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Bad back - what has helped you.
- Thread starter FlyTVR
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FlyTVR said:I've suffered with a bad back since I was 16. Having a hard time of it right now
I realise there is no one cure for all, but just wondering what has helped you in the past?
Cheers.
Dav
Have you tried anything like 'hand healing' I don't really know what they call it to be honest.
I have a friend that suffered stomach pains for years and years, she went to see this lady in a little Oxfordshire village who basically 'healed' with her hands. Friend says she felt an unbelievable heat source from her hands etc. she now goes every 2-3 months for a session and very rarely gets any pains like she did.
I know how it sounds but I'm pretty close to this girl and it does seem to have worked.
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This book is excellent:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Anatomy...7295/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355138380&sr=8-1
Swimming is a good exercise as it stretches out the spine.
Becoming more aware of how you move and what stresses you put on yourself will help a lot. Getting in and out of car the wrong way can do you a right mischief.
Making sure the chair/desk follow correct ergonomic advice is a good first step. Those kneeling chairs are supposed to be quite good too as you have to sit properly or you'll be massively uncomfortable. A friend tried one and was very impressed with it.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Anatomy...7295/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355138380&sr=8-1
Swimming is a good exercise as it stretches out the spine.
Becoming more aware of how you move and what stresses you put on yourself will help a lot. Getting in and out of car the wrong way can do you a right mischief.
Making sure the chair/desk follow correct ergonomic advice is a good first step. Those kneeling chairs are supposed to be quite good too as you have to sit properly or you'll be massively uncomfortable. A friend tried one and was very impressed with it.
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Strengthening just your abs can make your back worse, you need to exercise the lower back muscles also. Hyperextensions, reverse crunches similar to hyperextensions but done laying on floor instead of a bench, planks (elbows on the floor to start then on an inflatable gym ball as you find it gets easier).
Find somwhere or somehow you can do wide grip chin ups, you don't need to do many just gently pull up and hold for as long as possible before lowering gently again.
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have you actually been to see anyone about it?
we could sit here and suggest things until the cows come home but they could have completely the opposite effect for your issue.
16 years is a long time to have a bad back, could potentially be something that needs therapy to rectify.
we could sit here and suggest things until the cows come home but they could have completely the opposite effect for your issue.
16 years is a long time to have a bad back, could potentially be something that needs therapy to rectify.
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I used to suffer a lot with a bad back when I was younger but luckily not so much any more. Ive been to the doctors about it a few times when its got really bad but the best diagnosis I got was Dont worry about it, its totally normal for a person of your height. So for all you people that are 6ft4, if you suffer from back pain that is so bad you can barely get out of bed in the morning then stop whinging about it, its completely normal and there is nothing you can do about it
..according to the NHS doctors that we pay lots of our taxes for.
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GPs vary, might be a good starter for 10 and they should be able to refer out to a Physio etc. 16 years like i say sounds like some underlying issue.
For example, I've had issues with my lower back for years. Went to an Osteo, within the 60 min initial assessment she determined that my back was like a corkscrew because a few of the lower vertebrae were jammed over to the left. Some manipulation along with set exercises have helped no end.
For example, I've had issues with my lower back for years. Went to an Osteo, within the 60 min initial assessment she determined that my back was like a corkscrew because a few of the lower vertebrae were jammed over to the left. Some manipulation along with set exercises have helped no end.
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Best investment I ever made for my back pain http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-...2?pt=UK_Health_Massage_RL&hash=item23260fdd9e
arclight
Oooh that burglar's a cutie
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That is 100% correct. Back pain is a symptom and treatment/exercise has to be tailored to the cause. Therefore, first you need a diagnosis and professional advice from someone qualified to give it.
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I've had issues with my lower back for years. Went to an Osteo spent over £800 and nothing got better, he referred me to my GP who said exercise more change my mattress etc... Bow I Only weigh 9.8 stone dont smoke and am very active.
I asked for a second opinion at the reception and cut a long story short Had an MRI scan shows L5 & S1 bulging and degenerating. I have tried the Steriod injections but they dont last long.
I have now had a Discography and I now have to have A 2 level PLIF Fusion in 3 months time. :-(
So my advice would be to get an MRI scan to pinpoint your problem
I asked for a second opinion at the reception and cut a long story short Had an MRI scan shows L5 & S1 bulging and degenerating. I have tried the Steriod injections but they dont last long.
I have now had a Discography and I now have to have A 2 level PLIF Fusion in 3 months time. :-(
So my advice would be to get an MRI scan to pinpoint your problem
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Thanks all.
I have had scans (including Mri), and they have revealed nothing
Tried -
Osteos,
Chiros,
Accupuncture,
Alexander technique,
etc
I think the key for me long term is going to be more gentle exercise. Being a t a desk is not for me
Dav
have you had a full workstation assessment done by your employer?
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Thanks Neil Not looking forward to it at All, I have a desk Job too so not sure how long I will be out for, All I'm looking forward too his been able to play with my six year old son and have fun.
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This. If you have had exhaustive clinical investigations and nothing has been found, then the cause may well be postural and possibly easily dealt with.
