Seeking Help for Back Pain

lightrelief.com This thing has saved my life. I could barely walk before I got this. Also, some good stretches and exercise goes a long way! I hope you feel better real soon.

The differential diagnosis of "back pain" is huge. Can you elaborate a little bit. Is it right on the bones of the spine, just to either side of the spine in the muscles? What level (above/below bra line vs low back) Is it on one side versus the other? Describe the pain.. what you were doing when it occurred? What makes the pain better/worse? Have you been lifting your children or heavy objects? Is the pain worse when you touch the area? Does the pain radiate anywhere? The biggest recommendation I can give you right now is to NOT go to a chiropracter until you have it appropriately evaluated by a physician, to ensure you are not dealing with kidney stones, pyelonephritis, pancreatitis, etc.

Mommy MD

I have worked in chiropractic for 13 years and there is nothing else that has helped like it! I have been in four accidents in that time and have completely recovered every time, it has also helped to manage my headaches and pregnancy pains, and shortens any rare sickness I may catch from my kids. Even my kids have been adjusted since birth!

Any good chiropractor will not treat you if they can't or shouldn't, and should be able to explain more to you how chiropractic isn't just for pain, that pain is the very last symptom of an underlying problem which if left untreated will decrease nerve function. Your spine is your lifeline, sending messages to every other part of your body, it's amazing how back pain can be the start of many problems. Get it checked out! I don't know anyone in Burbank but make sure you find someone good!

Massage will help tremendously too, my best friend is a massage therapist, and I don't know how I would survive without it after two kids and all those accidents! I get adjusted once a week and massage every three weeks, and especially weeks when I do both, I am more relaxed than ever!

Just please don't take pain meds to cover it up, it will only mask your problem until one day even that won't work. And I would not work out or do any physical therapy until you rule out any nerve problems, strengthening the musculature aroudn your spine will only aggravate any existing "kinks"!

If you have been physically busier lately, you may have strained a muscle. If it knots up, it needs to be unknotted before you can get relief. The trick is a nice deep tissue massage in that area, using heat is the best. Do this before bed so as not to be waken up. A chiropractor can help with this also. If your spine is out of alinement, it will pull the muscles in the wrong way. Stretch out your spine a few times a day, deep breaths and hold position while blowing out slowly. Also, taking calcium helps to keep the muscles loose. I know all about Knots, believe me! Also, if it is in the same place all the time, use a heat pack on it for 10 min and then an ice pack for 10 min, this gets the tight muscle moving with contractions and relaxing so that it releases the knots. If it is a stabbing sharp pain and not a nagging aching pain, you need to see the chiropractor.

I have had severe back pain due to a car accident that happened in Jan. I went and saw a PT and decided it wasnt for me bacuse he wasnt ocmfortable working with pregnant women. My ob told me though that i could keep going to a massage therapist. It has saved my life. I have found that with in a day after my massage i can bend over and lift without wanting to curl up and die. So is is worth a shot!! Hope you start feeling better.

Chiropractors work wonders, but until you get there, it sounds like a muscle spasm of some sort. If ice doesn't work, put a bunch of uncooked rice in a sock, put it in the microwave for a minute, and then lean on that. The heat helps to relax the muscles, but it won't burn you because it gradually loses heat. Hospitals recommend them for muscle spasms during labor, actually.

Massage is an amazing way to eleviate back pain. Find a therapist in your area at www.cortiva.com, as they are the best. If you feel uncomfortable with massage, accupuncture or chiropractic would be other options.
Having an hour to yourself while someone is taking care of your pain is also so therapuetic!
Massage helped me so much, that I became a LMP.

S. i wish you the best...I have fibromyalgia and have had this horrible pain for ten years now...I have a two and a half year old and a nine month old...I hope the best. I take vicodin and soma (a muscle relaxer) and it is hard as ever!!! I would try to go to a massage person or acupuncturist that does cupping! It is a weird procedure but totally has helped with me in the past with tight muscles.
Let me know if you have questions about it.

M.

Hi S.,
If that pain is just below or at the mid-point of your back where it's at it's greatest curve, I would suggest getting checked for kidney stones, and those need to get taken care of ASAP because they can get so large that they will need to be removed surgically. If it isn't in the same spot each time then I would be cancerned of fibromyalgia, a condition my father has and he will suddenly get a jolt of pain in his body that sticks around for hours at a time, but he has those all over, certain areas are worse than others. My husband and I were having back pains as well but that was taken care of when we replaced our bed, it's one that has memory foam and we love our bed and how well we sleep. I would consider that and maybe more, just until the pain is taken care of.

