Chronic Pain Support Group
Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...
I've had RSD of the left foot & leg for 16 years. I've been on the same meds for all that time. As the weather stays warm, my RSD pain is lower, which is great.
In one week I leave for 2 weeks in Europe- part business and some added days to meet up with my BFF from childhood. I've been doing too well, and that's probably why this happened.
This afternoon I woke up, got up, and felt off. My back (lower) was not stretching right, it hurt a lot and not in a way I'm used to. I don't recall doing anything at all before bed that would cause a back problem. I'm used to upper back problems as I have a heavy chest. But it's been awhile since I had lower back troubles.
I've iced it, I've taken a muscle relaxant, and I've taken ibuprofen and tylenol, but it seems to get worse when I get up or move the wrong way. I feel like a kid saying "But I didn't DO anything!" Yet, I didn't! I woke up with this pain and it worsened over the 1st few hours I was awake. Now I've gotten a little relief from the ice and the meds. But it scares me.
I remember that we're supposed to ice it 1st, then heat, but I have no idea how long you're supposed to do that, if RSD could make it worse, or if I should be laying flat or on my side or what.
I think I'm getting panicked b/c the trip is huge. I have a big presentation and since the weather's been holding, I expected an easy ride. Now I have just 1 week to get ready and I can barely rise from my chair w/o wanting to curse.
I don't have 1 day free to see a doctor in the next week and know that they'd just say to rest and take motrin and do the ice/heat thing. What scares me is that the lower back is sill so painful, even after my RSD meds took effect.
How can I injure myself while sleeping? Is this a cosmic joke- I deal with the RSD pain but then my back goes out? Does anyone here know how long something like this takes to heal? I mean, I am guessing it is muscular b/c it feels so tight. And also b/c the muscle relaxant DID have some effect on it.
In any case, I'd appreciate any prayers or good wishes you all have. I guess a week is a good amount of time to get beter- at least I'm hoping so! Last time I went to London I was caught in the Icelandic volcanic ash where I was stuck there for days with no planes coming in or out. That was 3 years ago. I pray this time won't be a serious injury or flare. I poured my heart into this trip, and my work, and just hope it can be salvaged. And I wish I KNEW what I did in my sleep to cause this!
In one week I leave for 2 weeks in Europe- part business and some added days to meet up with my BFF from childhood. I've been doing too well, and that's probably why this happened.
This afternoon I woke up, got up, and felt off. My back (lower) was not stretching right, it hurt a lot and not in a way I'm used to. I don't recall doing anything at all before bed that would cause a back problem. I'm used to upper back problems as I have a heavy chest. But it's been awhile since I had lower back troubles.
I've iced it, I've taken a muscle relaxant, and I've taken ibuprofen and tylenol, but it seems to get worse when I get up or move the wrong way. I feel like a kid saying "But I didn't DO anything!" Yet, I didn't! I woke up with this pain and it worsened over the 1st few hours I was awake. Now I've gotten a little relief from the ice and the meds. But it scares me.
I remember that we're supposed to ice it 1st, then heat, but I have no idea how long you're supposed to do that, if RSD could make it worse, or if I should be laying flat or on my side or what.
I think I'm getting panicked b/c the trip is huge. I have a big presentation and since the weather's been holding, I expected an easy ride. Now I have just 1 week to get ready and I can barely rise from my chair w/o wanting to curse.
I don't have 1 day free to see a doctor in the next week and know that they'd just say to rest and take motrin and do the ice/heat thing. What scares me is that the lower back is sill so painful, even after my RSD meds took effect.
How can I injure myself while sleeping? Is this a cosmic joke- I deal with the RSD pain but then my back goes out? Does anyone here know how long something like this takes to heal? I mean, I am guessing it is muscular b/c it feels so tight. And also b/c the muscle relaxant DID have some effect on it.
In any case, I'd appreciate any prayers or good wishes you all have. I guess a week is a good amount of time to get beter- at least I'm hoping so! Last time I went to London I was caught in the Icelandic volcanic ash where I was stuck there for days with no planes coming in or out. That was 3 years ago. I pray this time won't be a serious injury or flare. I poured my heart into this trip, and my work, and just hope it can be salvaged. And I wish I KNEW what I did in my sleep to cause this!
I just posted a similar reply. The only time in my life I had back pain was after surgery and the kinder, gentler version of a chiropractor used his tool that looks like an ink pen and made everything better. Might be worth a try.
Hope you're much better, soon.
I know you say you don't have time for a chiropractor, but I worked for one for two years, and I'm betting a couple emergency treatments would help tremendously. Many of them also have a galvanic muscle stimulator that is heaven. Look at it this way; do you find an hour or two now, or push yourself and either not go at all, or find yourself flat on your back in a foreign bed?
My positive thoughts and well wishes are with you. I hope all goes well.
Jeanne (AmiaEagle48)
My husband has a chronic muscular back problem from a muscle tear years ago so i'm pretty familiar with the routine.
You did the ice thing- which was correct but now it's time for heat- as much as you can tolerate.
If you can take ibuprofen, take 600mg every 6hrs for at least 3 days- even if the pain eases up. it will help with the inflammation.
See if your doctor will can in a script for a muscle relaxant- flexeril, zanflex or baclofen. The baclofen makes me wobbly, so I only use 1/2 tab (5mg); Tim uses zanaflex which helps a lot.
Take hot showers and gently move your back from side to side,up and down as the hot water beats down on your back. This will stretch your muscles which will keep it from freezing up.
Try to avoid staying in one position too long- standing, sitting, even laying in one position will make it worse. Of course, don't do any lifting or movements where you twist-or twist and bend. Both aggravate a muscle pull.
These things tend to pop up out of the blue. They take several days to heal. When you go on your trip, be sure to get up and walk as much as you can. Sitting in a plane seat for long hours will make it feel worse.
if you can take nsaids, alternate between ibuprofen and aleve. They work differently and the switching might help more than just taking ibuprofen.
I hope these things help. it's too bad you don't have time to get trigger point injections before you leave.They worked for me the first time my back acted up; the second time they didn't help at all. but the first time they worked for6-8 weeks which was great.
Don't beat yourself up- this wasn't your fault. Try doing relaxation techniques along with everything else and that will help relax your back along with the rest of your body.
Have a wonderful trip!
I'm so jealous....
((hugs))
Sandy
I was up all night, switched to a heating pad, kept up the motrin and muscle relaxants, and feel a bit better. I am glad I didn't sleep if only b/c the ice/heat, muscle relaxants routine helped a lot. Now I'm off to take J to the bus stop and then a 3 hour nap. Just hope I don't awaken in the same odd, painful state as yesterday!