Bad Back - is this normal?
Discussion
Over the last week I have deleted quite bad lower back pain, i can't remember doing anything in particular that has cause it.
Its a bit off in that it causes me quite severe pain and i sit down, stand up, bend down, move in bed etc however this morning i thought i would try and go for a run. I did about 4.5 hilly miles and it didn't really cause me any pain at all until the point one of my laces came loose and i bent over to fasten it then agony.
As i sit now on the sofa i get a shooting pain when i move my feet!
Now is it worth going to the doc's about or should i just see how it goes?
I have acquired some naproxen which i believe is good for back pain, it doesn't really seem to have made any difference at all.
Its a bit off in that it causes me quite severe pain and i sit down, stand up, bend down, move in bed etc however this morning i thought i would try and go for a run. I did about 4.5 hilly miles and it didn't really cause me any pain at all until the point one of my laces came loose and i bent over to fasten it then agony.
As i sit now on the sofa i get a shooting pain when i move my feet!
Now is it worth going to the doc's about or should i just see how it goes?
I have acquired some naproxen which i believe is good for back pain, it doesn't really seem to have made any difference at all.
I had a Bad back a few months ago, the only cause I could find/think of was a long drive (500+miles in 2 days) - I found that I could still ride my bike, sit at my desk, drive etc with no pain, it was at the point I had to stand up it was painful to straighten.
I went to the doctors and was told to see how it goes for a few weeks, it improved so I've not been back - I do occasionally get a stiff back when straightening if I lay down on the bed for a few minutes then get up - It doesn't happen first thing in the morning though after sleep.
I'm going to start some daily stretches etc to see if that helps.
I went to the doctors and was told to see how it goes for a few weeks, it improved so I've not been back - I do occasionally get a stiff back when straightening if I lay down on the bed for a few minutes then get up - It doesn't happen first thing in the morning though after sleep.
I'm going to start some daily stretches etc to see if that helps.
I had a bad back a while ago which was fixed with anti-inflammatory tablets. One morning I woke up and found it painful to sit down, bend down, lie down, etc.. After a week it wasn't getting any better so I had a telephone appointment with the doctor who prescribed the tablets and after a couple of days using those I was back to normal. Never did work out what caused it but it was blooming painful. Not looking forward to getting old if that's what they have to put up with!
ED209 said:
i have been for a swim this afternoon as well, no problem when swimming. As soon as i walk from the leisure centre and try to sit in the car then the pain is there again.
If you mean getting in and out of the VX220 then I know what you mean .
Seriously, go to see a physio, helped me a lot.
Long-time back sufferer here, in my teens I had siacta and several visits to a Chiropractor made no difference. IMO they are a waste of money.
In 2013 I burst a disc in my back, man that was painful. Went to the doctor and she sent me for an MRI then referred me to a specialist. He operated and removed the congealed fluid that was pressing up against my spinal cord. Went from sleeping 1-2 hours a night over a month (pre-op) to waking up from the operation with zero pain. Up there with the best moments of my life, to be able to stand up and walk to the bathroom, return to the bed, get in and sleep was a near tear experience.
8-9 weeks ago I did it again, burst the same disc again and went for another MRI. This time it’s not nearly as sore, thankfully. I’ve decided to go to an osteopath as several people have recommended one. After one visit I have less pain overall. The Numbness in my leg and foot is still there but far less. The shooting pain 10 seconds after standing up and while turning over in bed is all but gone. He realigned my pelvis (apparently), explained to me that our bodies are like the wheels of a car, over time they go out of alignment and need putting straight again. Makes sense I suppose.
Either way, I’d be looking for an MRI to find out what is actually going on in there; the back is a complex thing.
Oh and a few things I’ve picked up over the years: if you carry your wallet in your rear pocket, move it and it’s stopping you from sitting flat. We all know the bend the knees not the back thing, but did you also know you should keep your head vertical too and not look down at the load? I didn’t until recently. Also, the back is very flexible at lifting and moving back and forth but it doesn’t like twisting so move your feet more and avoid twisting.
Sorry for the preaching but as a sufferer I do tend to try and help others look after their backs.
