Done my back in - Advice

[kwsaint]

Lifting some newspapers for my paper round, I did my back in. Has anyone got any advice apart from pain killers?

[dvaughanwilliams]

1. Rest and try to avoid putting any stress on your back by lifting anything heavy.

 

2. Ice. Either get a physio-style ice pack (they aren't expensive) or put some ice in a bag with a bit of salt and wrap it in a tea towel. Don't ice it too soon after you've injured it, leave it a couple of days. The other alternative is to sit in an ice bath.

[Ex Ringwood Saint]

Really depends what you have done,and what hurts! For me the ground became my best friend, lying flat and trying to let the muscles relax around the problem area. HeAt and cold both help muscle issues, and if you can see a physio and get proper manipulation and an assessment it is well worth it. If the issue is disc related I strongly recommend seeing a proper specialist as you can do more harm than good. As a man who has suffered prolapsed discs you do not want to make them worse....

[scotty]

Icepacks are definitely the first avenue to follow, as Mr vaughn-williams suggests. If you can borrow a tens machine thats also well worth a try, the main thing is to reduce the discomfort to the point where you can get moving again, (unless its a slipped disc or fracture,) that will help more than anything else in my experience.

[RonManager]

Lifting some newspapers for my paper round, I did my back in. Has anyone got any advice apart from pain killers?

Here's a novel idea - see your doctor.

[Seaford Saint]

Doctors are useless

[.comsaint]

Doctors are useless

 

+1.

[Saint Keith]

Tramadol. that what i had when i did mine. its good ****, was seeing giant pink rabbits and all sorts. diclofenac is very good as well from bringing down inflammation. but best advice is get to a physio sharpish, they will be a god send, and its money well spent

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

You need to elaborate. Where exactly does it hurt? Is it the muscles or the spine itself?

[Huffton]

Don't ask for advice on a forum! Go and see a physio/chiropracter.

[latter day saint]

Tramadol. that what i had when i did mine. its good ****, was seeing giant pink rabbits and all sorts. diclofenac is very good as well from bringing down inflammation. but best advice is get to a physio sharpish, they will be a god send, and its money well spent

Tramadol is good ! still got 2 boxes of it left from after my last op

i hurt my back in a car accident a while ago & found my physio was more help than seeing my doc. was in agony after the 1st session & had bruising come up across my lower back but after that i felt much better after each session. heat pads on my back 4 times a day helped as well & meant i didnt need to take as many tablets.

[Doctoroncall]

See the doc, depending on that assessment follow up with a specialist -Physio or consultant.

[Kingsland Codger]

As others suggest, lie down flat and see if good old fashioned rest can cure it.

 

If the pain persists, Google for a McTimoney Chiropractor in your area

 

http://www.mctimoneychiropractic.org/

[BadgerBadger]

Ice it for 10-15 mins, rest, then just potter around taking it real easy and keep repeating. Just resting it will not help must keep regular movement. Then get to see a chiro or oesteopath

[hamster]

Lay in the floor bum against an armchair of sofa.

 

Calfs rsting on chair with hips and knees at 90 degree angles.

 

Stay like this fir 20 minutes.

 

Read a book and don't try to eat or drink.

[Mmm Donuts]

Alternate between hot and cold packs on your back. Try and avoid being still for too long. GP for pills and referrals, physio may be able to use TENS or acupuncture. In the longer term find a good yoga teacher.

[Colinjb]

One word: Chiroprator.

 

I did my back on a rowing machine and was told by a Doctor to rest and take anti-inflammatories. Was on the verge of signing me off work for 3 months.

 

Went to see a local Chriopractor, he conducted an examination, got 'cracking' (very weird feeling....) and I was up and about within days.

[trousers]

I had a bad back for most of my late 20s / early 30s. Ended up going to a local private Osteopath. They manipulated the affected area, clicked a few bones and taught me how to exercise and tighten the midrif muscles that affect the back most when lifting stuff etc. Best £100 I spent in my life.

[bridge too far]

I did my back in shortly after the birth of my youngest daugter (bad backs can be a real issue for new mums because the bones in the pelvic girdle move and change such a lot). I too went to an osteopath (GPs are useless at muscular / skeletal issues IMO) and returned to ballet classes.

 

Now I would imagine ballet classes would be a no-no for you but any sort of core stability exercise has to be good for you and, if you are overweight, losing weight, particularly in the stomach area, redresses any straining of the back. Pilates and Alexander Technique classes are also a good idea but, again, maybe a bit too girlie for you.