Chiropractor, and not just any find one that will explain what is going on take exrays( a lot will do these for free if you ask) and set up a plan for you

Hi- have you thought about seeing a doctor, or a bodyworker, like a chiropractor? Are you having any pain or irritation with urination or lower abdominal or back pain? You might want to rule out a kidney infection due to the area that's painful, and that's a simple screening that many healthcare providers could perform. Good luck to you! M., Certified Professional Midwife

Your back is nothing to mess around with! I pulled two ribs a few weeks ago putting my 17 pound infant into the car. I just twisted ever so slightly and the damage was done. I would recommend seeing a chiropractor (and not all chiropractors are equal - but find one you really trust). I saw mine twice in two days and the pain has been gone since. His name is Jerry Miller and is located in Vancouver, WA. His number is ###-###-####.

S., I have had back problems for a very long time. First the being rear ended in a car accident, second a spinal block giving birth, and third everything else that can cause problems. I find having a good bed to sleep on, good shoes and using a stryofoam bolt(three, four foot stryofoam solid tube)stretches my back. You can sometimes find them at stores in the swimming/atheletic department or just at a therapists office. You place them on the ground horizontal or vertical. If you lay down on your back place the bolt under your hips, horizontal with your shoulders. Roll your body back and forth above the bolt. When my hips are above the bolt I lift my legs toward the ceiling, moving and stretching. When my neck is above the bolt I turn my head side to side to place pressure on my neck and head. Another one to stretch the back is to lay the bolt parallel with your spine. It's a little tricky, but lay your spine above the bolt. Roll side to side, lift legs, arms, etc... This sometimes will stretch and as I say, pops my back. I was in physical therapy and I learned all of this. I does me wonders. I'm 36 years old and feel better. Good luck!

Hi S.,
Accupuncturists, massage therapists and chiropractors can all have a positive impact on back pain (I use them all), but you really need to see a doctor to rule out a problem that might require medical treatment.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
K., RN

S.
Are you sure it is your back? Its unusual for your back pain to just go away all of a sudden and then return. I think you should discribe the pain to yuor doctor. I had this type of pain and it turned out to be my gallbladder. Gallbladder pain often shows up in the middle back and will come and go.
L.

Asking for help here is a quick stop on your way to the doctor. Drive, don't walk to your physician and let them know what's happening. Low back pain can be indicative of many things, could be small potatoes or a full meal deal. Get examined so you and your care providers know what you are dealing with so you can make informed decisions on what care you will seek. You've been given a laundry list of ideas for care and treatment. Keep them in mind when you ask your doctor questions about treatment after you know what it is that's causing your pain.

I wish you a speedy recovery!!!

Hi. I periodically have back pain that disrupts my sleep and, frankly, makes me incredibly cranky. It sounds like you most likely are not seeing a doctor (I know many business owners do not carry insurance). I will tell you what I do, though I don't know what will be best for you. I use a heating pad before bed and take ibuprophen (unless you have issues taking this medication). If you have a back spasm or something out of whack, you should see your doctor for something such as vicodin and a muscle relaxer. The combination of a pain reliever and a muscle relaxer relieve the pain quickly. Many people do not like to take vicodin, which is understandable because it can become addictive if you over-use it. There is a new non-narcotic narcotic (sounds wierd, but my doc had me try it) which is called Tramdol that is a good option. This is stuff you should talk about with a doctor, of course, but usually when I use a heating pad, a pain reliever and a muscle relaxer for about 2 days it goes away. Also, when my back was really bad my doctor had me alternate cold packs with heat and the cold packs felt surprisingly good! This advice should not take the place of your doctor's advice, of course. A good pillow and bed also really make a difference. God bless, and I hope you are feeling better soon!

Having suffered with back pain myself, I can totally relate to your pain, and I am so sorry. An ice pack works great, it helps to reduce inflammation, Ibuprofen helps too. I irritated my back just this morning, and immediately got the ice pack (I put it against my back and put my back brace (an elastic strap is really all it is) so I could continue getting ready for church. I also took some Ibuprofen and now it's doing pretty well, I'm still being very careful and will put some ice on it again in a little bit. (It's been about 6hrs since it was "tweaked.") Anyway, ice, ibuprofen & see a doctor, preferably a good chiropractor, mine has a massage therapist on staff too, so between the two, my life has been soooo much better. This is what has worked for me. My prayers are with you.

Dear S.,
Yoga can do wonders. If you can't take a class try a tape or a book that can instruct you.
One of my teachers had severe back pain before she began to study yoga. She said she tried so many things and yoga made all the difference in her life.
Light and Love,
C.

