Any experts on backache? (back pain, cold, constant, surgery)

[Clarallel]

I've developed some lower back pain which is probably linked to some hip pain. Probably the kind of thing that might have just healed itself when I was younger, but now it won't let go. It's been a week or more.

Any suggestions? I suppose it's too late for ice or a heating pad. Would some kind of slant in my bed, elevating my feet, give my spine a chance to stretch out? I'm not sure if acupuncture would actually solve the problem or just possibly mask the pain.

[Luckyd609]

Most times lower back pain will get better without doing much, as there is not a lot you can do while you are in pain. What you can do when the pain subsides is strengthen your core muscles. Planks are great for that.
I have had lower back pain on and off for a long time, but once I took my PT's advice and worked on strengthening my core I never have lower back pain anymore.
Of course you might have something more serious that does need some medical attention. For now I would ice it. If the pain continues for another week or gets worse, see your doctor.

[oldgardener]

I'm no expert in back pain, but I want to mention that I did find that my low back pain disappeared when I started doing yoga, and it hasn't bothered me since. Strengthening your core can help, as the poster above me mentioned, and yoga does that for me. If I stop doing yoga even for a few months, my back pain returns.

[Mikala43]

For me (back pain from RA) strengthening my core and stretches/yoga help a lot. TENS machine feels good and I like heat. If it is really inflammed I will go for cold and then heat. If it is being particularly difficult, a muscle relaxant helps.

[NYC refugee]

I agree with core strengthening, and yoga for that and flexibility. Meanwhile, it's never too late for a heating pad if you have muscle pain. I'd take an OTC anti-inflammatory and wrap up in relaxing heat and see how it feels. Since you mentioned your hip, I'd also say to pay attention to your posture, which can really cause problems. Core strengthening will improve your posture, and so will yoga. But if you have a hip problem, I hope it's resolved. Otherwise it will continue to throw things off.

[Mikala43]

You may want to visit a doc to find out what is causing it (confirm), because that could determine the most effective treatment.

[wit-nit]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

You may want to visit a doc to find out what is causing it (confirm), because that could determine the most effective treatment.

This ^^

My back pain as I grow older is from degenerating lower back disks. They basically act as shock absorbers. My disks have shrunk about 80%. Doc said that was common with aging.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) can affect any part of the spine, but it most commonly affects the low back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine). ... You may experience pain at the site of the damaged disc—in your lower back, for instance. However, the pain may also radiate (or travel) to another part of your body. Read more...
https://www.spineuniverse.com/condit...e-disc-disease

[Pilot1]

I have a few fragmented discs in my lower back from years of running, and running on pavement. If I keep my weight down, and I do, and exercise relatively regularly it is not an issue. If I get lazy, it creeps back. When it first materialized almost twenty years ago, I was in excruciating pain. I was given two choices by my Doc. Surgery, or try physical therapy. I went the physical therapy route, and it worked. You may want to try that.

[lunetunelover]

I've had back problems (degenerative discs, among other issues) for years. I did have back surgery about 12 years ago and it really worked for me. However - I am not suggesting you need that! I mention it only to say that I've got some experience. lol


Anyway, I agree with seeing your doctor to be sure of the problem. Some things may do more harm than good. I agree that yoga and core muscle strengthening can be a big help, but I would also ask about a round of physical therapy. My most recent visit taught me some wonderful stretches that have helped tremendously. I think it's important to make sure that the first time you are doing any stretching (be it PT or yoga) that you have an experienced person there to show you the correct way to do the stretch so that you don't harm yourself.


You can also look into purchasing an inexpensive TENS unit. I got one at Walgreens for $30 and it works amazingly well!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Clarallel

I've developed some lower back pain which is probably linked to some hip pain. Probably the kind of thing that might have just healed itself when I was younger, but now it won't let go. It's been a week or more.

Any suggestions? I suppose it's too late for ice or a heating pad. Would some kind of slant in my bed, elevating my feet, give my spine a chance to stretch out? I'm not sure if acupuncture would actually solve the problem or just possibly mask the pain.

lets just say, if constant pain makes me an expert I guess I am one. Seriously I do have a lot of discomfort. It is a combination of aging and arthritis. I am just learning to live with it, as I swear everyday because I hurt. My doctor did prescribe a muscle relaxant for me that should be here any day. I can't wait. Surgery isn't going to do much good, nor is going to a PT at this stage.