Back Pain

Anybody else suffer from back pain? This has been as of recent and my back hurts so bad. Today I had friend over for dinner and the pain was a 10 on a scale of 1 - 10.
Not sure what to do - can the doctors help?

 

Have you had x-rays to see what's going on?

 

First you need an x-ray and have a talk with your doctor. Visit a doctor that has an x-ray machine in his office because that way you save time. You get the results right away. The doc might not see anything wrong in the x-ray.
So the next step is to ask for some strong pain meds that will get rid of the back pain. It could just be a ligament hurting you real bad. The drug will most likely make you sleepy to take it while you are home.
You may need physical therapy to make your back stronger. There are some exercises that you can do to help your back.

More advise... dress really nice like church clothes. When people dress nice the doc is more likely to take you more serious and give you a strong med. If you dress with shorts or torn jeans and a t-shirt you will be given some over the counter Ibuprofen, motrin, or aspirin, etc.

I like to play doctor so try using the medicated back patches like ALEVE sold at the Pharmacy. They help me with a minor pain problem. But if you have a serious problem you will need to take a strong pain pill and do some exercises to get rid of your back pain. Don't go for a back surgery. Get a second opinion.

Since I am not a real doctor I can't tell you what meds work for me for my pains that really work.

More advise.... if the meds the doctor gives you is not working to kill the pain call your doctor to change your med.
Always take your meds with lots of food so it doesn't cause severe stomach pain.

More advise.... ask the pharmacist for advise on how to take your meds and what are some side affects to look for.
I have several medical problems that cause me pain in different parts of my body. I am a mature woman who has inherited medical problems from my ancestors.
I don't have any back problems because I learned how to use the physical therapy exercises many years ago.

 

Ask yourself, why does it hurt.

did you do anything to bother it like twist it funny or lift something or start a workout program?

I always find a fix before going to the doctor for help. they only time I use them is to do something i cant do myself. i can go to the store and buy motrin. I cant perform surgery even though i have tried. too messy.

 

Sorry to hear about your back!

I slipped on the ice (not in Vegas) a few winters ago, landing on my back. I saw the chiro associated with my local clinic. He said the only remedy was to follow a sheet of specific stretches and tips on how to position myself to sleep, get out of a bed/chair, etc. to avoid further injury.

I second what Sonya mentioned above--keeping up with the stretches, etc. keeps everything A-Okay!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

RICHARD

 

I've had back pain twice in my life - both times required surgery. It was a herniated disc each time.

I've learned not to mess around with back pain. I go to the doctor ASAP and get pain meds and steroids. If the pain persists, it's time for an MRI.

For me, the process of getting the MRI, having the MRI sent to the spine surgeon, scheduling an appointment with the spine surgeon, and finally scheduling a surgery date took about two months both times. That's a long time to be living in agony.

And both times as soon as I had the surgery, the pain was instantly gone. Last June was my 2nd surgery. I remember waking up from the anesthesia and the doctor was there and he asked me how I was feeling and I was like, "Great! The pain is gone!"

 

I've had various back troubles for years. At first it was merely an adjustment problem easily corrected by chiropractic care. Finding a good one is tough though. Mine used to say he wouldn't go to 80% of his fellow professionals since they only want to sell groups of visits. Ask around and look at reviews online. I would get adjusted every six months or so and was fine until I tore a tendon in my lower back about four years ago. I found the best cure and prevention was a combo of stretching and core strengthening exercises. It gets old doing them day in and day out, but worth it. First see a doctor and get xrays to find the problem and go from there.

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes

 

I had back pain for years in the army. Always was told it was muscle pain. Felt like I couldn't run as fast anymore one leg kinda weak. Never thought anything of it. Years later Im like 25 years old back would go out couldn't barely walk. I would sleep next day fine. Kept getting worse and worse. Went to the ER muscle relaxed prescribed. Took it muscles relaxed felt something move. Worst pain ever was in bed for two days straight.

Went to ER turns out the L5 disc was herniated like blown out pressing on nerves. Was like that for years. Had surgery. Took out the disc removed bone to give it room.
Moral of the rambling x rays can't see squat for discs. Try to get MRI. If you are at a 10 for pain you should get an MRI. I have lost 30 pounds in two months was dancing with my one year old son in my arms at a wedding for most of the night. Did PT also pool exercising. If you have pounds to lose try and do it. I notice women checking me again I feel like a new man ! Good luck on the back pain.

Also dressing nice is great advice at the doctors to be taken seriously. Too many pill seekers ruin it for people with real pain.

 

As posters have said theres a lot of different things that can cause back pain and different remedies. If its not just a bad sprain that you can treat with Aleve if and you need serious medical attention people tell me its a good idea to have a friend or relative who is a medical pro to act as an advocate to help you

 

I've had a "bad back" since I was 16 yrs old.
I'm 62, now.
It's always been L4 L5 = lower back region.
I am steadfast against ANY surgery - but this is my personal opinion.
( a friend of mine had a very botched surgery = I was standing in front of him + didn't
recognize him !......that's how bad he looked....bloated w/ steroids + limping with a cane )
I've have had people tell me their surgery was very good - so don't rule it out.
*
I could go thru a litany of things to do and don't.......
just one, now......
Sitting !!!
It is SO IMPORTANT......to sit properly at all times.
To NOT sit .....and relax + strengthen those skeletal spine muscles.
Lay on the floor + stretch properly.
*
I feel your pain - have a Dr. check it first
I wish you the best.

 

i have a nerve in the L4/5 area that gets inflamed...

i go to pain management about every 3-4 months and get an epidural injection of some sort of steroid....
and yes, stretching is very important.... i learned that by watching my dog.

a few years ago i didn't get the injection and i was walking the strip like i was quasimodo...but i never spilled a drop

 

Goddamn funny !
You are a trooper, Mike !

 

I have had a bad back since 18yrs old. I have had 2 successful. surgeries, both times herniated discs. I would recommend doing everything possible before you have surgery and as a pharmacist I have seen people take just as much medicine after a surgery as before surgery.

 

An MRI should show more than an x-ray.
Based on the results, it should dictate what paths are available.
Don't discount acupuncture by someone who also provides homeopathic injections.

 

What He Said !

I had pain for years, very bad for the last 3 years. It got so bad I was crippled and in constant pain. Got Neck Fusion for herniated discs over 7 years ago and it has been like a miracle.

Modern medicine and the fancy equipment available now is a God send !

Hope you get better - but strongly suggest you see a surgeon.

gamboolman

 

Thanks! I guess I need to do that.

 

Had an xray at a local med clinic - I was told I had a sprain as well as arthritis in my back. I had gone years ago too and the doctor told me I was obese and that was the problem. I have since corrected that but the pain continues.
My next step is to find another back specialist.

 

I feel like I am not successful in finding doctors that listen and help, or maybe there is no help. The doctor at the med clinic told me to stop doing CrossFit and to ice my back. The other doctor years back told me to lose weight.