Serious back pain advice needed

Factual Questions
1

I just want to say in advance, I really appreciate any doctors or other knowledgable who read this and offer me some helpful info. I am a poor college student with no medical insurance and so seeing a doctor is mostly out of the question.

I had a back operation about 5 years ago. I had a herniated disc in my lower back which was removed. The healing process has been slow, and my back has gone “out” about 5 or 6 times since then (by “out” I mean sudden extreme back pain, inability to bend or sit up comfortably, each lasting usually about a week).

About 3 weeks ago I threw my back out again. Unfortunately, over these passed 3 weeks I’ve had things that I’ve had to attend to, and so I haven’t allowed my back to heal in the way that it needs to.

Anyway, for about 3 or 4 days now I have been doing nothing but lying down all day, either on a heating pad or hooked up to one of those devices which generates electric current, and using my back as little as possible. But I can’t really tell if it’s getting much better. Well, it does seem a bit better today than yesterday. In the past, when I’ve been able to go to a doctor for this type of problem there is usually little more that he/she can do but prescribe some NSAIDs and tell me to keep off it.

Is there any advice anyone can give me with this? I know all the basics: (lift with the knees, etc). Are there foods or certain vitamins that aid with this type of healing? Do I have any reason to think something might be seriously wrong, or is it more likely a matter of just riding it out and waiting for my body to repair itself? How effective is a heating pad anyway?

Again, I do really appreciate anyone taking the time to respond.:slight_smile:

2

I’m between patients right now, so I’ll put my two cents in. IF the pain is like your typical back pain in the past, ie no pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down the legs, no problems urinating or defecating, then it’s most likely gonna respond to time, rest, and anti-inflammatories. If you can’t afford a doc, get some over-the-counter Aleve (if you have no problems tolerating anti-inflammatories, like stomach ulcers, allergies to 'em, etc) and take two twice a day for 7-10 days. Aleve (naproxen) is a partial pain pill; one pill reduces pain. But when taken in adequate doses regularly, like 2x a day over a week or more, it does reduce inflammation. Then rest, heat/ice, mobilize (take it easy, but not too easy) and things should get better.

The benefit of heat or ice is pretty much individualized. If they make you feel better, use 'em, if not, skip it. Once the back is calmed down, get back to doing back strengthening exercises.

Now take all this with a grain of salt: I haven’t seen you face to face, or examined you, or even had a dialogue. My comments are based on the assumption that you’ve had musculo-skeletal back pain before, and now you have it again. If things seem somehow wrong or different from before in significant ways, seek real world medical help.

don’t know of any vitamins or herbs or foods or crystals that will help. Actually I know a Crystal in college, she wanted to be a physical therapist. Maybe she could help.

Qadgop, MD

3

Your symptoms sound a lot like mine, only I never opted for surgery. My back would “go out” from time to time, resulting in periods of days or weeks where I would not be able to normally function.
As time passed, though, I started to get these episodes more and more often, and more and more severe.
In desperation, I went to a chiropractor. Although I did not then, and don’t now, believe in “adjustments”, he did use a traction table that clamped my feet in, then pulled out so it stretched my entire body, then would move up and down to stretch out and in essence, lengthen out the spine. In X-rays, there was a small curve in my spine below the beltline, causing the nerves to get pinched or whatever. Immediately following the procedure, I could walk without pain. Although the pain and stiffness returned within an hour, repeated therapy on my back enabled my to return to my normal self, although I am careful when I lift weights and such.
But, you have no insurance and could not afford medical treatment.
Normal pain relievers never worked for my pain, and the muscle relaxers they gave me made me edgy and pissed off.
I finally went to Mexico and got Percodan and Valium, obtaining a prescription from a doctor in mexico. It was cheap (under 100 bucks for everything) and alleviated the pain completely so I could function. The valium loosened the back muscles, and for some reason, I healed faster during this episode than I ever had. Unfortunately, these are to be used with caution, as they are intoxicating, as well as addictive. But I thought it was better than being in bed for a month. Plus, I was able to go to school, work, go out at night, etc., at a fraction of the cost of seeing a doctor, who would have given me ibuprofen (which didn’t do jack) and a muscle relaxer that makes me all mad.
I also think it’s important to exercise. Start walking at first for twenty or thirty minutes. After a week, put on a weight belt and go to the gym. Just use the machines, and do tons of reps on a very light weight. Exercise every body area. Hopefully, this will help in the long run.
That’s my two cents.

4

Personal experience: Scoliosis for 26 years (3 years in a back brace), partially herniated disc about 10 years ago.

