, the doctor may refer you to another specialist such as an orthopedist, rheumatologist, physiatrist, physical or occupational therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or surgeon.

Diet

Don't be surprised if your doctor recommends weight loss as one way to reduce your back pain and improve your general health. The best way to lose weight is with a balanced diet along with regular exercise. Be sure to avoid fad diets or fast weight-loss programs.
Exercise and therapy

For many people, the key to a healthy back is proper exercise. Some exercises are designed to strengthen your back and stomach muscles, while other exercises are designed to improve your posture. A 30-minute aerobic conditioning program three times a week is ideal for overall fitness. Walking and/or water exercise are highly recommended for most people with back problems.

The right kind of exercise program may help keep your back problem under control. It can make it easier for you to continue doing your daily activities. You may need to take a break from vigorous exercise if it makes your back pain worse. The exercises shown in figures 5-10 and in the movies may help strengthen the back or improve posture. Ask your doctor and physical therapist which exercises you can do to relieve back pain, stay fit, and prevent injuring yourself again.

The Arthritis Foundation and the University of Washington disclaim any liability for loss, personal or otherwise, resulting from the exercises presented here. If you have any leg pain or other evidence of nerve injury, consult you physician before beginning exercises. DO NOT carry out any exercise that makes your back pain worse!

Rest

The most common treatment doctors recommend for severe back pain is bed rest. Different people require different amounts of rest. Usually, two to three days of staying in bed, except to go to the bathroom, will be enough to ease your back pain. You may want to ask the doctor if special pillows or devices are necessary. Sometimes these aids give additional support to your neck, back or feet.

Hot and cold treatments

Many people have found that hot and cold treatments help relieve back pain. You might try both to find out which works better for you.

Heat relaxes muscles and soothes painful areas. There are many ways to apply heat. Some people like hot showers or baths, while others prefer using heat lamps, heating pads or warm compresses. If you have arthritis, heating your muscles first might make it easier for you to do back exercises. Be sure not to fall asleep while using heat.

Cold has a numbing effect. This often helps relieve pain. You might try one of these methods for applying cold:

an ice bag
a large ice cube used to massage the area
a frozen package of vegetables (peas work best)
a commercially made cold pack.
Be sure not to leave ice on after the skin becomes numb. This could lead to localized frostbite. Do not use cold if you are especially sensitive to it or have decreased circulation or sensation. Read the pain management article for more information about heat and cold.

Posture training

If poor posture is a factor, then posture training may help relieve your back pain. During posture training, an occupational or physical therapist will teach you healthier ways to sit, stand, sleep and lift objects.

Techniques for good posture:

When sitting,

Sit in a firm chair with armrests to relieve pressure in your back and shoulders.
Keep your upper back straight and shoulders relaxed. Keep stomach muscles pulled in, and maintain the proper curve in your lower back. You can do this by tightening your stomach and buttocks. Some people are more comfortable sitting with the back of the chair at a 15- to 20-degree angle. A small cushion behind the lower back to maintain the natural curve of the back also can be quite helpful.
Keep your knees slightly higher than your hips.
Use a footstool or book under your feet if necessary.
Keep your feet flat on the floor or other surface.
Don't sit for a long period of time. Stand up every now and then to stretch tight muscles and give them a chance to relax.
When standing,

Stand with weight equal on both feet.
Avoid locking your knees.
Ease tension in your back by placing one foot on a footstool.
If you stand for long periods of time, wear flat or low-heeled shoes.
Keep your back straight by tightening your stomach muscles and buttocks.
When sleeping,

Lie on your side with your knees bent.
If more comfortable, place a pillow between your knees while sleeping on your side.
If you sleep on your back, ask your doctor or physical therapist if placing pillows under your knees would help your lower back pain or make it worse.
Use a firm mattress.
Body mechanics

To keep good posture while in motion is to use good body mechanics. In lifting, this means that the object lifted is held close to the body and that lifting is done with your legs. The normal back curves are maintained, the legs lift the load. Avoiding twisting your back, particularly when carrying a load, is also important for good body mechanics. Move your feet, do not twist your torso. Avoid the incorrect way; instead, lift correctly

When bending down to lift an object, bend with your knees instead of your back.
Hold the object close to you.
Straighten your legs to lift the object.
Get help with an object that is too heavy.
The type of shoes you wear can also affect your posture. High heels may put more stress on your lower back by changing your posture. You might find it more comfortable to wear low or flat heels. Cushioned-soled shoes also provide "shock absorbency" for your spine.


If your back pain is not relieved using other forms of treatment, your doctor may prescribe medication. The medication chosen depends on the back pain. For example, medications called analgesics can help relieve pain. Other medications called muscle relaxants can help relax tight muscles. If your back pain is caused by arthritis, your doctor can give you medication that will reduce inflammation as well as relieve your back pain. The most common medications prescribed are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications can reduce inflammation without working like cortisone, the body's anti-inflammation steroid hormone. Aspirin and ibuprofen are NSAIDs. Other NSAID medications are prescribed when needed.

Learn all you can about your medications by asking your doctor or pharmacist questions such as those listed below.


Let your doctor know if you are taking other medications. Sometimes certain medications cannot be taken together.

Surgery

People with sciatica or spinal stenosis often benefit from surgery. A few people with tumors within the spinal canal require it. Other than that, few people with back pain need surgery. Most people can be treated successfully with rest, exercise and medication. Surgery does not always work for many common kinds of back pain, and it is difficult to know who will be helped and who will not. An orthopedist can help you decide if a back operation is necessary. It is recommended that you also seek a second opinion.
Unproven remedies

It often is difficult to be patient when you are suffering from chronic back pain. You might be tempted to try unproven treatments. A treatment that promises "a quick cure" or "miraculous relief" can sound wonderful. But remember, these unproven treatments usually are expensive and will do nothing for you. The sensational successes you hear about usually are illusions. They even may be harmful and often keep you from getting the medical care you really need. If you hear about a new treatment, discuss it with your doctor and get his or her advice.