Bad back problems

PP, you're now in my territory.

You have inflammation in the effected area, as it's the body's way of immobilizing you....so ice packs  (frozen peas) are needed on the effected area (10 mins per hour for about 3 hours)....and take some anti-inflamitory pills if you have any.

If symptoms persist, find a good Osteopath.

I would go to your GP first. As for osteopaths I found them very hit and miss but through a locum GP I was sent to a 'new age' aromatherapist/chiropractor and she doagnosed my problem, a scoliosis which was then fixed as much as it can be with physio.

Cheers, Cno.

Mrs. P has already sprayed Ralgex on the area, hoping I can warm the pain away. Anyway need to get some frozen peas but can't drive the car due to this back problem.

Never experienced so much pain...

Usually Mrs. P's physiotherapist normally comes up with the goods, but she's away in the US on holiday for two weeks.

Forget about sprays and gels, they only work as moisturizers.
Ice packs, muscle relaxers (myolastan helps me alot)and pain killers is what you need.

PP. at this early stage, cold is better than heat....you need to get the inflammation down. If you can make it to a chemist, ask for the strongest anti-inflammatory that you can get over the counter....they come as creams or pills.

Edit. Sorry I've just seen you can't drive...."good samaritan" neighbor perhaps.

I have suffered with a bad back for about 15 years + i have had epidurals and nerve burning on numerous occasions, and it looks like highly risky surgery is the next step. Your GP prob wont be able to do much, and even specialist dont know much about the spine.muscle relaxants are good if it is only a muscle spasm, anti inflamatries tend to be very helpful. Paractamol & ibruprofen are a good start & can help if its not to serious. But 1st of all try one very simple thing, lay on your stomach for 20-30 mins can calm things down massively. Muscles in your back do take approx 24 hrs longer than any other muscles in your body to recover from a pull or strain, so will take a few days minimum to calm down. Hopefuly it will be minor & a short term prob and resting it will calm it down, if it persists dont rest it too much makes it stiffen up more & gets a lot worst & see a doc at that point. Hope this helps and you have my sympathy. 

I'm goin to see whether I can get in and out of the car (and push the clutch down without compromising safety). The other problem Is I have to travel 14 miles (round trip) to the nearest open chemist on a Sunday.

If I'm not back within the hour I've told Mrs. P to call out air/sea rescue.

Thanks again.

Hope you get it sorted soon PP. Best to stay passive for a while and not get too active would be my advice !!! 

I'm exactly where you are. Recently had a discography which showed up a herniated disc between L3 & L4. All less invasive procedures so far failed.

There is an interesting development on the horizon involving a gel that is injected into the disc space, which then hardens a little so it acts more like a disc....but it's 3 or 4 years away from being approved : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-443442/Inject-gel-fix-aching-b...

What is the matter with your back?....let me know what you decide, as I am in the same boat.

How are you getting on?

Yup, okay. Just woke up after a couple of hours of sleep (and strong painkillers). Not quite as bad although I doubt I'll entering the Olympics.

I have had two laminectomies (lumber discs remove and spines carved to remove pressure on my nerves), so my back is susceptible to inflammations and pains. So can commiserate, PP.

You most likely have pulled something, caused inflammation and the muscles have tightened up to protect the area. For me, anti-inflammatory pills immediately. Then to a chiropractor or osteopath.

In my experience GPs can only give you painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and eventually, if you need it, refer you to a surgeon.

Two stories: My surgeon told me that if it happened again go to a chiropractor; that they generally can be of more help than doctors. Another orthopedic surgeon, who suffers from a bad back, that I know, 'cures' himself by drinking most of a bottle of whiskey and hanging himself from the top of a door to release the pressure on his spine.

If anti-inflammatory pills don't work, try a chiropractor or osteopath – costs less than a good interconnect.

Andrew

Funny you should say that, I use an Inversion table, best £200 i ever spent. Hope you feel better soon pp

It won't help with your immediate problem but have you heard of the Bowen Technique ?