Back Pain

[RSK]

The first person you should be seeing is your GP, period.

How exactly did you injure it and is a recurring problem? Also age and weight play a significant role here. Is the pain in the lower, mid or upper back?

The last thing you should be doing though is putting it off and get it assessed while the problem is still there. See a GP immediately who should be referring you to get an X-Ray done. This will show any forms of arthritis/spondylosis/scoliosis/degenerative disc diseases etc. If nothing is found there and you're still in pain it's off to have a CAT scan. You may have damaged/pinched a nerve. But unless the correct tests are carried out you're only guessing.

[Azid Rush]

like everyone has pretty much said

SEE YOUR GP

4 years ago I hurt my back and the pain was so severe it started causing me to collapse and couldnt deal with the pain. I went and seen about it and turns out id broken it. I had 4 major stress fractures in my lower spine, one of which was pressing up against a nerve. If I had done any bad movements or had a hit on my back, it could have severed the nerve and id be in a wheelchair.

Your back is not something to mess with at all, can always be mocho as a bloke, but when it comes to your back, go to the doctor ay

[t6xr]

Back pain is pretty horrible, I did my back at work in 2002 and it hasnt been the same since. I first saw the local G.P a few times and proscribed me pain killers, work sent me to their sports physio but still no avail. I went to the physio twice a week and finally saw a back specialist, I had xrays which didnt show much and then had M.R.I scan and found I had a pro lap disc. The specialist told me I had to lay and rest but I found it made it worse, moving around (not too much) was better for me. I had 3 months off work but still getting serious ciatic pain down my left leg due to my nerve getting squashed (pinched) and the worst pain I have ever encounted.

About 2 1/2 years ago I saw a different physio around the corner from home and it was the best thing I have done. He sent me to the gym( paid for by work!!) to strenghen my stomach muscles which in turn helps your back but the best results were by him putting me on a traction machine. It stretches your body slightly and relieves the pressure, the best thing ever. I had that done about half a dozen times- not any taller lol... but much better and havent been since. I still get a little back pain occassionly something you have to deal with when having a old back injury.

My recomendation would be see your:

1/ G.P

2/ Physio ( ask about traction )

3/ keep active

Hope all turns well for you.

Cheers, Rob-T6XR

[Worm]

See your GP dude...

Sometimes being active isn't the best solution, as it depends on what the problem is...

I hurt mine playing squash about 5 years ago. Lived on anti-inflammitories for a while... Kept coming back... I have put on weight since I stopped exercising, because whenever I did exercise my back would flair up again. I ended up just deciding to stop exercising for a while...

Earlier this year, I had an injection in my spine (epidural of steroids) guided by a CT machine... All I can say, is it was f*cking awesome... Felt so much better since... Might start some exercise up again soon.... It will take a while... You need to really look out for what causes the pain... And get in the water, floating around really helps... Whatever you do, dont kick your legs to swim, this puts more pressure on the lower back. Get one of the floaties to put between your legs and just roll your arms over... DO NOT DO breast stroke... Also puts too much stress on the lower back..

Good luck mate. I know how debilitating it can be... I have suffered for years.

Worm

[ZAP]

Like Grungee, I am also a chronic ankylosing spondylitis sufferer, with bad pain for 20 years.

I have seen every type of back specialist and believe that an Osteotherepyst works best for me.

I do not like being cracked too much, so an Osteo is between a Physio and a Chiropractor. They will massage then manipulate if required.

Chiropractors seem to always want to crack you, where Physios seem to want to setup a 6 month plan to milk your wallet.

Always get a second opinion. If you have never had chronic back pain, do not let anyone do anything drastic, like surgery. I am borderline needing surgery, as I have microfractures in my L4/5 that will require fusing. This is a permenant fix, but will result in reduced mobility and potential for complications. I am trying to lose weight before I do any surgery, to see if that helps enough.

I hope you get out of pain as it does suck.

[Grudgee]

sh*t stuff, hey Zap. For those that don't have it, grab all your gripes as mentioned above and stick it in one pretty little package and ta-daaaa. That's ankylosing spondylitis.

Best thing is that it's fairly manageable with daily anti-inflamatory drugs. Miss a few days and it feels like your back is going to seize up though.

[TOM1111]

go see your GP and organise a scan

I had a sore leg and it turned out it was 2 bulged discs which one of them was pinching a nerve

all ive done is heaps of exercise and its way better but still nothing like it was before I did the injury and I doubt it ever will be

I have anti inflamitory drugs but I dont use them

Edited 11/10/08 02:54 AM by TOM1111

[hqracer89]

id go and see a bowen therapist I have has some pain issues with neck back and shoulder and what they do is great. I would with anything check it out your self here is some info.

http://www.bowen.asn.au/bowen-therapy/what-is-bowen-therapy/

http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/mass...Bowen_Technique

[Mike XR6T]

well... bad pain today after 3 days resting so went to the G.P

he perscribed me valium, anti- inflammitaries and panadene forte.

and sent me for x rays and a CT scan.

hopefully the news isnt to bad when I get it tomorrow arvo.

ill be knocked out soon with the drugs, hopefully it dulls the pain

[TOM1111]

just dont be shocked if its bulged discs

if it is just make sure you do all you can to manage the problem (exercises)