back pain

[alphachiohmy]

My back and leg muscles have been aching for the last few days. I have exhausted any possible means for why they are this way meaning I have ruled out the usual culprits. The only thing I can think off is sleeping wrong a couple of nights ago, but the pain is everywhere. I know, I know I should go see a docter if its that bad, but I am just wondering if anyone has any advice.

I could use a massage, but am low on dough.

[Miami1839]

Your not alone. I've been having back pain too. Anyways, my advice is to see a doctor.(if it really bothers you and conflicts with your daily routine) Usually what happens is he/she will take some xrays and give you pain meds/muscle relaxers. If nothing comes up on the xray and its just strained muscles. Which is what my case was. Then he'll give you stretches to do with medicine. If that doesnt do the trick then usually physical therapy is an option. Right now I'm doing the stretches and Physical Therapy. Try icing the area or heat and see if that makes a difference.

[amycat412]

CHIROPRACTOR PEOPLE! GO GO GO. He helped me immensely!

[Lil_G]

You're probably just having back spasms, I get them a lot. They're usually just caused by stress and an excess of physical activity. Sleeping in a bad position for a couple nights can make them worse too, chiropractor sounds good - he/she might also mention to take it easy for a bit to give your muscles time to rest.

[canadajen]

Having been in two car accidents, I've definitely had my share of back pain. The advice everyone has already shared has been really good, especially seeking out help from a chiropractor.

In addition, might I suggest some stretching as well. While there are probably a zillion different stretches, the ones that I've found to work the best at alleviating back pain include ...

1) putting your hands on your hips, your legs shoulder-width apart, and then gently leaning backwards & pushing your hips forward. Perform this stretch in a controlled manner & hold for 15 seconds & then return to the starting position. Repeat 2-3X

2) with legs shoulder-width apart & arms relaxed by your sides, slowly lean forward, letting your arms fall in front of you. Continue to lean forward & towards the ground until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your back. Your legs should be straight but your knees should not be locked. Hold this position for 15 seconds and then slowly rotate your hips & bring yourself back to the starting position. Repeat 2-3X.

3) with your arms out & parallel to your shoulders (using a long think object such as a broomstick if possible) & legs shoulder-length apart, gently twist your body to one side without move your legs or hips (keep them facing forward & still if possible). Twist in one direction until you feel a gentle stretch in your back. When you do, hold it for about 10 seconds and then gradually twist in the other direction until you again feel that gentle stretch in your back. Slowly return to the middle & then repeat 3X.

I hope that these help you!!

AlphaChiohmy, might I also recommend purchasing a magic bag type thing or even a hot woater bottle that you could heat up & then place on a towel under the small of your back while you lay down (on your back). Lying down & gentle clutching your knees to your chest (as weird as it sounds, kind of like the position you see on tv when someone is about to give birth) also can help to ease the pain.

A word of caution, please be careful about taking painkillers & muscle relaxants - while they can definitely help & offer relief in the short term, remember that pain is our bodies way of letting us know that something is slightly out of whack. By continually masking the pain, it's quite possible to not notice any changes in pain that could indicate either improvement or a sign of something serious.

Phew! Sorry that this posting is sooo long, but as soon as I saw the words back pain, I just felt compelled to write this post ... back pian sucks & seems to affect everything you do!

Feel better soon

Jen
AGD - Delta Zeta '97

[G8Ralphaxi]

I've been in a car accident too - they SUCK.

Anyway, everything everyone said about stretching is TRUE. And chiropractors can help. I personally had better luck with massage therapy.

I understand about the $ thing, but if you go to a Dr. first (chiropractors count), then they can write you a prescription for massage therapy - you just have to go to someone who is licensed - i.e. has an L.M.T. certification. My insurance will cover it as long as I have a prescription and I go to an LMT.

Also, look in the phone book and see if there are any massage training schools near you. To get an LMT, you have to do lots and lots of massages. They need people! So you can get a massage there for a lot cheaper. (usually at least 1/2 price).

Also, NUMBER ONE ADVICE...

Pay attention to how you carry yourself. How you stand, sit, lay down, etc.

You should NEVER sleep on your stomach. Get an foam "egg crate" pad for your bed - they are CHEAP and really help. Sleep on your back or on your side with a pillow between your knees. That way your spine is in better alignment.

Stand straight, like your mama told you to. Picture a string that connects at the top of your head and runs down through your neck and spine. The string "pulls" up on you. Your back should curve outward below the shoulders then curve inward right above your butt. If you feel yourself slouching, lift your rib cage up and keep your shoulders and arms loose - you will naturally fall into a better position.

And I know we ladies love 'em, but ditch the high heels for awhile. They throw everything out of wack.

When you sit, especially for long periods, make sure to keep that curve in your lower back. Don't hunch over. And don't work where you must sit with your back twisted one way or the other for a long period - move your work so it's right in front of you.

Finally, take yoga if you can. Works wonders for the posture, stability, and strength of all the important muscle groups that can alleviate your pain. Plus all that nice stress-relief too.

Good luck and I hope you feel better!

[aephi alum]

My husband and my mother both suffer from back problems. (I've been lucky... knock on wood )

My husband has been undergoing treatment by a chiropractor for some time. It helped at first - but several months later, it stopped helping. He had to see a doctor, go for an x-ray, and he may yet have to have an MRI.

If your back pain isn't that incapacitating, a chiropractor might do the trick. S/he will also give you some back exercises to do. But if the pain continues, go to a doctor.

Hope you feel better soon.

[alphachiohmy]

The problem is I have never experienced this type of pain before this semester. And this week its been really bad. I have been sleeping on a futon(its a good futon matress 10 inches thick) and a couple of times my back has hurt for a little, but the pain has never been around this long. I normally sleep on my side.

It has just been really uncomfortable to walk, sit, work out. I probably will get it looked at, but I am in the process of switching from University medical insurance to a new job's benefits and am so busy it seems like.

Thanks for all of your suggestions.

[AOIIAngel]

Just a thought alphachiomy, my back is hurting to, kinda on the sides and lower back, not the legs, but you never know....and it is a kidney infection. So that might be a possibility for you also........hope not, cause this sucks.

[dzsaigirl]

Just for future reference, if you ever have difficulty peeing or if you are running fever and your back is hurting, go to the doctor right away! Kidney infections can damage you! You don't want to be on dialysis or have to wear a diaper in later life!

[AOIIAngel]

So agree with dz!! Cause it is worth it to take the pills and get better!! Cause this crap really, really sucks!!!!!