Bad Back

[Moscow Mule]

No, I think I'm still reasonably symmetrical about the vertical axis

I'm just waiting for the ibuprofen (400mg) to kick in...

If you've eaten, you can take 800mg of Ibuprofen every 4 hours or so without causing massive amounts of damage.

Wouldn't do it for more than a couple of days though.

You'd be surprised how un-symmetrical you can be. Mrs MM thought she had one leg longer than the other for years until she went to an osteopath who righted her hips, et voila, even length legs...

[Gibbon]

No, I think I'm still reasonably symmetrical about the vertical axis

I'm just waiting for the ibuprofen (400mg) to kick in...

I'm not trying to poke fun, I've suffered this many times and the situation you described is a classic lower spinal compression type injury.

We weren't designed to sit down and put all our body weight (ok not legs) on the lower few spinal joints. When sat for a long time these become compressed and the muscles holding them straight become stressed for want of a better word. Anyway, when stressed and then a sharp jolt like sneezing is applied they go into a spasm usually on one side hence the twisting.

For me two things work, one is the chiropractor who will stretch the affected side out.

The sounds well dodgy, hot shower on the back, hold the shower rail/door frame with your arm from the non affected side, hold not pull. With your other arm on your hip try to push it back straight. Yes you will look more gay than Stephen Fry impersonationg Quetin Crisp but it does work. Once straightened keep stretching to keep it straight.

[cojak]

No, I think I'm still reasonably symmetrical about the vertical axis

I'm just waiting for the ibuprofen (400mg) to kick in...

When my neck seized up the nice nurse at NHS direct recommended 1 tablet of ibuprofen and 1 tablet of co codamol.

That sorted me out..

[NickFitz]

I'm not trying to poke fun, I've suffered this many times and the situation you described is a classic lower spinal compression type injury.

We weren't designed to sit down and put all our body weight (ok not legs) on the lower few spinal joints. When sat for a long time these become compressed and the muscles holding them straight become stressed for want of a better word. Anyway, when stressed and then a sharp jolt like sneezing is applied they go into a spasm usually on one side hence the twisting.

For me two things work, one is the chiropractor who will stretch the affected side out.

The sounds well dodgy, hot shower on the back, hold the shower rail/door frame with your arm from the non affected side, hold not pull. With your other arm on your hip try to push it back straight. Yes you will look more gay than Stephen Fry impersonationg Quetin Crisp but it does work. Once straightened keep stretching to keep it straight.

Interesting - now I come to think of it, the pain seems evenly distributed across the muscles of the lower back, but it's definitely slightly easier putting my left shoe on, suggesting that it's concentrated more on one side. I'll have to experiment with it

[Churchill]

Interesting - now I come to think of it, the pain seems evenly distributed across the muscles of the lower back, but it's definitely slightly easier putting my left shoe on, suggesting that it's concentrated more on one side. I'll have to experiment with it

Well, it's your back!

Personally I'd go and see a physio - well I wouldn't but you know what I mean.

[Paddy]

Try a Thai massage, a good strong massage will relax you muscles, even if it doesn’t stop the pain straight away; it will take you mind of the pain for the final five minuets.

[Clippy]

From someone who has had a bad back for several years, the first few of which were spent shuffling between my GP and an NHS physio, I strongly recommend finding a good local private physio.

In my circumstances where the pain was being referred into my knees, when I found one, within half an hour of my first session which was spent discussing my symptoms she knew exactly where the pain was emanating from and hence recommended treatment and appropriate aftercare.

Cost is £42 for half an hours treatment.

[Pogle]

When my back aches, I stop wearing heels for a few days and it soon gets better again.

[DimPrawn]

When my back aches, I stop wearing heels for a few days and it soon gets better again.

Me too.



Oops, did I say that outloud.

[norrahe]

Make sure to take Ibuprofen regularly (as per the pack) while the pain and stiffness is still a problem.

Go to your doc and get referred to a physio (osteopaths as pointed out will give you a quick fix but not long term).

Ensure that said doc does not do what GPs normally do and pack you off with some horrendously strong painkillers.


I'd recommend pilates classes as well.