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totally agree with you about getting an MRI scan
i too have had back problems for many years.around 1999 i had several visitsto ahighly regarded ostepopath who after several visits had actually made me far worse.he had not noticed that due to a motorcycle accident many years before where i had smashed my Fema to pieces,where it had healed i had one leg almost 12mm longer than the other and he had tried to straighten my posture.i ended up in hospital where the physiotherapist managed to calm my spasms.i had x/rays which were inconclusive and after another 4 years of pain i had my 1st MRI which showed the damage to my lower ligaments in my spine,the3 cartlidgehad gone and the bones had clearly gone through years of trying to heal themselves by virtually grafting to each other,without actually doing so.eventually i was offered the same PLIF Fusion but 'bottled' it due to being told what the procedureinvolved and the poor success rate of this in 2003.after years of strongpainkillers and a 2nd MRI cscan i started having steroid injections in 2009 and am due now to have my 7th procedure in january.fortunatly for me they do work and have given me some relief for upto 4-5 months,the mainproblem with these is that the bodygets used to them and they can become less effective,but they are backed up with Amytryptilene,Lyrica,Gabapentin,Tramadol,Buscopan,Meloxicam,Morphine Patches and Morphine Sulphate(liquid)...yes im on the lot
i worry about the long term solution butmy back pain is under control
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The doctor was probably right in that it is normal in taller people. Core exrecises to build the muscles and support the spine will help though.
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I Feel for ya, but surely your going to get worse not better. I would rather have the op and trust it works, because in the long run you will have no other option and your pain will be damaging the nerves that won't heal.
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when having the steroid injections the surgeon uses a scan to direct the injection.the surgeon also uses the scan to advise me of the latest condition of this area.over the 3 years of these injections there has been some but very little worsening of the joints but you are correct,the opp is still stongly suggested as a solution.something that for some years i have not been able to come to accept.i know i should and i know i cannot
Neil: please do keep me updated on how the surgery goes.including aftercare and how you are progressing,improvements etc,all would be much appreciated
Neil: please do keep me updated on how the surgery goes.including aftercare and how you are progressing,improvements etc,all would be much appreciated
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umm, arent you supposed to tell them of anything like this before any diagnosis?
my osteo wanted to know the ins and outs of a cows bum back to when i was an infant..
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You might want to look at getting a different pain specialist. One of those is for abdominal cramping associated with the Gi and GU tract.
Nod
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Losing a significant amount of weight (around 20%) has helped my back no end and has also improved my posture which has also helped. Then again, I was close to 21 stone before the weight loss, so a bad back was the least of my worries!
Might be worth seeing if any local Yoga teachers are offering classes aimed at back pain sufferers.
Might be worth seeing if any local Yoga teachers are offering classes aimed at back pain sufferers.
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yes is the awnser to your question.and yes he was told of my bike accident.what the osteopath had failed to consider was that i had one leg longer than the other,and this was something that even i was unaware of until 'measured' up by the physiotherapist i saw in hospital who began the muscle relaxent treatment.it was never in my medical notes either until then.the motor cycle accident happened in 1976 and i made a full recovery.the phsio was treating me for extreme back pain and spasms caused through trying to lift a large heavy gate out of a frozen padbolt in the ground,the gate did not move but my back snapped.
both phsio,gp,and the consultants that have treated me since are all sure the pain ive been in since is a direct consequence of the gate accident and the immediate follow up osteopathy treatment.
what i forgot to mention in my previous comment was that when i was 1st offered the opp to weld the spine.it was the consultant basically saying that "your back is broken fella" and "has been for years by the looks of this MRI scan".it may sound odd to anyone reading this that i have personal issues for not having this opp.my dad died a few years after breaking his back.he was a dock worker in 'royal albert docks' in north woolwich area of london.this was in very early days of containers being lifted of ships and one of these fell on my dad nearly killing him,he spent a year in hospital on a 'spit' to heal his broken spine.he was told he would be paralised waist down and never walk again.within 6 months of coming out of hospital he was out of his wheelchair and walking.he died a few years later after several massive heart attacks.my family all know they were caused by the years of massive pain he was in with his back.i guess my issue on having back surgery revolves around this.
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It's not good having a bad back.
Like yourself, mine is almost certainly due to sitting at desk for prolonged periods (10 yrs in same job now).
I have a disc bulge, had problems for 4 yrs now, and been in constant but not acute pain for 9 months since my last episode (couldn't move for the pain/off work for 8+ weeks).
Visited a spinal physio last week, who gave the bad news that it'll never get better, but can stop it getting worse by building up core strength, and exercise to help push it back in place (lying on front with cushions under chest for 15 minutes every day after work to counteract the effect on spine that sitting at desk all day has)
Have also been referred to specialist spinal unit to be assessed.
They won't send me for MRI as they say they know whats wrong , and at over £600 an hr the NHS can't afford it!
Here's hoping!
Like yourself, mine is almost certainly due to sitting at desk for prolonged periods (10 yrs in same job now).
