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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"The human spine is a bit of an evolutionary cock-up, given that it was designed for walking on all fours and we've adapted it to the upright position so the risk of developing lower back problems increases.
Sciatica - the pain that shoots down the leg from sciatic nerve irritation - can be caused by three things; either a disc has slipped, there is wear and tear in the joints or the whole spine has slipped forward.
Most doctors find dealing with chronic back pain very difficult, because we have little in the way of definitive treatment. But there are simple things that you can do to try to alleviate the pain. I know that listing them are going to prompt at least some raised eyebrows, but I'm willing to take the risk!
1) Keep mobile. The old days of bed rest for back pain are gone. Rest increases stiffness which leads to a vicious spiral. Try gentle exercises as soon after the pills kick in - as noted above, core stabilisation exercise (physio, pilates, etc) are good. Try to be as active as possible... which leads on to...
2) Try as much as possible to keep your weight under control. The risk of immobility and also the depression associated with back pain often lead to people's weight going up. Avoid comfort eating! Find an exercise which works for you and create a strict regime.
3) Don't let the bastard grind you down! Depression is a known complication of back pain and will only make things worse. Try as much as possible to stay positive.
4) Go to see a specialist. In the first instance a physio. Further down the line get the GP to refer you to a back specialist - DO NOT let him keep fobbing you off. He is not a specialist! Other medics may help - a chronic pain specialist was always seen as a last resort, but with new advances in pain control, they can be incredibly helpful. Don't see a referral to chronic pain as a "label" see it as an extra weapon in your arsenal.
5) Get an MRI - it will be a long wait for one but it will show soft tissue problems far better than an xray.
6) Avoid reliance on painkillers. Easier said than done, I know, but all painkillers have side-effects; some people get really spaced out on tramadol, which can be unhelpful. Short burst of diazepam to relieve the excruciating spasms can be useful to get yourself moving (see keeping mobile above) but don't take them for more than a few days, and only save them for emergencies.
7) Find other people in the same boat nearby and create a support group. Compare notes on what has worked and what doesn't.
I hope some of that helps - I've never had back pain myself, but know enough people who have (professionally and socially) and I would say that the people who do best are the people who are able to stay positive.
Take care and good luck!
Olly  "
Thank you, well first I am trying to stay mobile although it is painful, doing little exercise to keep from going stiff, I don't do depression, I try my hardest not to let things get to me and have a "what will be will be" attitude, I have a weight issue, one which I'm dealing with although I wouldn't class myself as out of control, I've never had Tramadol before and I have heard it can make you feel woosey (lord help me co-codomol do that)but I am trying to do what I can and am taking everyone's suggestions into account....so thank you |