What I do:
Yoga helped a lot. Look for an instructor who knows about back problems and will suggest alternative postures. Many of the poses that are supposed to be good for the back are really only good if your back is healthy.

I see a chiropractor on a regular basis; I credit this woman with saving my back after the partial herniation. Some chiropractors will charge on a sliding scale (mine does) so you may be able to find one in your price range.

Regular exercise. Weight lifting (don’t push it) and walking (don’t push it.) Stay within a comfortable range; when you feel back pain it’s definitely time to stop. Abdominal work is one of the best ways to help your back.

Ibuprofen, the wonder drug. Nothing else short of opium derivatives ever helped. If I’m in a lot of pain I’ll take up to 1200 mg at once but I always drink lots of water and eat something first. Too much ibuprofen can cause kidney damage.

Time. This one is really difficult for me; I’m very impatient. If you have to lie around on your back, then be sure there are lots of things around to amuse you. Books, movies, music, puzzles (I like logic and math puzzles), etc.

As Dr. Qadgop mentioned, heat and ice are highly individual. My back responded well to alternating heat and ice but that may not work for you.

I hope your back feels better soon. Having been in constant pain for almost 3 decades, I can sympathize with you need to make it stop. Are there any clinics to which you can go for help? My college has a reasonable medical care clinic that also does referrals, perhaps yours does as well.

Good luck!

5

A very warm thank you QTM and others.

Quick question: I bought a bulk supply of Naproxen today. I know it’s an NSAID like Ibuprofen. Is it more effective? Can it be used in the future for anything and everything I would’ve have otherwise used IB for? Or do their indications differ?

6

May I also suggest abdominal work? I injured my back in a toboganning accident when I was 14. Not serious enough to require surgery, but I was plagued with recurring pain until docs told me to work out my abs.

A weak stomach leads to more stress on the back muscles. Get a six pack :wink: and many problems go away.

7

Ouch, sorry for your back problems! I herniated a disk last year. On the advice of my SO (also a doc…he is a radiologist & an MRI confirmed why my back was so painful) I started swimming & doing some basic back & ab exercises. I’m in very good shape anyway, but I think the swimming more than anything else really really helps. I also walk at least two miles a day with my dogs, in addition to having a fairly physically demanding job. That & having a good bed to sleep on.

SO also recommends Motrin as a long term pain-manager, he recommends it daily though I only take it when I really need it. Primary care type docs like Qadgop are probably more knowleagable about drugs & such.

If you have a pool at your school, I would definitely try swimming. I took a month off & swam every day, I honestly think it helped.

