Back Pain

TeddyTedson

My tablets have back pain as a side effect so I wonder should I come off them.
My back is in so much pain right now I can barely think. It feels like it's bending around the wrong way. Anyone have a way of numbing the pain?

greasepalm

i use buplex/nurafen for my back pain,how comfy is your mattress when sleeping,bought a riser bed to get some decent nights kip and can raise head and legs up for comfort
talk to doctor when on meds,might lower or change them.

TeddyTedson

greasepalm wrote: »

i use buplex/nurafen for my back pain,how comfy is your mattress when sleeping,bought a riser bed to get some decent nights kip and can raise head and legs up for comfort
talk to doctor when on meds,might lower or change them.

It's not comfortable at all.
I'll need to take something now. I think I'll take a double dosage so I can get some sleep.

greasepalm

not on empty stomach

antoinolachtnai

A friend of mine who has severe back pain went to A consultant physiotherapist at a clinic in blackjack. There were no quick fixes, but he felt he was able to get a straight steer on what the prognosis was.

livemusic4life

I'm on a mix of ixprim, amitryp, arcoxia and 3/4 days of the week i have to take the absolute maximum dose of everything just to be able to get out of bed. Pain management should be involved if you're suffering that much. They might be able to give you nerve blocks or something.

DonFred

Exercise! The best thing for any back pain. Tablets only do so much but try Yoga first then ease into some exercise ie cycling, running or swimming.

livemusic4life

DonFred wrote: »

Exercise! The best thing for any back pain. Tablets only do so much but try Yoga first then ease into some exercise ie cycling, running or swimming.

sorry, i can't participate in my physio until i take my meds first. Physio told me that because of the level of damage i have done exercising without meds would be a recipe for disaster

endacl

TeddyTedson wrote: »

It's not comfortable at all.
I'll need to take something now. I think I'll take a double dosage so I can get some sleep.

Don't decide on dosage levels for yourself before the old medical degree arrives.

NSAman

Absolutely take the anti-inflams and the pain killers first. THEN go to the physio. I was off last year for 4 weeks flat on my back with a severe rupture of three disks which flaired up again after a few years (and laziness in not keeping up the exercise). After 8 weeks of physio and 4 months of exercises (which I do every day) the difference is amazing.

Feel for ya!!!

Try those hot patches also OR a hot water bottle to relax the area.

livemusic4life

NSAman wrote: »

Absolutely take the anti-inflams and the pain killers first. THEN go to the physio. I was off last year for 4 weeks flat on my back with a severe rupture of three disks which flaired up again after a few years (and laziness in not keeping up the exercise). After 8 weeks of physio and 4 months of exercises (which I do every day) the difference is amazing.

Feel for ya!!!

Try those hot patches also OR a hot water bottle to relax the area.

Yep, physio said to me, heat, heat and more heat.

RubyGirl

livemusic4life wrote: »

Yep, physio said to me, heat, heat and more heat.

Yes defo heat, I do hot yoga and find it brillant. I have degenerative disc disease L4 & L5.

greasepalm

cannot get near the sauna for heat heat heat,sure does make you sweat.

antoinolachtnai

In terms of exercise, it has to be structured to your needs. Medfit is the place I was referring to earlier. (A careful read of the charter suggests this is ok.) They are physios who have a gym with special equipment to make sure the exercise is low-impact and only as advised.

abff

I did a search for Medfit and came across this old thread on back pain. I have suffered from chronic lower back pain for the past 6 years or so. I’ve had a number of lumbar MRI scans over the years and the problem is caused by general wear and tear.

I’ve tried various remedies over the years, including physio, Amatsu therapists, Pilates, acupuncture, a couple of lumbar injections (the first one didn’t help at all, the second provided some relief for a few weeks) and, most recently, an osteopath. Some of this helped a bit, but the problem persists and the osteopath has recommended that I consider going to Medfit.

I contacted them and it costs €200 for an initial consultation plus €170 an hour for physio sessions using these specialised David machines that they have. I’ve spent a lot of money over the years and nothing has really worked. Going to Medfit represents a significant additional expense and my question is, is it worth it?

I would be very grateful for feedback from anyone who has used them, including information on how much it helped and how many sessions were needed.

abff

Maybe I should have posted the above query as a new thread?

