Suggestions for lower back pain that won't go away?
I went to the ER with excruciating lumbar pain and spasms that left me immobilized. I’ve been given and/or prescribed Morphine, Percoset (later Vicodin), Valium, Motrin, and given a shot Toderol (?). I’m still taking most of these, even though I hate it. I understand some are only supposed to take the edge off, but it’s been 5 days and I still have dull to shooting pain that is now radiating towards my hips. I’ve tried stretches, exercises, wet heating pads; and although the pain isn’t anything like what sent me to the ER, it’s still constant. I had X-rays taken and there were no fractures. Is there anything else I should try? And yes, I’m seriously considering asking for an MRI, but I’m not sure if it’s too soon (some have said back pain could subside in weeks). This is the first time it’s ever happened to me. Thanks!
Here are a few sites that help you with the pain. Back pain can be change your life.
http://www.spine-health.com/
http://www.ampainsoc.org/
Here are a few good pain management sites
http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/pain-management-back-pain
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-pain/AR00017
Here is an interesting article on lower back pain
http://www.drbookspan.com/BackPainArticle.html
Find a good doctor that you trust and let him decide the best treatment and tests. Good luck
About a year ago, the same thing happened to me. I was to the point of crying because I could not get out of bed, and I was only 21 at the time! After trying all the medicines and stretches, this is what it came down to:
1. Constant Heat -NEVER Cold!
(Heating patches in the day, heating pads at night)
2. Constant Ibuprofen for the swelling
(Religiously Every 4 to 6 Hours depending on the dosage)
It took more than a month but the muscle relaxers and pain killers only made me groggy. I also spoke to an RN who suggested to take the ibuprofen religiously because that was the only thing that would make the swelling go away (as well as help with the pain).
However, if you feel the pain is just too much to handle, then definitely ask for the MRI. Go with your Gut.
You have sciatica. I had it, and the radiating pain was excruciating. My doctor put me on a short dose (5 days) of prednisone and within 24 hours, I felt great. You need to see an orthopedist; the ER physicians don’t usually prescribe something like prednisone. The specialist will order an MRI to see exactly where your problem is. Until the pain is gone you should not do stretches or any exercise because you can aggravate the condition. Also, avoid twisting.
ginger tea!
Pain killers may dull the pain but only mask the problem and make you dopey, they do not fix the cause of it. If anti-inflammatories do not work within a few days get the MRI. Cold application is good for pain management and inflammation. Heat application is good for reducing muscle tightness and spasm. You might want to alternate them 15 minutes at a time.
It could be anything anyone has mentioned or you could have a slipped, buldging or erupted disc which is pressing on the sciatic nerve root in the lumbar spine area.
Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Your lower back and hips are out of alignment. The root cause is adrenal fatigue. You can read about it on this site, the one about symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Junk food is the main cause, but any stress will do it. I had this problem for a long time. THe chiro didn’t help, and sometimes made it worse. Then I learned how to adjust myself. and I quite the junk food. Very gentle technique, the book for it is on this site too.
This is a interesting article. Do you know more websites about it.