In 2013 I burst a disc in my back, man that was painful. Went to the doctor and she sent me for an MRI then referred me to a specialist. He operated and removed the congealed fluid that was pressing up against my spinal cord. Went from sleeping 1-2 hours a night over a month (pre-op) to waking up from the operation with zero pain. Up there with the best moments of my life, to be able to stand up and walk to the bathroom, return to the bed, get in and sleep was a near tear experience.
8-9 weeks ago I did it again, burst the same disc again and went for another MRI. This time it’s not nearly as sore, thankfully. I’ve decided to go to an osteopath as several people have recommended one. After one visit I have less pain overall. The Numbness in my leg and foot is still there but far less. The shooting pain 10 seconds after standing up and while turning over in bed is all but gone. He realigned my pelvis (apparently), explained to me that our bodies are like the wheels of a car, over time they go out of alignment and need putting straight again. Makes sense I suppose.
Either way, I’d be looking for an MRI to find out what is actually going on in there; the back is a complex thing.
Oh and a few things I’ve picked up over the years: if you carry your wallet in your rear pocket, move it and it’s stopping you from sitting flat. We all know the bend the knees not the back thing, but did you also know you should keep your head vertical too and not look down at the load? I didn’t until recently. Also, the back is very flexible at lifting and moving back and forth but it doesn’t like twisting so move your feet more and avoid twisting.
Sorry for the preaching but as a sufferer I do tend to try and help others look after their backs.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Spot on about the understanding bit. I remember ringing my manager on the Monday to say I wasn't going to be coming to work. I could hear the disbelief in his voice. You could also hear the horror and almost hear the appology in his voice when I told him about the surgery.To be honest it's been bad for probably 20 years. There's no one defining moment that I can pin point, myself and the specialist agreed it was probably something I did and didn't notice at the time but got worse as time went on.
When disc leaks and the body is able to absorb the congealed fluid. Three years ago it the pain must have been from a bigger leak.
I’m just lazy in general, posture is possibly my best bit as I’m so aware of its importance. I never played sport and the specialist commented on how good the condition the rest of my was was in, I just have the one dodgy bugger.
I've had back issues for over 20 years. I've always put it down to carrying too heavy a bag on my news paper round when I was a teenager. I live a normal life until I pick something up at an angle or set the car seat in a new car wrong. Then I'm unable to function. 4 weeks ago I helped my son on the monkey bars and then next day I couldn't move. It's not just pain it's total restriction of movement. After 4 weeks I'm still in incredible pain. Yesterday I did too much so I have paid the price today. Not helped by having to fly out for work so I'm in a hotel bed tonight. Another possible trigger. I just need to spend a few days in bed not moving but I have a new job and have to travel.
I have previously gone to chiropractors. For me they are a waste of time. My back needs drugs to relax and then rest.
I have previously gone to chiropractors. For me they are a waste of time. My back needs drugs to relax and then rest.
bucks said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Spot on about the understanding bit. I remember ringing my manager on the Monday to say I wasn't going to be coming to work. I could hear the disbelief in his voice. You could also hear the horror and almost hear the appology in his voice when I told him about the surgery.To be honest it's been bad for probably 20 years. There's no one defining moment that I can pin point, myself and the specialist agreed it was probably something I did and didn't notice at the time but got worse as time went on.
When disc leaks and the body is able to absorb the congealed fluid. Three years ago it the pain must have been from a bigger leak.
I’m just lazy in general, posture is possibly my best bit as I’m so aware of its importance. I never played sport and the specialist commented on how good the condition the rest of my was was in, I just have the one dodgy bugger.
The outer 'ring' of an intervertebral disc is called the annulus fibrosus and the core bit is called the nucleus pulposus. The 'ring' is a tough, fibrous structure and when it lets go, it doesn't slip anywhere, it splits or bursts.
The inner core is a jelly - like substance, with a high water content. It is this, when set free by a burst, that puts pressure on the affected nerve(s), often the sciatic...the biggest nerve you have. Unfortunately, the contents of the nucleus can abrade the nerve surface physically. The material is also chemically toxic to the nerve 's myelin sheath and can induce further inflammation as a result.
I think it also helps to know what surgeons sometimes call a microdiscectomy - the op in which the nucleus material is removed. They call it the 'jelly doughnut operation'.
