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In case there are people who don't know, you don't have to actually put ice on your back. There are gel packs now that you keep in your freezer when you're not using them. They're more comfortable to use than the old-fashioned ice bags.
I think I have five, in varying sizes. They can help with muscle ache or pain caused by degenerative disc disease.
When I was using Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) it would make me drowsy and dizzy at the same time. Different people react differently, so just FYI. There's probably a warning about not driving when you use it.
I used the following:
- red pepper bandage, very efficient ;
- inversion desk (you lay on it with your head down, and legs up, so the gap between the vertebra grows), efficient;
- chiropracter, not helpful;
- pain killers, not helpful;
- physical therapy, very efficient.
I wish you to get better soon!
If a chiropractor is an hour away, then acupuncture may not be easily accessible either, but I am recently recovering from a herniated disk in my neck and acupuncture was a godsend in terms of helping manage the pain, and stimulating the healing process. I feel extremely fortunate to have recovered without need for any surgery (despite it being a true herniation confirmed on MRI) and I absolutely credit acupuncture as part of that process.
Otherwise, sounds like you are doing all the right things and I wish you continued healing!
Hi all,
I was transferring clothes from the washing machine to the dryer which is 3 ft away. As I twisted to get clothes in the dryer, my back locked up and drove me to my knees.
I crawled the 30 ft from the laundry room to the living room. My DW helped me get in a chair, gave me an ice pack, some Ibuprofen (what an angel!).
That was 2 days ago, and I'm not seeing any improvement. I've been to a doctor who prescribed a muscle relaxer and Naproxen for pain. neither seems to help much.
I would see a chiropractor, but I have to drive about an hour to get there.
My question is about home therapy. I'm switching from heat to cold packs, and trying some gentle stretching.
I'm not asking for medical advise, just wondering if I'm missing some other home therapy.
Any help at all is much appreciated!
I do not have any advice on your back but I hope you are feeling better very soon. I noticed your "status" and started laughing. Good ole "Firesign Theatre." I have used that quote throughout my life. And it SOOOO true!
I do not have any advice on your back but I hope you are feeling better very soon. I noticed your "status" and started laughing. Good ole "Firesign Theatre." I have used that quote throughout my life. And it SOOOO true!
I love the Firesign Theater!
"The adventures of Nick Danger third eye" is hilarious!
"Don't pick up that dwarf, hand me the pliers" also great
And finally, "Were all Bozos on this bus" not as funny, but still great stuff!
The tens unit helped me a lot. My physical therapist recommended biofreeze, which helps a lot. She also gave me printouts of the exercises she had me do.
I also found an oat based wrap that can go in either the freezer or microwave. Another helpful solution.
My back will never be ok due to a car accident but these things, along with the baths & ibuprofen have helped.
Can you call your doctor on Monday and ask if you can see a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment - even just few visits to give you some home exercise recommendations? Then get in to see someone as soon as possible.
It is very important as we get older to NOT stay in bed and be immobile when you have a back pain episode, unless that is the instructions from a knowledgeable doctor who knows the cause of your pain. A poster suggested staying in bed for 2 weeks. That is awful advice. Anyone who has been in the hospital for 1-2 weeks knows how quickly muscles atrophy and how fast you become deconditioned. The older you are, the longer it takes to recover from that deconditioning.
Agree with using the medications, heat or cold (buy one of the blue soft, skin safe cold packs on Amazon - one with a velcro stray for wearing around your back). And see that PT! There's a reason Medicare pays for it....
I have had numerous back pain and problems over the years. I finally demanded an MRI. I told the doctors that I felt numbness in my hands and feet, but they overlooked or forgot what I said and only ordered an MRI of my lower back. It was swollen, so they told me to use an ice pack. No heavy duty drugs. I only used coated aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil. I was careful with those drugs as well. They all have side effects. Tried acupuncture with some relief.
I tried to get up from a barstool and almost fell. I asked for an MRI of my neck and upper body. It revealed that I had a narrowing of the spine in my neck and I was close to becoming a quadriplegic. I could have fallen and lost my mobility from the neck down. After many neurological experts arguing as to what my diagnosis was and what I needed to do to save my future mobility, I decided to listen to one neurologist whom I trusted and get the cervical spine surgery. In short, the neurosurgeon put a metal plate in my neck to stabilize it. That was 5 years ago, and it was the right choice. I hope that it lasts a bit longer and I can continue to walk and do things.
No one medical situation is the same. Get yourself to a good GP, pain clinic, and neurologists. Hold off on the neurosurgeons, as they usually want to do the surgery. Listen to your doctors, yourself, then make your own decision. Do not ignore obvious signs on diminishing ability to complete daily tasks. Write everything down and let your doctors know about it. Physical therapy is great, but only if you have good people working on you who care. It is a big complex body and it is hard to find the best thing to do for you.
Good luck and I hope your injury is just minor and transient. Mine was not.
Hot tub/spa you can easily get in and out of. Hydrotherapy is good. Perhaps you have access to one at the gym?
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