Back problems

[Ki3r]

Afternoon PH.

I'm after a bit of advice, since Monday ive been having terrible back pain. I'm currently off work due to it (delivery driver).

I'm dosed up on painkillers and using a ice pack on it. Is there anything else I could be doing?

The only time it doesn't hurt is when I'm either laying down on my stomach or with the ice pack.

I think it was caused when working as a Special Constable. An arrest went a bit wrong ten or so days ago and we ended up on the floor. I landed quite hard on my knee, few cuts and bruises as was expected. Few days later I had a few problems with my back, nothing major just annoying. I just put it down to aching and heavy lifting at work.

Come to Monday and I can't walk, it has taken me 20 minutes to put boxers and jeans on.

Since Monday ive been sat on the sofa or on my bed watching crap on TV.

I don't want to go to the doctors if they are just going to say carry on what I'm doing (it's a pain getting an appointment for one!).

Thanks for any advice .

[Ki3r]

I may possibly be able to get physico through the Police, going to look into it a bit more.

Thing I'm struggling with mostly is not being able to do anything . I

[Martin_M]

Longer term, there are loads of back stretches and the like that can be done using a gym ball. My wife swears by hers for this very thing - she slipped a disc as a teenager believe it or not.

Former SC here - thankfully, I was never seriously injured on duty - hope you make a full recovery asap.

[Ki3r]

Martin_M said:

Longer term, there are loads of back stretches and the like that can be done using a gym ball. My wife swears by hers for this very thing - she slipped a disc as a teenager believe it or not.

Former SC here - thankfully, I was never seriously injured on duty - hope you make a full recovery asap.

Soon as my back is better I'm going to look into back excercises as losing a bit of weight anyway .

Thanks . At the time I came off ok, friend ended up with a black eye, I just had a cut knee.

Also getting hassle from work (day job). It's clear as day they think I'm lying. Doesn't help that my manager doesn't like me being a Special, so this isn't going to go down well lol.

[Zad]

Ring the GP. If they are like ours they will have a triage nurse who will be able to advise. A few weeks ago a relative of mine simple stepped off a kerb and jarred his spine as he landed on the road. Hey presto, one bruised and swollen vertebra disc, and a sciatic nerve playing up something horrible. It took a few days to fully manifest itself though, and within a week he was hardly able to even crawl. The triage nurse gave some initial advice, but got the GP to ring and do a phone consultation. Having prescription painkillers and (more importantly) anti-inflammatories helped considerably.

Given where the injury was done, it is worth phoning occupational health and getting the force doctor's opinion. Again it needn't be face to face initially.

[Martin_M]

Ki3r said:

Martin_M said:

Longer term, there are loads of back stretches and the like that can be done using a gym ball. My wife swears by hers for this very thing - she slipped a disc as a teenager believe it or not.

Former SC here - thankfully, I was never seriously injured on duty - hope you make a full recovery asap.

Soon as my back is better I'm going to look into back excercises as losing a bit of weight anyway .

Thanks . At the time I came off ok, friend ended up with a black eye, I just had a cut knee.

Also getting hassle from work (day job). It's clear as day they think I'm lying. Doesn't help that my manager doesn't like me being a Special, so this isn't going to go down well lol.

Does your SC role interfere with your work as such? IMO it really helps if you have the support of your employer as it's a tough sideline isn't it!

[gifdy]

Ki3r said:

Martin_M said:

Longer term, there are loads of back stretches and the like that can be done using a gym ball. My wife swears by hers for this very thing - she slipped a disc as a teenager believe it or not.

Former SC here - thankfully, I was never seriously injured on duty - hope you make a full recovery asap.

Soon as my back is better I'm going to look into back excercises as losing a bit of weight anyway .

Thanks . At the time I came off ok, friend ended up with a black eye, I just had a cut knee.

Also getting hassle from work (day job). It's clear as day they think I'm lying. Doesn't help that my manager doesn't like me being a Special, so this isn't going to go down well lol.

As long as there is nothing structurally wrong like a burst disc - I'd recommend this :
http://www.hayhouse.com/back-rx

It transformed my chronic back condition, so much so that I'm now considering a triathlon which would have been laughable a few years ago. I've recommended this before and will continue doing so as it's made such a difference.