I've had two microdiscectomies, the second including a laminotomy (taking bone away to give the sciatic nerve more room) and dissection of scar tissue. Op 3 was the implanting of the spinal cord stimulator. Op 4 saw the addition of another electrode from the stimulator. The first electrode was one vertebra too high so the effect missed the painful area. Electrode no.1 is still there inside my spine but is disconnected.
I wound up with 'failed back surgery syndrome' and must use a stick. At least I no longer need to live on heavy duty painkillers.
Edited by davhill on Monday 18th April 03:29
davhill said:
A little bit of medical terminology might make things clearer when talking about discs. I should know; after four disc ops and implanting of a neuro stimulator ... kind of an internal TENS machine.
The outer 'ring' of an intervertebral disc is called the annulus fibrosus and the core bit is called the nucleus pulposus. The 'ring' is a tough, fibrous structure and when it lets go, it doesn't slip anywhere, it splits or bursts.
The inner core is a jelly - like substance, with a high water content. It is this, when set free by a burst, that puts pressure on the affected nerve(s), often the sciatic...the biggest nerve you have. Unfortunately, the contents of the nucleus can abrade the nerve surface physically. The material is also chemically toxic to the nerve 's myelin sheath and can induce further inflammation as a result.
I think it also helps to know what surgeons sometimes call a microdiscectomy - the op in which the nucleus material is removed. They call it the 'jelly doughnut operation'.
I've had two microdiscectomies, the second including a laminotomy (taking bone away to give the sciatic nerve more room) and dissection of scar tissue. Op 3 was the implanting of the spinal cord stimulator. Op 4 saw the addition of another electrode from the stimulator. The first electrode was one vertebra too high so the effect missed the painful area. Electrode no.1 is still there inside my spine but is disconnected.
I wound up with 'failed back surgery syndrome' and must use a stick. At least I no longer need to live on heavy duty painkillers.
Holy sheet davhill, that sounds horrible but as you say the stick is the payoff. To be honest, on my worst days I'd have happily swapped the pain for a stick. The outer 'ring' of an intervertebral disc is called the annulus fibrosus and the core bit is called the nucleus pulposus. The 'ring' is a tough, fibrous structure and when it lets go, it doesn't slip anywhere, it splits or bursts.
The inner core is a jelly - like substance, with a high water content. It is this, when set free by a burst, that puts pressure on the affected nerve(s), often the sciatic...the biggest nerve you have. Unfortunately, the contents of the nucleus can abrade the nerve surface physically. The material is also chemically toxic to the nerve 's myelin sheath and can induce further inflammation as a result.
I think it also helps to know what surgeons sometimes call a microdiscectomy - the op in which the nucleus material is removed. They call it the 'jelly doughnut operation'.
I've had two microdiscectomies, the second including a laminotomy (taking bone away to give the sciatic nerve more room) and dissection of scar tissue. Op 3 was the implanting of the spinal cord stimulator. Op 4 saw the addition of another electrode from the stimulator. The first electrode was one vertebra too high so the effect missed the painful area. Electrode no.1 is still there inside my spine but is disconnected.
I wound up with 'failed back surgery syndrome' and must use a stick. At least I no longer need to live on heavy duty painkillers.
Edited by davhill on Monday 18th April 03:29
jbudgie said:
ED209 said:
i have been for a swim this afternoon as well, no problem when swimming. As soon as i walk from the leisure centre and try to sit in the car then the pain is there again.
If you mean getting in and out of the VX220 then I know what you mean .Seriously, go to see a physio, helped me a lot.
Its odd, pain is still niggling me now but its worse when I'm not moving around, if i sit for a while it starts to hurt and for a bit when i get up. If i go for a run etc then it doesn't really bother me.
I should have probably have taken a few days off work last week due to the pain but I have a situation ongoing at the moment at work which would mean they would think i had gone in the huff and was taking the mick even if my sickness was genuine. The odd shaped desk i work at and the totally crappy chairs probably don't help the issue though.
As i type its snuggling me now, i haven't taken any pain relief for about 3 days though now.
Edited by ED209 on Monday 18th April 08:23
ED209 said:
jbudgie said:
ED209 said:
i have been for a swim this afternoon as well, no problem when swimming. As soon as i walk from the leisure centre and try to sit in the car then the pain is there again.
