Back Pain is the Worst!
By matersfish
@matersfish (6306)
United States
November 24, 2012 2:43am CST
I don't know about you guys, but I get bad back pain that just about cripples me.
The pain I get comes and goes every other month or so, but the problem is that it lasts for about a month at a time. It starts out in the lower back, making it hard to stand, sit or lie down. Then it starts spreading out. It spreads to my legs, making my thigh muscle hurts.
It spreads up to the middle of my back, making it even harder to sit. Then it gets in the middle of my back and wraps around my chest, making my ribs and chest sore. Since the pain is so strong that it emanates through the inside of my body, this makes it feel like it's something wrong with my lungs or heart, which causes anxiety, which then causes more pain since I'm hyper-aware of it.
Then it spreads up through my shoulders and down my arms. By then, my back itself feels looser, and when I twist and bend, I'll hear it snapping and popping. But the pain will persist for days after that.
Do you get back pain?
I've found that taking ibuprofen is an effective way to help it. It doesn't necessarily kill the pain at first, but as an anti-inflammatory, it will build up in your system if taken for two or three days and eventually stop the pain and the symptoms.
It will come back when not on the pills, though, so I have to remember to take them for a few days, and then stop for a day to see if the pain has passed. If it hasn't, I'll need to pop six and keep at it.
Mine comes from a recurring slipped disc in my lower back. I was born with only half a vertebra at the base of my spinal column, and I'm always managing to hurt it. Sometimes I'll just be bending over and I'll feel it slip out of place, and then, if I'm lucky, it will pop back in. But it's too late. The pain will start the next morning, and it follows the same path every time, spreading throughout my body.
I just have to keep on my pill regimen every time it happens. It's the only thing that seems to work.
How do you deal with your back pain if you have it?
3 people like this
11 responses
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
24 Nov 12
I'm so sorry to hear that you have this condition. I know how you suffer since I have congenital scoliosis, which is curvature of the spine and mine is a 35% curve. Not as bad as most but worse than average or so my doctor told me last time I saw him 6 years ago. I also have some arthritis in my spine and hip--not helping! 
The only thing that really helps my pain is an epidural, which my current insurance won't cover because it's a pre-existing condition. Although it is great to feel no pain for a few months there have been some alarming problems with the procedure recently so I'm not sure I'd get it done even if I could afford it.
I find that keeping a consistent level of ibuprofen in my system keeps the inflammation down but I do hate to take it. I take only one pill twice a day now and alternate that with ginger capsules, which are a natural anti-inflammatory and do nearly as good a job as Tylenol or ibuprofen with no liver damage. All this keeps the pain to a dull ache.
I've also found recently that despite my resistance to it, using a cane when the pain is at its worst really is a big help.
Back pain is one of the most common, debilitating conditions in the country. It's a shame that it's not more manageable and the help available is not more affordable.
The only thing that really helps my pain is an epidural, which my current insurance won't cover because it's a pre-existing condition. Although it is great to feel no pain for a few months there have been some alarming problems with the procedure recently so I'm not sure I'd get it done even if I could afford it.
I find that keeping a consistent level of ibuprofen in my system keeps the inflammation down but I do hate to take it. I take only one pill twice a day now and alternate that with ginger capsules, which are a natural anti-inflammatory and do nearly as good a job as Tylenol or ibuprofen with no liver damage. All this keeps the pain to a dull ache.
I've also found recently that despite my resistance to it, using a cane when the pain is at its worst really is a big help.
Back pain is one of the most common, debilitating conditions in the country. It's a shame that it's not more manageable and the help available is not more affordable. 1 person likes this
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
Hopefully I never have to get to the epidural point. The risks involved are what scares me. I'm half scared to take so much ibuprofen!
It took me multiple trips to the hospital before I even found out why it kept happening. It didn't even show up in some of the x-rays I got.
Maybe they'll have some advancements for back pain in the near future.
Thanks for the response.
@kyle2krystel (2489)
• Japan
24 Nov 12
You're right back pain is the worst. I remember 2 weeks ago I suffer from back pain and i don't know why my back hurt like that. I sprayed my back some icy cold and glad it helped and was able to recover from pain :)
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
Is this icy cold the same as the Icy Hot medicine? I've used that before. I had a catastrophic knee injury playing sports when I was in high school. I tore my ACL, MCL, damaged the cartilage, and dislocated my kneecap all in one accident. After it "healed," it hurt for like 2 years. I used to use Icy Hot on that, and other aches and pains. But I never tried it for my back since the pain spread so regularly.
But I think I might buy some now and just spread it all over! 
Thanks for the response.