I have a disc bulge, had problems for 4 yrs now, and been in constant but not acute pain for 9 months since my last episode (couldn't move for the pain/off work for 8+ weeks).
Visited a spinal physio last week, who gave the bad news that it'll never get better, but can stop it getting worse by building up core strength, and exercise to help push it back in place (lying on front with cushions under chest for 15 minutes every day after work to counteract the effect on spine that sitting at desk all day has)
Have also been referred to specialist spinal unit to be assessed.
They won't send me for MRI as they say they know whats wrong , and at over £600 an hr the NHS can't afford it!
Here's hoping!
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sounds odd, my osteo even pointed out to me that my knees were in constant tension so not sure why it wasnt spotted.
id be interested in any research on back pain causing a cardiac arrest though?
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The best thing you can is strengthen your core which will help your posture - Try Yoga or pilates - you won't regret it if you stick with it!
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I'm a Chartered Physiotherapist.
OP
You history is quite a common one. For most people there is nothing structurally wrong with a painful back - i.e. nothing broken, ruptured, out of place. So MRI scans don't usually show anything useful.
For most people the best programme is:
1. Keep active - do sport/exercise. Choose things you enjoy and which don't aggravate your back. (walk, swim, gym, cycle, dance, badminton etc etc)
2. Core muscle strengthening. This is NOT sit-ups etc. An NHS physiotherapist will teach you how to do this. Or a good Pilates teacher (not a gym instructor who does a bit of Pilates on the side)
3. Avoid static positions. When you are sitting at home/work get up and move briefly every 15-20 minutes. Go for a walk at lunch time.
4. Think very carefully whenever you bend or lift. ALWAYS bend your knees when bending or lifting - make it the habit of a lifetime.
5. Use pain control as needed. Don't be a martyr about it. Use heat, TENS, tablets (speak to GP/pharamcist first), gentle massage, movement (eg walk).
There's lots more to say, but the above should make quite a big difference. If I see someone in my clinic I would always do a thorough examination as well.
OP
You history is quite a common one. For most people there is nothing structurally wrong with a painful back - i.e. nothing broken, ruptured, out of place. So MRI scans don't usually show anything useful.
For most people the best programme is:
1. Keep active - do sport/exercise. Choose things you enjoy and which don't aggravate your back. (walk, swim, gym, cycle, dance, badminton etc etc)
2. Core muscle strengthening. This is NOT sit-ups etc. An NHS physiotherapist will teach you how to do this. Or a good Pilates teacher (not a gym instructor who does a bit of Pilates on the side)
3. Avoid static positions. When you are sitting at home/work get up and move briefly every 15-20 minutes. Go for a walk at lunch time.
4. Think very carefully whenever you bend or lift. ALWAYS bend your knees when bending or lifting - make it the habit of a lifetime.
5. Use pain control as needed. Don't be a martyr about it. Use heat, TENS, tablets (speak to GP/pharamcist first), gentle massage, movement (eg walk).
There's lots more to say, but the above should make quite a big difference. If I see someone in my clinic I would always do a thorough examination as well.
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I will try keep you up to date.
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Thanks all.
I have had scans (including Mri), and they have revealed nothing
Tried -
Osteos,
Chiros,
Accupuncture,
Alexander technique,
etc
I think the key for me long term is going to be more gentle exercise. Being a t a desk is not for me
Dav
This sounds very like the way my back is. I feel for you it's horrible.
Sometimes I'm in so much pain I can't sleep and somedays can't put my own socks on or wash my lower half in the shower. No way to be at 24
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Amytriptelene : muscle relaxent,nerve pain and aids sleep : pain clinic
Lyrica : for pain and fibromyalgia : pain clinic
Gabapentin : nerv pain : GP
Tramadol : pain : pain clinic
Buscopan : spasms : GP recommended due to my stomach sensitivity,previous stomach ulcer problems
Meloxicam : spasms : GP
Morphine + patches : pain clinic
some of the medication i know is used for other ailments too.amytriptilene is one but is known to help relax muscles which is why im on it
i have been taking Dyhdrocodiene in its various guises since 1999 but recently taken off these (for a rest period) as they no longer worked,my body had got used to them)
im also taking Diazipan and Citralopram,both of which help calm my emotional nerves as well as physical nerves and both aid sleep.somethingi have real problems with as when im in spasm it is difficult to relax or sleep.
so which medication above in your opinion should i be concerned about enough to see another pain clinicitian.please tell me ???
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This sounds very like the way my back is. I feel for you it's horrible.
Sometimes I'm in so much pain I can't sleep and somedays can't put my own socks on or wash my lower half in the shower. No way to be at 24
i feel for you too mate.in fact anyone that truly suffers with severe and ongoing back pain.and at your age you want to get it sorted now so you can get on and thoroughly enjoy your life
one of the worst things one has to deal with is the emotional stress long term pain can have.it can leave you an emotional wreck.i personaly know this for a fact.
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6.'Think Chair' .one thing we all do a lot of is sitting or rather slouching.slouching is not good for the back,sitting correctly with a correct posture in a comfortable chair is good for the back.