8

a
 
 
Post Preview:
Hi Moe, I’ve had what was called a ‘ruptured disc’ in the lumbar spine for probably 16 years. Here are my hints and tips… a1. Unless in raging agony do not be immobile for long periods. Just potter around gently. a2. When sitting try to support the lower back, perhaps with a cushion or similar. Try not to slouch for long periods. a3. When lying in bed to sleep it could be helpful (but somewhat cumbersome unfortunately) to lie on your side with legs a little bent with a pillow between your knees. If you can lie on your tummy for around 10 minutes at a time it helps to ‘reshape’ your spine…if you are able to, perhaps AFTER the acute phase has passed, lie on your tummy and raise shoulders and chest with your arms, leaving tummy in contact with the the floor/bed for a count of 10 then lowering and resting for a count of 10, repeat 10 times. If you want to lie on your back for a while, some pillows beneath both knees could make you more comfortable. Also if you know the first aid ‘recovery position’ try that without putting an arm behind you. a4. If you have to carry anything make sure it is close to your body and central, ie not one heavy bag on one side, use a rucksack rather than a shoulder bag. a5. Medications which are effective are probably very individual. Codeine is the only medication that relives my severe back pain, but I can only use it occasionally because of the side effects, and anyway it’ll no doubt be a prescription drug in the States as it is here. a6. Any Med students on your campus? Any Med books in your University library? a7. Swimming in WARM water can be beneficial. a8. I don’t think I’m allowed to say the name of another website here but search under spine health or something similar on the net, there is a site where you can get queries answered and subscribe to a mailing list too. If someone can tell me if I am allowed to tell you the specific website I’ll look it up for you a9. Above all be easy & gentle, building up gradually. If you go in for formal exercise make sure you are doing it right, and get some guidance before using weights or gym equipment. aI’m not in any way medically qualified, but if any one thing I have said helps in any way, I’ll be glad for you.a__________________aEnglish Cid
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Topic Review (Newest First)
Carina42
Ouch, sorry for your back problems! I herniated a disk last year. On the advice of my SO (also a doc…he is a radiologist & an MRI confirmed why my back was so painful) I started swimming & doing some basic back & ab exercises. I’m in very good shape anyway, but I think the swimming more than anything else really really helps. I also walk at least two miles a day with my dogs, in addition to having a fairly physically demanding job. That & having a good bed to sleep on. aSO also recommends Motrin as a long term pain-manager, he recommends it daily though I only take it when I really need it. Primary care type docs like Qadgop are probably more knowleagable about drugs & such. aIf you have a pool at your school, I would definitely try swimming. I took a month off & swam every day, I honestly think it helped.
Barbarian
May I also suggest abdominal work? I injured my back in a toboganning accident when I was 14. Not serious enough to require surgery, but I was plagued with recurring pain until docs told me to work out my abs. aA weak stomach leads to more stress on the back muscles. Get a six pack
and many problems go away.
Moe
A very warm thank you QTM and others. aQuick question: I bought a bulk supply of Naproxen today. I know it’s an NSAID like Ibuprofen. Is it more effective? Can it be used in the future for anything and everything I would’ve have otherwise used IB for? Or do their indications differ?
xcheopis
Personal experience: Scoliosis for 26 years (3 years in a back brace), partially herniated disc about 10 years ago. aWhat I do: aYoga helped a lot. Look for an instructor who knows about back problems and will suggest alternative postures. Many of the poses that are supposed to be good for the back are really only good if your back is healthy. aI see a chiropractor on a regular basis; I credit this woman with saving my back after the partial herniation. Some chiropractors will charge on a sliding scale (mine does) so you may be able to find one in your price range. aRegular exercise. Weight lifting (don’t push it) and walking (don’t push it.) Stay within a comfortable range; when you feel back pain it’s definitely time to stop. Abdominal work is one of the best ways to help your back. aIbuprofen, the wonder drug. Nothing else short of opium derivatives ever helped. If I’m in a lot of pain I’ll take up to 1200 mg at once but I always drink lots of water and eat something first. Too much ibuprofen can cause kidney damage. aTime. This one is really difficult for me; I’m very impatient. If you have to lie around on your back, then be sure there are lots of things around to amuse you. Books, movies, music, puzzles (I like logic and math puzzles), etc. aAs Dr. Qadgop mentioned, heat and ice are highly individual. My back responded well to alternating heat and ice but that may not work for you. aI hope your back feels better soon. Having been in constant pain for almost 3 decades, I can sympathize with you need to make it stop. Are there any clinics to which you can go for help? My college has a reasonable medical care clinic that also does referrals, perhaps yours does as well. aGood luck!
gwar
Your symptoms sound a lot like mine, only I never opted for surgery. My back would “go out” from time to time, resulting in periods of days or weeks where I would not be able to normally function. aAs time passed, though, I started to get these episodes more and more often, and more and more severe. aIn desperation, I went to a chiropractor. Although I did not then, and don’t now, believe in “adjustments”, he did use a traction table that clamped my feet in, then pulled out so it stretched my entire body, then would move up and down to stretch out and in essence, lengthen out the spine. In X-rays, there was a small curve in my spine below the beltline, causing the nerves to get pinched or whatever. Immediately following the procedure, I could walk without pain. Although the pain and stiffness returned within an hour, repeated therapy on my back enabled my to return to my normal self, although I am careful when I lift weights and such. aBut, you have no insurance and could not afford medical treatment. aNormal pain relievers never worked for my pain, and the muscle relaxers they gave me made me edgy and pissed off. aI finally went to Mexico and got Percodan and Valium, obtaining a prescription from a doctor in mexico. It was cheap (under 100 bucks for everything) and alleviated the pain completely so I could function. The valium loosened the back muscles, and for some reason, I healed faster during this episode than I ever had. Unfortunately, these are to be used with caution, as they are intoxicating, as well as addictive. But I thought it was better than being in bed for a month. Plus, I was able to go to school, work, go out at night, etc., at a fraction of the cost of seeing a doctor, who would have given me ibuprofen (which didn’t do jack) and a muscle relaxer that makes me all mad. aI also think it’s important to exercise. Start walking at first for twenty or thirty minutes. After a week, put on a weight belt and go to the gym. Just use the machines, and do tons of reps on a very light weight. Exercise every body area. Hopefully, this will help in the long run. aThat’s my two cents. a
Qadgop the Mercotan
I’m between patients right now, so I’ll put my two cents in. IF the pain is like your typical back pain in the past, ie no pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down the legs, no problems urinating or defecating, then it’s most likely gonna respond to time, rest, and anti-inflammatories. If you can’t afford a doc, get some over-the-counter Aleve (if you have no problems tolerating anti-inflammatories, like stomach ulcers, allergies to 'em, etc) and take two twice a day for 7-10 days. Aleve (naproxen) is a partial pain pill; one pill reduces pain. But when taken in adequate doses regularly, like 2x a day over a week or more, it does reduce inflammation. Then rest, heat/ice, mobilize (take it easy, but not too easy) and things should get better. aThe benefit of heat or ice is pretty much individualized. If they make you feel better, use 'em, if not, skip it. Once the back is calmed down, get back to doing back strengthening exercises. aNow take all this with a grain of salt: I haven’t seen you face to face, or examined you, or even had a dialogue. My comments are based on the assumption that you’ve had musculo-skeletal back pain before, and now you have it again. If things seem somehow wrong or different from before in significant ways, seek real world medical help. adon’t know of any vitamins or herbs or foods or crystals that will help. Actually I know a Crystal in college, she wanted to be a physical therapist. Maybe she could help. aQadgop, MD
Moe
I just want to say in advance, I really appreciate any doctors or other knowledgable who read this and offer me some helpful info. I am a poor college student with no medical insurance and so seeing a doctor is mostly out of the question. aI had a back operation about 5 years ago. I had a herniated disc in my lower back which was removed. The healing process has been slow, and my back has gone “out” about 5 or 6 times since then (by “out” I mean sudden extreme back pain, inability to bend or sit up comfortably, each lasting usually about a week). aAbout 3 weeks ago I threw my back out again. Unfortunately, over these passed 3 weeks I’ve had things that I’ve had to attend to, and so I haven’t allowed my back to heal in the way that it needs to. aAnyway, for about 3 or 4 days now I have been doing nothing but lying down all day, either on a heating pad or hooked up to one of those devices which generates electric current, and using my back as little as possible. But I can’t really tell if it’s getting much better. Well, it does seem a bit better today than yesterday. In the past, when I’ve been able to go to a doctor for this type of problem there is usually little more that he/she can do but prescribe some NSAIDs and tell me to keep off it. aIs there any advice anyone can give me with this? I know all the basics: (lift with the knees, etc). Are there foods or certain vitamins that aid with this type of healing? Do I have any reason to think something might be seriously wrong, or is it more likely a matter of just riding it out and waiting for my body to repair itself? How effective is a heating pad anyway? aAgain, I do really appreciate anyone taking the time to respond.
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9

