Coping with a bad back?
107101
Have you seen a doctor or had x-rays yet?\nAs opposed to just staying home hurting and doing nothing...\n\nI had back surgery 3 years ago and did not get well even after they straightened my spine and moved the crushed nerve...\nThe problem was the damage was already done, so no amount of surgery would fix it...\nI am now disabled for life and I still don't know what caused it...\nPeople ask me if I was in a car accident or took a bad fall and I say no...\nMy doctor says it was because of calcium deposits on my bones and the bone spur growth caught and crushed the nerve...\nSo I would recommend seeing several doctors and getting several x-rays before surgery...\nAlso see a Pain Management Doctor, he will prescribe the right meds for your pain and you could avoid surgery...
878927
Sympathize for had neck surgery awile back for had 2 bad-degenerated discs and the pain was horrible  Go on line and do a search for medical insurance that has no waiting period for preexisting conditions-will not get major medical but there some others out there. Also I'd go to Emergency so at least you can get Pain Medication and some treatment ideas that can help temporarily-a ice pack helps a lot -the kind you keep in the Fridgefreezer-keep on the neck for approx10-15minutes-I always put a thin towel there first so the cold is not so shocking and it still penetrated to nerve and muscles-Have gotten total relief  for that episode-there may also be some mild stretching exercises that take the pressure off the nerve-ask about it. Also since you have no insurance keep your expense down by only having done whats necessary in regards to X-rays and other tests-any X-Rays or test results already done you should get and take with youSince the Emergncy is required by law to treat you they will work out payment over time with you. and the payment cannot interfere with mortgage and  the other bills you already have.  You can also call your Community Serice Board(in the blue pages) and ask abnout CountyState Health Care where you pay according to your salary if its real low income often the health care is free-if it isn't that much less than you'd normally pay then I wouldn't bother for those clinics do not make appts but take in the order people arrive and the waiting rooms are very full-so early in the Am is the best time(involved in therapeutic foster care and became familiar with it)The County Health Clinics also have Dental, Precription Service and also  Mental Health Services.Good Luck at the doctors
53263
Try one of those Buckwheat pillows.  It helps keep everything aligned in your spine while you sleep.  Been over 5 years I've used one, and have NOT woken up to a backache since.
663669
There are many reasons for back pain, so naturally, the treatments vary as well. Here are the more common:\n1. Strained muscle from lifting or twisting - ice to back (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off) for the first 24 hours, then heat. \n2. Emotional tension (stress) causes the muscles all over to tighten up, but the back is where it is most likely to be noticed - treatment is to deal with the stress\n3. Poor posture, bad bed, or working in a position that puts a strain on the back muscles - Narrow down the cause of the problem and fix it. \n4. Physical abnormality, like a degenerative disc or vertebra - Short of surgery...which I don't advise except for extreme cases...the treatment is to treat the symptoms and know your limitations.\n\nIn all cases, a good exercise program is helpful in that it strengthens the muscles of the back as well as the muscles in the abdomen. This is important because weak back and abdominal muscles can lead to reoccurrences of the back pain. If the back pain is stress-related, exercise also helps control stress.
255880
If your back is that bad, you need to talk to your doctor. He can recommend the best diet and exercise plan for someone your age. If he thinks diet pills are the best for you, he will give you a prescription. Stay away from the over the counter stuff. They have not been tested by the FDA, and make all kinds of bogus claims.
1180062
I had a serious back injury last year and basically I went to see a chiropractor he did wonders! I iced ALOT and had good drugs. (vicodin) If chiropractor is out of the question, get some good movies/good books and wait it out. Usually takes 2-3 weeks for back to heal to where you can move again.
1040074
Running is a very high-impact activity on your body.  One thing that you can do, and this sounds strange, but it can alleviate a lot of lower back pain as a result of running and other activities, is to do some light weight training exercises.  Supplement the running with weight-bearing exercise, and a lot of the pain should decrease.  \n\nYou can also try taking medication, but I'm sure you don't want to become dependent on that or anything.  You've already done well with picking out good shoes and a good surface, by the way.  \n\nAlso, there are a lot of stretching exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles in your lower back.  In the "sources" section, I'm giving you some links to check out to show some different stretches and things you can do to help.  Good luck!
571284
You have my sympathy..back problems are so debilitating,I know,having suffered for many years,ranging from Sciatica to a Prolapsed Disc.\nMy advise to you would be,plenty of rest with a cold compress on the affected area,pain-relief and anti-inflammatory and a cream/ointment designed for muscle strain etc.\nMaybe you could ask someone to massage some Tea Tree and Lavender blended with a good carrier oil such as,Almond,into the lower back using as much pressure as is comfortable for you.\nIf any of the above don't improve your condition then I suggest you visit a Chiropractor or see your GP and ask for an x-ray just to rule out anything more serious such as disc problems or trapped nerves.\nI wish you a speedy recovery and hope you are feeling better very soon.