[Ki3r]

Zad said:

Ring the GP. If they are like ours they will have a triage nurse who will be able to advise. A few weeks ago a relative of mine simple stepped off a kerb and jarred his spine as he landed on the road. Hey presto, one bruised and swollen vertebra disc, and a sciatic nerve playing up something horrible. It took a few days to fully manifest itself though, and within a week he was hardly able to even crawl. The triage nurse gave some initial advice, but got the GP to ring and do a phone consultation. Having prescription painkillers and (more importantly) anti-inflammatories helped considerably.

Given where the injury was done, it is worth phoning occupational health and getting the force doctor's opinion. Again it needn't be face to face initially.

Thing is I can't prove where it happened. The arrest happened two weeks ago tomorrow, my back really went on the Monday just gone, and work has been manic lately.

Martin_M said:

Does your SC role interfere with your work as such? IMO it really helps if you have the support of your employer as it's a tough sideline isn't it!

It interferes in the way I won't do overtime because I'm going on duty, but that's also to do with when I do overtime I don't feel that it's appreciated. I don't do it for the money, I do it to help. I would rather spend my free time doing something where it's appreciated and I enjoy.

My manager doesn't like the fact I can be called to court. I give them as much notice as possible (I get the email and let them know straight away, got a date next month and let them know last month). He once said that I wasn't allowed to go as he didn't arrange cover...

So yeah, don't have the support at all.

[Waynester]

Hmm..familiar story. I ruptered 2 lumbar discs 15 years ago when I was a PC in Hampshire. Another intense arrest situation involving 6 inebriated 'gentlemen' I was jumped from behind whilst arresting one guy..and long story short ended up having to have my L5/S1 fused and an ADR at L4/5. It ended my career, and I'm now retired because of it.

Hopefully you have not injured your back anywhere close to this, but as others have said, see an expert..start with your GP and he/she will organise a referral if required. Rotation of hot/cold packs can help, as will an anti inflammatory.

[Ki3r]

Popped down to the doctors today, possible ligament damage. Been signed off for another week. I am so bored .

If it's not better by middle of next week I'll pop back and discuss physico.

[Martin_M]

Ki3r said:

Popped down to the doctors today, possible ligament damage. Been signed off for another week. I am so bored .

If it's not better by middle of next week I'll pop back and discuss physico.

At least you have a diagnosis. That's not great re. your employer although I'd like to have seen how his refusal to let you attend court panned out had it got that far. Best of luck re. the back!

[Ki3r]

Martin_M said:

At least you have a diagnosis. That's not great re. your employer although I'd like to have seen how his refusal to let you attend court panned out had it got that far. Best of luck re. the back!

Yeah .

Sadly I'm used to it from him, thankfully I have a interview shortly. Handed the doctors note in today, nothing about asking how I am, just huffing and puffing as he photocopied it. Feel really valued lol.

[Ki3r]

Monday morning was the first day that I felt things were improving. I managed to walk without it looking like I've crapped myself!

It still hurts to sit for long periods of time or to walk for a long time.

What are people's opinions on when to go back to work? Clearly as I'm a delivery driver I need to be able to lift things easily, at the moment that isn't possible (it still hurts to put socks on).

I don't want to rush back and risk further injury.

I work in a supermarket and work may try and put me on another department. However, I can't think what would be suitable. Checkouts involves lifting and twisting awkwardly, and can't put stick out for the same reason.

I'll try and get another doctors appointment either tomorrow or Thursday.

[Red 4]

Ki3r said:

What are people's opinions on when to go back to work? Clearly as I'm a delivery driver I need to be able to lift things easily, at the moment that isn't possible (it still hurts to put socks on).

I don't want to rush back and risk further injury.

There's your answer.

You said your G.P. thinks it might be ligament damage, did he say ligament damage to a specific part of your back ?

Spines are complex structures and ligament supports the joints - could be a facet joint problem which would affect walking, sitting and twisting - or could be any number of things.

Hopefully it will just be a simple back strain but, in my experience, it's best not to aggravate things.

[Ki3r]

Well I'm pleased to say that my back is back to normal . Thursday was the first time it didn't hurt putting my socks on.

Back to work on Sunday and I can't wait.

Then got a week off that I booked as holiday...least I'll be able to do stuff this time!