Anyway, can I broaden the question to ask if there is anyone out there who has experienced similar issues with back pain and has eventually found something that worked for the? I know that doesn’t mean it would necessarily work for me, but any success stories might help to provide me with some guidance on what to do next.

I have a Concept II machine at home and would love to be able to start using it again when I enter a new age category next year.

apache

A spinal fusion was a complete success for me. Must be about 10 years pain free now. I worry the pain will come back. I wouldn't be able for it now.

abff

Thanks Apache. Did you spend a lot of time/effort/expense before going down the surgery route?

HBC08

I have degenerative discs L4 and L5.

It came on in 2011 and I didn't know what was happening. The symptoms were not in my back but down my leg and eventually all my toes were numb,I was dragging my leg around behind me.It was a scary time as Parkinsons,MND and various other stuff was said to me (by consultant) before another consultant recognising it was a drop foot due to disc issues which a subsequent MRI showed.A special boot/splint was made for my foot which I wore for three months and that solved everything.

It came back in 2019 and has become permanent, I can't run,lift weights,do DIY or lots of other things I used to do.Its been a really bad thing for me and only people with chronic pain can understand.

Doesn't look terrible on an MRI apparently but have chronic pain now for 3 years.Have tried Pilates,meds,physio and 5 epidurals,nothing has worked.

It does seem to settle down a bit when in warm climates and/or times of very little stress. Bizarrely enough the best thing for it is to have a few beers (not an everyday option though!)

After latest consultation with Doctor its looking like surgery in the new year.Certainly not without its risks but time to sh1t or get off the pot.

HBC08

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119736441#Comment_119736441

I spent about €10k and more than 3 years before deciding (in the last week) that I've no choice but surgery.

My advice is to try everything else first,non surgical routes work for a lot of people.

apache

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119736441#Comment_119736441

I had injections and a discetomy which didn't work. It was soul destroying. I wish you the best and hope you find some relief soon.

quinton99

I know there's always somebody in a worse position than me, but at the minute I'm bend side ways from pain with herniated discs. This started while playing golf last Christmas, although I've had smaller issues throughout the years.

I started seeing a physio in April because it got worse and worse from Christmas to the point where I had to leave a new job I started in January. Although after 8 weeks of physio, I got straightend out, there was always something catching in my back, causeing pain just in one spot at the top of my leg. It was annoying but I could work with it.

Then at the start of September, I was doing a bit of painting, keeping herself happy, but really it was for my own comfort for the upcoming world cup 🤫 anyway I was sore throughout painting which took about 3/4 days but I could work with it. In thr days after finishing I got worse to the point where I had to lay on all 4 with spamims in my back, had to ring for the ambulance, but ultimately got this sorted by the doc. Since that day I've been improving but it's been 6 weeks now and I still can't stand up for more than 5 mins, walking is only possible although very sore in short distances.

I've been referred to a specialist in Beaumont by my consultant more than likely for a microdiscectomy, my main question is has anybody had anything like this before and been able to recover enough to be a bit normal looking at least, and has anybody gone through the HSE system, any ideas on timescales for even the consultation? Im afraid there is going to be permanent nerve damage done.

Any help is very much appreciated.

Gen.Zhukov

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119776343#Comment_119776343

The usual way this type of condition is handled in my experience is, for your GP to refer you for a MRI scan. When you get the results of that via your GP, your GP would then refer you to a relevant consultant. Personally I wouldn't waste time with physio's or anything else until you know what the problem is.

The MRI is paramount with this condition. Without that you really don't know what's going on.

trishabon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119776343#Comment_119776343

Mine began with a herniated disc, healed into a bulging disc. Waited so long that I developed cauda equina syndrome and had an emergency spinal fusion.

This could have been avoided with timeous treatment but due to delays in the health system and gaslighting by my gp due to my auto immune conditions.

Now I need a hip replacement. Referral sent to orthopaedics in December, but no appointment yet and I'm crippled. Can't even do a shop in lidl or even go for a walk.

I suggest that you investigate the EU cross border options, covered by HSE and loans available. Because you'll be waiting years and getting worse over time here.

BTW, chronic pain is not a competition. Your pain is valid and personal to your quality of life.

AliceN

If you know that back pain is a side effect, it is better to address a doctor. Usually, in such cases, patients are recommended to switch to another medication. Though sometimes side effects can be temporary. You can double-check the description or look for the experiences of other people who take the same medication.