If you mean getting in and out of the VX220 then I know what you mean .Seriously, go to see a physio, helped me a lot.
Its odd, pain is still niggling me now but its worse when I'm not moving around, if i sit for a while it starts to hurt and for a bit when i get up. If i go for a run etc then it doesn't really bother me.
I should have probably have taken a few days off work last week due to the pain but I have a situation ongoing at the moment at work which would mean they would think i had gone in the huff and was taking the mick even if my sickness was genuine. The odd shaped desk i work at and the totally crappy chairs probably don't help the issue though.
As i type its snuggling me now, i haven't taken any pain relief for about 3 days though now.
Edited by ED209 on Monday 18th April 08:23
bucks said:
I assume there isn't much you can do about the chair but make sure you get up and walk/stretch at least once an hour.
I do this probably more than once an hour, sometimes its to deal with an outbreak of violence which definitely gives me a stretch.Back has been bugging me all day however just ran 2.5 miles to the pool, swam 1250 metres and ran back - didn't bother me at all!
Usual thing: if it's new, get it checked. Doesn't really matter where you start with the checking as long as they have an actual medical qualification of some kind - physio, GP, nurse practitioner are the people who have the knowledge to identify anything properly worrying and refer you on to whoever might be able to help if that is thought appropriate.
I wouldn't let anyone 'manipulate' your back in any way before you have seen someone medical who can confirm that doing so wouldn't risk making things a thousand times worse. Non-hands on stuff like alexander technique and other posture-focussed things, and anything that focuses on gently strengtheing core likely to help, but not necessarily cure.
I wouldn't let anyone 'manipulate' your back in any way before you have seen someone medical who can confirm that doing so wouldn't risk making things a thousand times worse. Non-hands on stuff like alexander technique and other posture-focussed things, and anything that focuses on gently strengtheing core likely to help, but not necessarily cure.
bucks said:
davhill said:
A little bit of medical terminology might make things clearer when talking about discs. I should know; after four disc ops and implanting of a neuro stimulator ... kind of an internal TENS machine.
The outer 'ring' of an intervertebral disc is called the annulus fibrosus and the core bit is called the nucleus pulposus. The 'ring' is a tough, fibrous structure and when it lets go, it doesn't slip anywhere, it splits or bursts.
The inner core is a jelly - like substance, with a high water content. It is this, when set free by a burst, that puts pressure on the affected nerve(s), often the sciatic...the biggest nerve you have. Unfortunately, the contents of the nucleus can abrade the nerve surface physically. The material is also chemically toxic to the nerve 's myelin sheath and can induce further inflammation as a result.
I think it also helps to know what surgeons sometimes call a microdiscectomy - the op in which the nucleus material is removed. They call it the 'jelly doughnut operation'.
I've had two microdiscectomies, the second including a laminotomy (taking bone away to give the sciatic nerve more room) and dissection of scar tissue. Op 3 was the implanting of the spinal cord stimulator. Op 4 saw the addition of another electrode from the stimulator. The first electrode was one vertebra too high so the effect missed the painful area. Electrode no.1 is still there inside my spine but is disconnected.
I wound up with 'failed back surgery syndrome' and must use a stick. At least I no longer need to live on heavy duty painkillers.
Holy sheet davhill, that sounds horrible but as you say the stick is the payoff. To be honest, on my worst days I'd have happily swapped the pain for a stick. The outer 'ring' of an intervertebral disc is called the annulus fibrosus and the core bit is called the nucleus pulposus. The 'ring' is a tough, fibrous structure and when it lets go, it doesn't slip anywhere, it splits or bursts.
The inner core is a jelly - like substance, with a high water content. It is this, when set free by a burst, that puts pressure on the affected nerve(s), often the sciatic...the biggest nerve you have. Unfortunately, the contents of the nucleus can abrade the nerve surface physically. The material is also chemically toxic to the nerve 's myelin sheath and can induce further inflammation as a result.
I think it also helps to know what surgeons sometimes call a microdiscectomy - the op in which the nucleus material is removed. They call it the 'jelly doughnut operation'.
