Back Pain Support Group

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In fact, about 3 in 4 adults will experience back pain during their lifetime! The term back pain includes pain affecting the neck, midback and low back. Acute back pain may begin suddenly with intense pain but typically lasts fewer than three months. Usually, chronic back pain is persistent, steady, and...

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Back Pain Support Group

I've had it for over two years.

michiev
michiev
I've had serious back pain for over two years, It started one summer when I fell the wrong way and I felt a shocking pain in my lower back, It's been about two years now and I still get terrible pain in my back (Lower, upper and on both sides of my ribs), I have been to a doctor and they suggested me to go to a specialist, But I don't have the money for that right now.

Does anyone know any good pain management technics?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ice packs help me ALOT. I ice most of the time, day and night. I have got a lot of useful information by searching on google for back stretches, some i can't do, but trial and error are the best choices.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Laurie is right -- Ice is a great pain reliever. You should use it for 20 minutes every 2 hours. Do NOT leave it on for extended periods of time. HEAT should not be used, as it draws blood to the heated area and causes more swelling and inflammation to an area that is already swollen and inflamed. Ice reduces the swelling and inflammation, plus it reduces the pain. Sure, it might hurt when you FIRST put it on, but after a couple of minutes you'll find that it is very soothing. Make sure you wrap the ice in a towel and do NOt put it directly on the skin -- put it over a shirt.

I wouldn't do any exercises UNTIL you talk to your doctor and ask him what KIND of exercises you should do. You could make matters worse if you do exercises on your own. Or you could ask the physical therapist to give you a print out of exercises you could do at home. But don't just start doing any UNTIL you talk to your doctor!!!!

I've been dealing with this for 27 years, and have made many mistakes thru the years, so I'm talking from experience! LOL God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee
emf6874
emf6874
I would say heat because that's what makes me feel more comfortable. I don't tolerate cold very well, & when I've tried ice it just makes me tense up which makes my pain worse. My neurosurgeon said everyone is different & I should just try to see which one made me feel better.
yogacat
yogacat
Oh boy micherv, Here is what I believe...the diagnosis is #1. Without some help, that is really a challenge! I was treating for what I thought I had, tight and inflammed muscles, for months. I had an xray and was told arthritis, scoliosis and spinal stenosis...of which I did not understand and my PCP didn't have any advice or help with. It was a yr. before I was given an MRI and told DDD, spinal stenosis, herniated disk, vertertal arthritis and scoliosis. So now, I know, it will not go away, I have to learn how to manage it. Ice is my best friend, and I do exercises that a PT prescribed. Not the yoga that I have done all my life and love...but pilates. I think a diagnosis is important, and I am hoping there is a way for you to have some help!!!!
cathairmom
cathairmom
i take a pm pain releiver which helps me sleep and i use ice packs. the heat pad feels good but not any better after use. also use positive thinking,that helps alot. feel better