back pain, any suggestions? (Full Version)

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needtochange -> back pain, any suggestions? (6/6/2008 8:47:18 PM)

Yesterday I slipped and fell on a wet floor and hurt my back. I can't afford to go to the doctor and I am not sure I really need too. I just need some relief from the pain. It is mostly a dull pain all over, but certain ways I move, like twisting gets a sharp pain. My lower back also is hurting.

Should I be using hot and/or compresses. I have been using tylenol. I am nursing a baby. I thought I couldn't use Ibuprofen, but someone else said I could. In the Army, I used to take 800mg motrin and I am sure that would help this pain, but I am not sure if I can take it while nursing.

I should also mention that I am in Puerto Rico, so I don't really know a doctor I can call to help me. My only option is to go the the emergency room.



March7 -> RE: back pain, any suggestions? (6/7/2008 3:28:35 PM)

I'm not a medical person, so I can't give "authorized" advice, but I've had several health problems during my life and have had many friends with back problems. So, the following are my two-cents' worth...
1. Rest the back as much as you are able. Do only the necessary tasks of caring for family and such and nothing more...especially when your back says it's had enough for the day.
2. You are wise to be careful with the anti-inflammatory meds when nursing. Good for you! I'm not able to advise here except to say do not go over the recommended dosage...for your baby's health, of course, as well as for the health of your own liver and kidneys.
3. From the Mayo Clinic: Strains -- Back pain most often occurs from strained muscles and ligaments, from improper or heavy lifting, or after a sudden awkward movement. Sometimes a muscle spasm can cause back pain; Treatment -- Most back pain gets better with a few weeks of home treatment and careful attention. A regular schedule of over-the-counter pain relievers may be all that you need to improve your pain. A short period of bed rest is okay, but more than a couple of days actually does more harm than good. If home treatments aren't working, your doctor may suggest stronger medications or other therapy; When to seek medical advice -- Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care. Although the pain may take several weeks to disappear completely, you should notice some improvement within the first 72 hours of self-care. If not, see your doctor. In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. See a doctor immediately if your back pain: Is pain constant or intense, especially at night or when you lie down? Pain spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee? Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs? Causes new bowel or bladder problems? Is associated with pain or pulsation (throbbing) in the abdomen, or fever? Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury [and seems to not improve after several days]?



agapetos -> RE: back pain, any suggestions? (6/7/2008 6:13:09 PM)

quote:

Should I be using hot and/or compresses. I have been using tylenol. I am nursing a baby. I thought I couldn't use Ibuprofen, but someone else said I could. In the Army, I used to take 800mg motrin and I am sure that would help this pain, but I am not sure if I can take it while nursing.
If there is a pharmacist near where you are, you should be able to get advice on what medication you can/can't take while nursing. Make sure you ask to speak with the pharmacist though, not just someone who works in the pharmacy.

And as joninon said, rest.



GrahamCracker -> RE: back pain, any suggestions? (6/10/2008 5:17:58 PM)

If it is back strain and if it does not involve severe soft tissue injuries like tearing of the ligaments, muscles or nerves--you can find relief in a couple of different positions.

One position is down on your hands and knees. The other one almost always works. That one is to lie on your back and elevate your knees and/or feet and knees. Either lay hands on the floor or put them slightly under the natural curvature of your back. You will probably not be able to put those hands completely under your back since that will probably produce too much curvature.

Getting up off the floor will be difficult. You can rotate your knees to the floor and rise up on one side at a time.

I am not a doctor but I have had back problems off and on. The back will be stiffest after lying and resting it. As soon as you can you should at least walk around some. If you rest too much, it will hurt more!



Hislittleone -> RE: back pain, any suggestions? (6/12/2008 11:35:52 PM)

I've had some serious back issues for the last 19 months and from my experience (I'm not a professional though) I'd think ice, rest and being very careful not to twist your back or lift heavy objects it the way to go. My chiropractor hardly ever uses heat, she says ice is usually better (if there's any swelling the heat would make it worse). And when I had a pinched nerve she told me to not lift anything heavier than a paperback book.

ETA: My chiro also said that mopping/sweeping and especially vacuuming are very difficult on the back so you may want to stay away from those activities for a week or so.



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