How to manage a bad back?

[Clutchy]

I've been off work for 5 weeks with a bulged disc. Pain was unbearable for the first 2-3 weeks, lots of strong painkillers. 

 

I've been seeing a Physio for 5 weeks using a combination of acupuncture, weird vibrating pads (no idea what it does) and therapeutic ultrasound. 

 

Whilst I have massively improved ( I can now walk mostly fine and pain has reduced by 80%) as soon as I bend down or drive for a while etc the pain comes back real bad. 

 

Going to start swimming in 2 weeks when the pain is hopefully gone and work on my core but would like to try and osteopath.

 

I don't think this is a good sign at 25 years old.

 

The worst thing about this is I have no idea what caused it, there was no single event that put me in pain. 

[Khriss]

Yes to swimming. Have had recurring neck pain from  various crashes / repetitive work. Dont really go away but treatable, hot weather eases it. K

[Tippin Alaybye]

3 hours ago, nepia said:

That's a very good point thus far overlooked.

I spent well into four figures over about five years seeking a mattress that worked 😟

In the end I need have only spent £299 cos Emma's the babe for me.

that's a roll of the dice though. I wasted 100s trying to find a mattress for my wife's back. I would get a return if not happy one

[echoechoecho]

I've had two bulging discs and sciatica since my early 20's.

Anyone tried CBD oil for their back or joint problems?

[Lowestoft Firewood]

I have had bad back since a biking accident about 12 years ago, and it is best when I do consistent work outs at the gym, but then when the pain gets more than usual a trip to a good  osteopath makes a big difference. Note the good, some like crunching and cracking but the best one i had (sadly retired now) did far more for my comfort, with far fewer crunches compared to the 4 or 5 others i have been to. 

[Woodworks]

17 hours ago, dan blocker said:

If you’ve had an MRI scan and diagnosed with bulging disc presume it was on the NHS ? Why was it not followed up by them? 

It was some years ago now. By the time I had an appointment I was way better thanks to regular deep massage and avoiding heavy lifting. They said due to the level of bulge I could have an opp if needed but general recommend was try to find other ways to manage it if possible. Mrs has a had a back opp on a disc and it made little difference so wasn't not keen unless desperate. 

 

 

[Woodworks]

17 hours ago, Bombadil said:

Seems like loads of people have had these problems eh?

I have the odd twinge now and again, but 20+ years ago I was regularly taking whole weeks off work for back related symptoms. My saviour was spending some money on a really good mattress for my bed.

Really did the trick for me! 

We have done that but it made little difference but I know for others it can be a revelation. A farmer friend of ours got a water bed at vast expense but they are both delighted with it

[nepia]

...Totally agree with Lowestoft.  That's manipulation and isn't always a good thing.  I used to have it on the L2-4 region and the effects were very good but short-lived.

Mobilisation (more gentle) done right can be just as effective.

The best for me turned out to be the McTimoney method; it works almost exclusively on aligning the vertebrae, the thinking being that if the back's properly aligned the rest will follow.  It involves adjusting the vertebrae, sometimes with an adjusting tool that spring loads and 'punches' a vertebra.  Needs to be used in skilled hands.

Edited April 14, 2021 by nepia

[Woodworks]

16 hours ago, s o c said:

I suffered with lower back pain for years until i found out I have fallen arches in my feet .

the right insoles sorted it straight away.

also suffer regularly with trapped nerves in shoulders and hips, have had physio for this. The right stretches, swimming and climbing regularly works for me.

long shifts on tractor or sitting down seem to bring on the aches and pains 

Interesting you say that. When I first developed back pain I was in my 20s working as a cabinet maker and on my feet all day. A friend said about how flat feet could cause back pain. Now been using orthotics for the last 30 years but been less good about using them lately so will be more careful from now on. Thanks for the reminder

[bigtreedon]

On 13/04/2021 at 12:21, SpringhallTreeCare said:

If you're in any doubt about the root cause I'd suggest an MRI scan. I spent many years and much money on physios and osteopaths until one of them suggested an MRI. They organised it and the cost was £150 ish but it showed a collapsed disc at l5/s1. Some NHS bolts and screws and I now have no back pain.

Point is up until that MRI all I was doing was treating the symptoms not the cause.

Couldn't agree more get an mri don't mess about pay for it dont try and get doc to sort one it will take forever And prolonge any treatment/recovery I was nearly in a wheelchair 2 years ago I am now fit as a fiddle probably better than I have been for ten years get a scan get the required treatment and on the road to recovery it won't be instant but its the only way

Edited April 14, 2021 by bigtreedon