I’m sorry, I don’t know what happened to get all that extra stuff in with my reply above.

10

Cid, thanks for the info and welcome to the board.
Yes, you can certainly post a url to a website provided it doesn’t directly promote illegal activity (and I doubt that would be an issue in this case). You could also have clicked the icon at the bottom of my post labelled “mail” to email me directly.

I will certainly try the exersizes and lying positions you mentioned.

Incidentally, I’m a bit curious myself how your post ended up including all that stuff in it.

Thanks again :slight_smile:

11

Naproxen (TM Naprosyn, Aleve), an anti-inflammatory, in the same family as ibuprofen, indomethacin, aspirin, and many others. A partial pain pill, 1 dose reduces pain. However, one dose twice a day for an extended time (a week or more) does reduce inflammation, a benefit to taking it regularly. Ibuprofen must be taken 4 times a day to get the inflammation fighting effect, ditto for aspirin. YMMV. Chief side effect-gastric bleeding, same as the other anti-inflammatories mentioned. Can stress the kidneys in occasional individuals. Take with food. Stop if GI upset occurs. Consult a Real World doctor if any problems arise.

12

Thanks again Qadgop. I am very appreciative of your input.

13

I’m a bit too drunk to have read the thread, but I understand the back pain. I injured myself and was out of work for about 3 years with nerve damage (not diagnosed, but everything else has been ruled out) in my hip and lower back. It still messes with my life, but I’ve gotten on with it for the most part.

The best advice I can give is put your knees up with pillows and use a heating pad. Gentle exercise and stretching will eventually help you get on with life, but it’s a minor fix. Basically, I’ve had to learn to tune out the pain I experience every day, and don’t let anybody touch my lower back on the right side unless they’re giving me a massage.

No matter what you hear from this forum though, chances are your problems are different from our problems. Do whatever works. I hope this helps you. Good luck.

