I know it's Christmas, so many people may not be on here, but my dad has been having bad back problems for a long time. Most of the time it's fine, but every once in a while, it just goes out on him and he can barely walk. It's hard for me to see my dad in that much pain, and he's like that today...and it's Christmas. I tried helping him stretch his back, but I was just wondering if anyone knows of anything that will actually relieve him for the rest of the day...until he can get into a doctor or something tomorrow. Any suggestions would be very helpful. I don't want him to feel this way on Christmas. Thanks!
2007-12-25 09:31:48 · 10 answers · asked by abay98 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
For now---Have him get into the tub (if he is able) and take a long, hot bath to relax the muscles. If not, he can use a heating pad or any type of moist heat. You can alternate this with an ice pack.
The key is to bring the inflammation in the muscles down.
He needs to take an anti-inflammatory medication like Tylenol.
Rest in bed. Avoid lifting anything.
The doc. will most likely prescribe some sort of muscle relaxant and/or a more potent painkiller.
When he starts to feel better--I'd recommend a deep tissue massage by a massage therapist. They get in there and work out all of the muscle tightness and tension.
He should get involved with an activity that builds up his back muscles without straining them. An excellent sport would be swimming.
2007-12-25 12:15:42 · answer #1 · answered by Seablanco1 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Moist hot compresses and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may relieve some of his symptoms. Use the moist hot compresses 20 minutes on, 1 hour off, 20 minutes on. NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Aleve.
It's crucial that your father see a physician for evaluation. A test as simple as an x-ray may determine whether he has a compressed disc, a ruptured disc, or a partly-ruptured disc. In some cases, physical therapy can be prescribed to treat the injury. An exercise program, given by a physical therapist, can actually help "reinflate" a partly-ruptured disc.
I injured my back 2 years ago. My insurer would not pay for diagnostic tests or physical therapy, so I put myself on a home exercise program. Fortunately I have a medical-education background (RN, LPN, CNA/CMA/HHA, EMT teaching assistant). After 3 months of exercises, my pain was gone.
2007-12-25 21:21:53 · answer #2 · answered by july 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For the future, yoga and moderate exercises. For now, alternate 20 minutes of heat, and 20 minutes of cold packs to the lower back. You should also elevate his feet. Don't stretch him yet, until you find out for sure that he doesn't have a slipped or herniated disc. You can cause more damage. The warm pack to to relax muscle, and the cold to reduce swelling which can be the cause of his pain. Taking an anti-inflammatory like Motrin is good too.
2007-12-25 17:58:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try putting a damp towel in the microwave for about 2 minutes and then have your father use it for 10-12 minutes at a time. Have him put a pillow between his knees and rest for the afternoon/evening.
2007-12-25 17:46:08 · answer #4 · answered by soul writer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband back goes like that from time to time.
Get him to take the strongest painkillers in the house, to go easy on the alcohol, to keep moving - do not rest for too long (otherwise it seizes up) and do gentle exercises without lifting anything or straining his back in any way.
2007-12-25 17:43:45 · answer #5 · answered by bri 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
have him see a doctor , but until then try this
Take a gym sock and fill it with rice
tie off the end
microwave for 1 min. on high
check to make sure it's not too hot
have him place it on the injured spot
re-microwave it as needed
2007-12-26 19:25:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have had 2 back surgeries and 3 of my disc's fused...my dr said 800 milegram of ibuprophen...a normal ibuprophen is 200 milegrams or take advil...other wise a heating pad or for some ice....do not take more than the 800 milegrams
2007-12-25 18:06:32 · answer #7 · answered by lanek 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Since he's in that much pain, please have him see an orthopaedic surgeon for a proper diagnosis and treatment. He may have a herniated disk, a fracture, or even a tumor so please don't delay.
2007-12-25 17:36:17 · answer #8 · answered by Wolfy 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
advil should help or aleve, i hope he feels better.
2007-12-25 17:40:37 · answer #9 · answered by Jerry S 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
go to the chiropractor
2007-12-25 17:35:07 · answer #10 · answered by chuck t 1 · 1⤊ 3⤋