Hi S.,

I too experienced something similar and after talking to those with more knowledge believed it to be my gallbladder. I looked up what to do diet wise and it subsided. I also did a gall bladder cleanse which did work and pass stones. If you want to know how I did that you can email me. But the relief came in just altering my diet initially. Also my husband and I have a home based business helping people with their health with balanced food supplements, many of them patented, that may help. We have been truly amazed at the results people are getting on these products with things I never realized where nutritionally related! You can email me if you want more info on either. We do have a website which is more focused toward our business and rather general. It is spreadinghopefromhome.com and my email is ____@____.com

One word: Chiropractor!

I agree, it could be a strained muscle. I've had strains when I didn't know what had caused it. I've also found that I need a reasonably firm mattress. I've had chronic back pain, bought a new mattress and it went away. Sleeping in an akward position or without adequate back support can strain your back muscles.

Since your pain started at night and you're having difficulty sleeping, I would seriously evaluate the mattress.

Have you suffered any kind of injury? Dealing with any extra stress? I have chronic back pain (thx to a run in w/a drunk driver 5 yrs ago) and what you describe seems a little off to me. I agree w/the others IF you have had no extenuating circumstances and this just hit you out of the blue I think she should see a doctor and get your kidney's and gallbladder checked.

I love my chiropractor she has done amazing work in my healing process and I give equal credit to my accupuncturist. I also found a great topical analgesic that helps me get through the minor aches and pains so I only go to the chiropractor once or twice a month vs. 3 x a week.

C. WAHM to 4 y/o virtual twins

Massage - it is worth the money to have the pain go away.

Back therapy helped me a LOT. I learned how to sit in my neutral position - no matter what I was doing. I learned what I was doing that was stressing my back out - and I learned what exercises to do to get rid of the problem.

I would go to a physician and be examined.

try this cream or gel called Traumeel. You usually can find it at chiropractors offices or natural health stores. Maybe also a good message.

S. I have a bad back also. Have you tried going to a chiropractor? It helps me a great deal. There are many reasons that you back can go out and the cause may not be in the specific spot that is hurting. usually it is a nerve that is being pinched by a vertibra that is not aligned properly and it can be excrutiatingly painful. I get migrane headaches that are caused by my neck going out of alignment. It only takes a 2% reduction of blood flow to create a headache or pain anywhere caused by a blood vessel being pinched even slightly. A couple of years ago I was in a car accident and couldn't funtion with my little kids and the chiropractor helps me literally get my life back. It took almost a year. but well worth it. I very much dissagree with ashley. It definately takes more than 1 or 2 visits to correct the problem. I have an awesome chiroprator on south Hill in puyallup in case you are near by. His name is Jeff Holmes, NW family Chiropractic. He is very good at explaining why the pain happens and the effect it can have on your body. The doctors that say it can be fixed in 1 or 2 visits. I would not trust them to touch me because they obviously don't have a good understanding of the body. most insurances cover chiropractic also. and in between visits, those icy hot patches work great. One more thing...The longer that it is out the longer it will take to get it back into place and be able to keep it there. Good luck, I feel your pain! just curious...are you LDS?

So sorry to hear about your back pain! This is a pretty simple idea, but it helps me, anyway. When my back is hurting, I use one of those heat-up rice bags and lay on it when I am going to sleep. It really does seem to help relax the tense muscles. This will problably not be a cure-all, but it won't hurt, and I prefer to avoid pain medication whenever I can. God bless you! I will pray for you and your poor back.

I have severe Fibromyalgia. Pain all over. I've been drinking XanGo since December 2007 and all pain is gone. You should try it for 3-6 months. All natural.

D. Bernard
____@____.com

Heeey
I can relate to you I hurt my back at work, and had the same symptoms as you...you mite have a herniated disc or blown disc, and you need to go to your dr. and get it checked out ASAP and they will prob refer you to a orthapedic surgeon........hope this helps..........
J.

Are you sure it is back pain? I had really bad back pain without any other symptoms and it turned out to be kidney stones?

Just a thought

A.

First, I agree with MommyMD/Mandi in her response about ruling out some sort of disease process.
Second, I'll tell you that the worst back pain I experienced was during a trip to visit my in-laws (STRESS!!!). Muscles on the right side of my lower back 'seized up' and I could not stand or walk straight. I tried pain relievers, a back brace, and massage before deciding to try the chiropractor. I was pretty skeptical walking in there... but to my surprise he did acupuncture (!?) and in fifteen minutes my horrible pain was gone. There were no multiple adjustments or xrays required.

I hope you recover soon, because living in pain is miserable and gets in the way of everything good.