14

This is the question page URL, you can get around the site from there. Good Luck.

http://www.spine-health.com/contact/contact01.html

PS I can’t read the tiny icon things on my tiny (2inch X 5inch Black & White) hand held computer screen!

15

For a while, I was always pinching a nerve in my lower back that caused me such pain it was difficult to walk. What cleared it up were the exercises in the book Acupressure’s Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach. They’re easy to do and don’t take much time. I’d do two or three repetions whenever my back would bother me and the pain would clear up instantly. Its been a couple of years since I last had any problems, so apparently the exercises help keep the problems from coming back. I realize that your problem is more serious than mine, but you might look in to it.

16

Ahhh, I see.

Great site BTW. Thank you Cid

17

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Moe *
**

Moe, you must’ve beaten me to it! I posted a question similar to yours not too long ago, and lo and behold, both our prayers have been answered! :slight_smile:

I, too, have a herniated disc (lumbar) along with degenerative disc disease plus arthritis in both my upper back and neck. I’ve been on disability from work since late May, and my doctor refuses to sign anything saying that I should be back to work on a particular day/week. I think she knows I tend to overdo things. I’m also having an EMG (I think that’s what it called) done on both my legs in a couple of weeks – I call it Western medicine’s version of acupuncture – needles are inserted at various points of the area in question, then you’re hooked up to a machine which measures the electrical activity between the nerves and muscles. At least I think that’s what’s involved. I’m having this done because of the sciatica in my right leg…I hope to God you don’t have that, as it’s more annoying (and painful) than the backache!

The only two things I can add to all the suggestions you’ve received which I’ve found helpful are 1) back-strengthening exercises, especially the pelvic tilt, and 2) massage therapy. I barter with my MT, in that I cook a meal for her in exchange for the massage, because there’s NO way I could ever afford her fee! Fact is, I’ve gotten more out of the massages than PT and the meds put together!

As for the meds – I’m on 550 mg of Anaprox (the heavy-duty version of Naproxen) twice daily, along with Norflex (the muscle relaxant) and, when absolutely necessary, Tylenol #3 with codeine. I’ve doubled up on OTC Naproxen when my prescription runs out, and, believe it or not, I can feel the difference if I forget to take it. After a couple of bouts with indigestion from taking it, I’ve found it’s imperative that you eat something beforehand. I haven’t had any side effects from the Norflex, either.

Please let me and everyone else here know how you’re doing. Believe me, I know exactly what you’re going through, and there is truth to the saying that misery loves company :wink:

18

While my thoracic back “went out” for the first time about 15 years ago, it was the immense fracture of the L-3 last Sept.21st that really introduced me to back pain.

Chiro ! Yes !!! Need I say more? Yes. I’d suggest that you find one who is NOT a “wrack em- crack em” chiro. Some of them go at you as though you were Gumby. Find one who is very gentle, who will be willing to modify their adjustment to fit your pain and inflammation. And, IMHO, find one who does body energy/reiki kind of work. They truly are healers, some of them.

My back " went out" a few weeks ago. I couldn’t get to my chiro before I left for Cape Cod. Incredibly I found an angel. A Gem. A saint. IN Wellfleet !!! She was so wonderful. Saw me two days in a row, never having met me before. I owe her some home made jam, at least. She adjusted some areas that were in spasm, because of the scarring from the back break area.

Aside from chiro, don’t shy from those painkillers my friend :slight_smile: For me, hot jets are best. I’ve just joined a health club, and the hot tub is my new best friend in the entire universe ( besides Anngela, who is a pretty cool new friend even though she hasn’t got hot jets :smiley: ) . Heat therapy might be a beautiful thing for you. As said above, experiment with hot or cold therapies.

Good luck. Don’t rush it, time time time ( as stated above ) is on your side. Buy a Thermopaedic Foam bed. Best $ 900.00 I’ve ever spent in my entire life. I mean it, that bed gives even and full support to my entire body, as I lay. Incredible stuff.

Cartooniverse

19

You may need a salvage surgery in the form of a FUSION along with further diskectomy if the disk has herniated some more. YOU need an MRI and need to see a specialist.

20

Maybe you didn’t read that the man says he’s a poor college student and doesn’t have any money. It’s no use crying over split milk but maybe if he didn’t have diskectomy in the first place he wouldn’t be needing FUSION in the second place. Not that he may be needing FUSION.

Conservative care before surgical care at all times in these cases. Diskectomy many times leed to increased DJD in the neighboring joints because of increased stress.

Try some PT or chiropractics. If you live in or near a big city you may be able to find a school clinic and free care there. Seek professional advice from them.