I've had two microdiscectomies, the second including a laminotomy (taking bone away to give the sciatic nerve more room) and dissection of scar tissue. Op 3 was the implanting of the spinal cord stimulator. Op 4 saw the addition of another electrode from the stimulator. The first electrode was one vertebra too high so the effect missed the painful area. Electrode no.1 is still there inside my spine but is disconnected.
I wound up with 'failed back surgery syndrome' and must use a stick. At least I no longer need to live on heavy duty painkillers.
Edited by davhill on Monday 18th April 03:29
On the upside, the electronic neurostimulator does help, which it ought to...it was £13K's worth, with two leads at £1K apiece. I recharge it using a special belt. For a laugh, I can trigger shop and ferry terminal alarms at will, simply by passing by them at the right distance. No more MRIs for me though. I'm leaving myself to medical science but as a plus, I have scrap value!
Edited by davhill on Tuesday 19th April 14:54
davhill said:
I was content to swap the outcome, stick included, for no longer having to suffer the side effects of the painkillers...ztruggled to cope with them.
On the upside, the electronic neurostimulator does help, which it ought to...it was £13K's worth, with two leads at £1K apiece. I recharge it using a special belt. For a laugh, I can trigger shop and ferry terminal alarms at will, simply by passing by them at the right distance. No more MRIs for me though. I'm leaving myself to medical science but as a plus, I have scrap value!
I'd bet longer term use of pain killers is hard going alright. I was on all sorts a few years back but only for a short period of time. Was glad to see the back of them to be honest. Upset stomach was the least of the issues.On the upside, the electronic neurostimulator does help, which it ought to...it was £13K's worth, with two leads at £1K apiece. I recharge it using a special belt. For a laugh, I can trigger shop and ferry terminal alarms at will, simply by passing by them at the right distance. No more MRIs for me though. I'm leaving myself to medical science but as a plus, I have scrap value!
Edited by davhill on Tuesday 19th April 14:54
£13k, wow.
Only good thing about an MRI is the ability to talk to others that have had an MRI and discuss just how horrid having one is...
The running/swimming/cycling is probably helping relax muscles that have gone into spasm and might also be improving your posture during the time you're exercising. The "back becoming painful after exercise" thing can be caused by slumping in a chair when you're feeling knackered; you let your posture go and make it easier for the disc to prolapse further.
OP if you're getting referred pain in your legs or feet, get yourself to a doctor. No mucking about. That pain is being caused by a nerve being pinched in your spine and you need to get that checked out. If you don't and it gets worse and the nerve ends up permanently damaged there's a risk you'll end up with wonderful life enhancing effects like paralysis and incontinence. You'd kick yourself (except you might not be able to) if things got worse through neglect.
And you'd also be daft to keep suffering pain and inconvenience when a physio might be able to teach you a few stretches that bring near instant relief and also speed recovery hugely. Took me ten years of suffering on and off before I finally saw a physio, pillock that I am. I'm now able to largely avoid recurrences since I know exactly what movements cause the problem, and when I do get twinges and stiffness I can deal with it quickly and stop it getting any worse.
Were I you, I'd see a GP straight away and ask for a referral to a physio unless the GP thinks you need to see a specialist or get scanned. If GP "go home, rest and take pain killers" go see a physio off your own bat.
OP if you're getting referred pain in your legs or feet, get yourself to a doctor. No mucking about. That pain is being caused by a nerve being pinched in your spine and you need to get that checked out. If you don't and it gets worse and the nerve ends up permanently damaged there's a risk you'll end up with wonderful life enhancing effects like paralysis and incontinence. You'd kick yourself (except you might not be able to) if things got worse through neglect.
And you'd also be daft to keep suffering pain and inconvenience when a physio might be able to teach you a few stretches that bring near instant relief and also speed recovery hugely. Took me ten years of suffering on and off before I finally saw a physio, pillock that I am. I'm now able to largely avoid recurrences since I know exactly what movements cause the problem, and when I do get twinges and stiffness I can deal with it quickly and stop it getting any worse.
Were I you, I'd see a GP straight away and ask for a referral to a physio unless the GP thinks you need to see a specialist or get scanned. If GP "go home, rest and take pain killers" go see a physio off your own bat.
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