For the past 3-4 days I’ve had the mother of all lower back spasms. I don’t remember ever having one this bad, intense pain whenever I move. I’ve tried ice, heat, massage, and nothing helps much except staying immobilized in bed. I used to take Doan’s Pills (magnesium salicylate), but they’re incompatible with some of my meds. So does anyone have a suggestion to release me from this agony?
I went through the same thing for 2 or 3 years with it going away for a month at a time and then coming back when I stretched the wrong way, slept on a new bed, or any number of things that could trigger it.
The only thing that really brought lasting relief in the end was working with a physical therapist to develop an exercise program that keeps the back and core muscles strong. It was hard at first but 12 years later it’s just a part of my routine and I haven’t had an back pain for over a decade.
I had a similar problem some years ago and I dragged myself to the doc. She gave me muscle relaxers (and a just-in-case xray) and the problem didn’t go away quickly but the medicine did make it easier to function. It took forever for it to go away.
Like Pixel_Dent, I started focusing on strength and working my core - on my own, not with a therapist - and I haven’t had a problem since. Since you’re older, I’d suggest hooking up with a professional to show you what’s best for you.
In the meantime, I would try ibuprofen or naproxen if they are compatible with your meds. Anti-inflammatory.
Sorry you’re going through it, and sorry I don’t have any good tips other than “yeah that lasts forever. Don’t do it again.” 
Oww, I’m sorry, that can be really miserable.
If you have pain or numbness in your legs or have experienced any difference in urinary or bowel movements, you probably ought to go see your doctor, or get to a clinic. You’ll probably be able to get something more effective for pain, perhaps oral steroids too. I’ve never found OTC painkillers effective for acute back pain personally but Motrin helps with minor pain.
That said most bad back episodes resolve within a week or so. Exercises to strengthen core muscles have been invaluable for me; I have two herniated discs and sciatica but very rarely get acute episodes since I’ve been consistent with exercises. I do these.
The only painkiller I can take is Aleve, and I’m taking 4 a day, the maximum I’m allowed. I get these spasms now and then, maybe once a month, but I’ve never had one like this. Just sitting down or getting back up is excruciating.
For now, I’m going back to bed.
Chiroptera: Thanks for the exercise suggestions. I’ll be sure to start doing them once this crisis is over. Until then, there’s no way I can get down to the floor or back up, even with help. I know I have weak core muscles and tight hamstrings.
Wait longer than that before you start exercising. You need time to heal past the point where you feel pain.
Indeed, this. I know from experience that it’s quite easy to re-irritate a bad back by doing too much, too soon. “No pain, no gain” does not apply here.
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Panache**, if your insurance covers it, I definitely recommend working with a PT to get a program in place. I’ve never been to a PT but use a mish-mash of exercises, mostly those in the link plus some I remember from when I was actively working out with a trainer in a gym I belonged to. About ten minutes a day is all.
After I quit going to the gym, I quit exercising (although I walk a lot and have a very active job, but none of that works my core specifically.) It took me about four years to realise that without specific exercises, I was having acute episodes 2-3 times per year. As in, could barely stand, dress myself, go to the bathroom, drive, etc. With the exercises…I’ve not had a single one in maybe six years, and I am 56. So I’m a believer in the power of exercise in this instance.
Been there, done that - my heart goes out to you.
During an acute episode, I use Vicodin at night and Tylenol-3 during the day. It helps a little. It does not take the pain away as much as make me not care as much that it hurts.
Then back to the exercise program. Lots of crunches and back stabilization exercises. My back still hurts, but at least I can function.
Prayers for your recovery.
Regards,
Shodan
I have an old injury that causes this to happen. It tends to be triggered by a combination of overexertion and bad posture. Ice works best to relieve the inflammation, and sleeping on the floor, on the side with a pillow between the knees. Lumbar support when sitting, and walking everyday, stretching, and not being overweight helps.
Not bed, unless you can be positive you’re not going over onto your belly, worst thing ever. When I have them, it’s a narrow couch or recliner chair for me. YMMV, but I know I cannot do a bed when mine is spasming
Yeah, second the Not Bed advice. Last time I popped a disc (bent over to pick up the soap in the shower, d’oh) I got myself flat in bed, then couldn’t get up again no matter how I wriggled and rolled. :eek:
I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life as when my daughter had to call an ambulance to cart me off to hospital.
I have these…they come and go. I find that walking for half an hour helps ease out the worst of the pain. Just a slow, comfortable walk.
About 15 years ago I was suffering really badly with lower back pain. One day I took 30 minutes to get out of my car.
The pain came and went over a few years until I started using a CPAP machine. Then it stopped and never returned. I worked out that with the CPAP I was sleeping on my side when previously I slept on my stomach. A talk with my chiropractor confirmed that sleeping on my stomach caused my spine to bend sharply in the lower back area. This may not be your problem but I thought I’d mention it, just in case.
Well, I’ve slept a lot today, and I’m feeling somewhat better. Now it feels like the normal back pain I get, not like severe torture. Luckily I’m used to sleeping on my side, in a semi-fetal position. And now, because of the pain, I don’t roll over. I already learned, the hard way, never to sleep on my stomach, like I always did when I was a kid.
Anyway . . . thanks for all the suggestions; it’s time to pay more attention to my body, especially getting more active (when I’m ready).
As a long time sufferer of back spasms (among other problems), I keep a prescription of Flexeril 10 mg by the bedside. It makes you sleep like a bear in winter, but wow it’s about the only thing that works for me. Not narcotic and cheap cheap, ask your doc to write you an Rx for 30 or so to keep on hand. A godsend when you need 'em.
I have found a lot of relief with a combination of heat and lumbar support, provided by using three “Bed Buddy” microwave heat packs wrapped in a pillow case (I also cut off the rope rings). Heat and exercise as a combo have been found in a controlled randomised study to be a very effective palliative.