52174
First you should see a doctor or chiropractor to determine if there is a serious problem. If you just have moderate low back pain with no obvious injury, there are a few things you can do. Alternate heat and ice 5-10 minutes each every 1/2 hour. There are stretches you can do to strengthen your back and ease the pain. It is very important to do some type of stretching or exercises. If you don't, things will get worse as you loose muscle tone! Good luck! It may seem like it will never get better..just give it some time and it will if you take the time to do what you need to do heal yourself!
645388
First, see a doctor for xrays to rule out pinched nerve, cracked or broken bone(s) that may not have healed properly. Also rule out tendon or muscle pulls you may be continuing to aggravate due to your natural movements, work, sports, etc. Once you have ruled out those causes:\nFor some people, sleeping on a hard surface, like the floor, for 7-10 days can greatly reduce or eliminate the pain, since you are not putting extra tension on the back while sleeping/tossing/turning.  Do this after a very warm 20 minute bath which will relax your muscles and help you sleep.\nSit-ups, as many as you are comfortable with, daily will strenghthen abdominal muscles which will take strain away from back muscles for natural support. Massage therapy from a RMT can work wonders as well. Consult your physician about chiropractic, with a full understanding of the possible risks and benefits. Avoid Rx unless it is your last resort,  consulting with a pharmacist for precise advice. Products such as "Icy Hot" patches are very effective for temporary 8-12 hour relief. Carefully examine your posture while sitting and standing, expecially at the computer. Use a very good chair with proper lumbar support and maintain a straight back, not slouching. If you frequently have to drive for long periods and your vehicle is not properly equipped, buy a good quality lumbar/leg support seat pad, perhaps with the heating and/or vibration options at any dept store.\nIn Canada, you can actually get a Rx from your doctor to purchase a hot tub/jacuzzi, making the purchase deductible from your income tax. Check with your tax dept. A hot tub is excellent therapy if you have no cardiovascular conditions, such as hyper or hypotension and mostly fun anyway!
1041672
Pilates is amazing for toning abs (and it tones plenty of other muscles too).  Since you have a bad back, I'd suggest going to an instructor and telling your situation first.  There are modifications you can make in every pilates move that will still give results on your abs but not injure your back.  Combine that with some cardio every week (cardio will help to rid your belly of any fat that is hiding the abdominal muscles).\n\nI do pilates twice a week, yoga at least once, and run regularly.  The effort has given me a toned body and good abs (you can see some lines - not bodybuilder like - but sexy)
364275
The best way to help you is by going to see a Chiropractor. 80% of all Americans suffer from low back pain at least once in their lifetime and Chiropractic has been shown to be the best (and only) method to correct the problem.
476951
My advice:\n\n1.   At night, sleep on your side, legs slightly bent, with a thin pillow between your knees.  This will reduce the presure on your spine as you sleep.\n\n2.  Stretch your back several times a day.  A good one is lay flat on your back, rotate your trunk, with your left leg straight and your right leg bent, try to touch your right knee to the ground to your left. Then straighten your right leg, bend your left leg, rotate your trunk, try to touch your left knee to the ground to your right.  Another good one is when sitting, reach your right hand behind your head, and touch your left shoulder blade, then reach your left hand behind your head and try to touch your right should blade.\n\n3.  If your a student, you should have access to the campus health club.  Join, and ask to be shown stretches and exercises specifically for your back (explain that you've had some back issues).
1135940
You have spondulosis of the lower back.Visit your orthopaedic surgeon.He will teach you some exercises and also how to adopt a suitable lifestyle such as avoiding bending,lifting weights ,standing or sitting for a long time etc.Walking is good for you
435775
I have bad lower back pain, too.  A chiropractor is the best treatment for that, if you have time to go.  I take advil every four hours and that helps and resting on a heating pad.  My doctor also says to put a pillow under my legs when I'm laying down.  There are exercises to do but you would have to go for physical therapy to learn the best way to do them.  Years ago my doctor referred me to "Back School".  It's only a temporary help.  A chiropractor has a massaging machine that massages your back with heat.  It's great.
1099937
We are made to be healthy.  Most of us have aches and pains, and these are very real.  However, the important thing is to not let it get the best of you.  Instead, do your best to ignore it.  Get busy.  Be sure to healthy healthy and reasonably.  And begin to exercise every day.  Keep it simple, like walk somewhre.  Make walking fun, and something you look forward to doing each day.  In time, even back pains become less and less and disappear.
364835
take an asprin (preferbably the kind ment for muscle aches)\n\nthen put a hot cloth on it for 20 minutes, put ice for 20 and repeat as often as needed, try sleeping with your back on an electric blanket (maybe... i'm not sure how safe it is)\n\ngood luck