Massage might help. I do QuickBooks accounting for the Spectrum Center School of Massage in Lake Stevens as well as Accolade Massage in Mountlake Terrace. The school offers discounted massages from the students close to graduation. Accolades takes insurance. Both are very reasonable in price and very good. I do alot of traveling with my own company which involves alot of computer work you know sore shoulders and neck. Massage really works and it feels so good.

C.

Have you gone to a chiropractor? They are such a gift from God! My husband was having severe backpain; we went to a chiropractor and it's gone as long as he does his stretches. My brother broke his back (a minor break) and it healed by the same chiropractor. Also my son is going to a cranial sacrum specialist for his skull plates; he;s been a different baby since. I would highly recommend it!

Hi Sheri,
After looking over all the advice you have gotten I have realized how many mothers are out there who suffer from back pain. It is way to common, and can become a seriouse threat to a persons health. but I just wanted to tell you of my own experience of back pain. It began several months after I had a fender bender, small collision that I didn't think nothing of. I walked away with no pain no concern of my well being or nothing. I worked in childcare at the time, I bend, pull push pick up twist and stretch all day. While playing out side one day I bent over to pick a toy and felt a sharp pain in my back, thinking Im just getting old, I brushed it off as being nothing. Over the next week I continued to have several more sharp pains. I couldnt afford any chiroprator so I just took some pain pills and it went away. Over time it would happen again, fortunatlly for me one of the children I took care of, parent was a physical theripist. After seeing her the pain was gone, I thought I was all better. Years went by and nothing, I began working another job which required physical work. My back began to hurt again. It got so bad this time that I was on my back litterally for a week, I went to a chiroprator and it didnt help thew pain remained. He recommended me getting a MRI done. So I did. When I got the results back I couldn't believe what it said. I have two ruptured disks in my lower back. The problem with the pain though was not just associated where the problem was. It journed down my leg and into my foot. It began with sharp pains, numbness in half my toes and it was all because of the syotic nerve being pushed on in the back. I know continue to have more symptoms, burning feelings in the foot and numbness in the hands. I have to have this fixed or all it will do is get worse. So to end my long out drawn problem. Please dont take your pain as being nothing, the majority of the time pain in the body is telling you there is something wrong and needs to be addressed immediatly. Start with a chiroprator, if it helps great, but remember its only a immediate fix, there is always follow ups and you will have to adjust to new ways of sitting, standing and walking. Sleep with a pillow between your legs and see if that helps relieve the problem. Most people think that just because they feel good today that what they are doing activty wise aint making the problem worse. Becareful of how you strin your body and try not to over do it.
Sincerely
T.

Hi S., try taking a hot bath with Epsom slts. And find a good chiroprator. If you don't have one I have one who is great. His name is Dr. Wes Kuns here in Gresham on Division St.

S.,

I would go see a chiropractor. I was having major back pain too. After a few visits the pain was nearly gone. Wish we had the money for my family to continue going.

Anyway, hope this helps,
Melissa

HI S.-
I can definitely sympathize. I have the same issue right now and it comes and goes. Chiropractor, yoga, strengthening of core muscles. I have had the same thing in my mid back (excacerbated by breastfeeding, doing dishes....anything in front of me, which is EVERYTHING). It knots up and sends out tingles. When I have been adjusted by the chiropractor (look for ones who won't have you coming back for weeks on end....ones who say 1 or 2 visits should take care of it) and then gotten on a yoga or strengthening regimen, it goes away. The adjustment is key....so that you are not strengthening muscles around a misaligned back. Hope this helps. A.

I feel your pain! Literally. I've been dealing with fibromyalgia for 9 years now. That said, I've found that chiropractic adjustments really help work the kinks out.
You might also ask Hubby to work out the knot with his elbow in deep circular motions. That helps so much for relaxing me. Have you tried asking for prayer at church?
I'm a Christian as well and fully believe in the power of prayer. My pain would just drive me crazy if not for the grace of God. Peace to you...

i had terrible pain in my back, neck, hips and feet, and i had a sort of Vertigo and terrible headaches. i tried everything! but Dr. Chad Abramson, in Everett right across from the Costco, helped me on my first visit. Within the first hour after seeing him, i could move my head from side to side, walk better, and the knot in my upper back was gone! Foolishly i cleaned the whole house! but was so excited that i could do that!
he is a Chiropractor, NUCCA (upper cervical) but there is no bone cracking, he hardly touches you! it's all very science based. very gentle.
He is wonderful, a very devout Christian that recently went on a Mission to Thailand (i believe i have that right), is kind, gentle, and doesn't ask you to come back multiple times. i've seen him only every 2-3 weeks. The visits rarely take more than 15 minutes. I felt better right away and in the last couple months my symptoms have almost completely gone away!
try him!
good luck.