Thanks for the response.@kyle2krystel (2489)
• Japan
25 Nov 12
Yes they're pretty much the same but I used the spray one than the cream or gel. I was suffering that back pain for 2 days and my hubby got me those icy hot spray and sprayed it on my back and went to bed,when I woke up the next day I was relieve and it really helped me a lot.
hahaha try to get one and see if it help
hahaha try to get one and see if it help
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 Nov 12
So sorry to hear of your pain. You are correct in your use of Ibuprophen, it is an anti inflammatory and it doesn't seem like you take to much. It will thin the blood though, so be careful.
I have sciatica, aggravated by old injuries and arthritis. I sleep with a pillow between my knees to keep the hips aligned and do as you do when I feel the pain begin. I also use ice and heat alternating every 20 min. or so when it is at it's peak.
I take calcium, zinc and magnesium for nerve health, I take MSM daily for anti inflammatory, and was pleased to learn here in your discussion that ginger will do the same thing. Much cheaper than MSM. I tried Glucosamine and Chondroitin (for cartilage health) for six months, but it did not help so I stopped. If you care to, you can use your search engine to find what foods if eaten consistently aggravate inflammation and which foods help. It is thought that a low grade allergy to some foods (like potatoes) will aggravate inflammatory conditions.
I've taken to using a 365mg aspirin daily for my veins in legs and I am pleased that I haven't had the sciatica flare up since beginning that. I've used acupuncture and chiropracic treatments in the past. As skeptical as I was about the acupuncture, it worked very well. Relaxed the muscles so well that the doc only had to barely twist me to get my back to align. And I felt very energized afterwards, trouble is I don't always have the $50 to go see him.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
Yeah, the cost of some of these treatments is the issue with me. I'm not sure I want to throw around money for something I'm not confident about.
If the ibuprofen ever stops working, I'll look into something else. Hopefully it doesn't get any worse.
Thanks for the response.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
25 Nov 12
Do try the firm pillow between the knees, keeping the hips aligned (so they don't pull on the pelvis and lower back joint) is important and free. 
@Fatcat44 (1141)
• United States
24 Nov 12
Chiropractors have a new method to relief such symptoms. They use a special table and procedure that helps spread the vertebrae and give them more space between them, thus relieving ruptured discs and partial disc like yours. I highly recommend a good chiropractor for ths.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
I've thought it about before, but they certainly do cost a pretty penny. I appreciate the recommendation, but I'd need to do more research to see if the expense is worth it.
Some people I know swear by chiropractors, while others claim that they didn't help.
I personally think it might be psychological on some level. But I've never been, so I don't know.
Thanks for the response.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
24 Nov 12
Yes I have but if it's the worst pain I doubt. I have (had) other kinds of pains too that really drives you nuts like a terrible toothache, pain in the neck, the never ending pain in the skin allover (do you know how many nerves are in the skin the biggest organ we have?), or the kidneys, bladder, belly or the head, ears... I think if it comes to pain, a pain that is never ending, always there, just give you a break for perhaps a few seconds or minutes (not by being gone but being a bit less), no meds helping for real or long. Ibuprofen is not working with me at all. There have been periods I took over 24 in 12 hours time without any result. BTW ibuprofen is used (other name, higher dose) at first (and still I guess) for reumatic problems.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
Toothaches are really bad. My mom gets them a lot. My dad will just take pliers and pull his teeth out if he gets them! 
Earaches are also terrible.
Maybe you need to find some prescription medications to take if over the counter stuff isn't working well. Living with pain sucks!
Thanks for the response.
Earaches are also terrible.
Maybe you need to find some prescription medications to take if over the counter stuff isn't working well. Living with pain sucks!
Thanks for the response.
@TomDawg24 (79)
• Philippines
24 Nov 12
I totally agree that it's the worst. You actually can't do anything if you have back pain because in every little move that you make, the pain would really get worse. The worst thing about having back pain too is that you can't sleep well because you'll need to identify the most comfortable position first before you can actually sleep well. But in my case, the interventions i did are the following: (1) Warm bath or apply a warm cloth/water; (2) Apply any ointment for muscle pain; (3) Take medications such as ibuprofen or other prescribed medications.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
I agree -- the warm bath (although I do hot showers, but it's easier to stand than to sit and get back up lol) and ibuprofen are great remedies for back pain. As I said up top, I've yet to use any ointment. But I'm going to try some next time.
It's just so bad, as you know, because you're basically immobile when it happens. So anything that works is worth trying!
Thanks for the response.
@greenline (14838)
• Canada
24 Nov 12
I had back pain problem once. Yes, indeed, it was very very painful. I took different medicines, but none really worked. Then, one day, a parmacist suggested to me to drink cranberry juice regularly. I took his suggestion. Amazing ! After five days, the back pain was gone , and has never come back.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
I never knew cranberry juice was an effective pain reliever. I've drank it a few times for a urinary tract infection. After going to the hospital and getting medicine and spending hundreds of dollars, I know when it's an infection and I just drink the juice now. $2.99 vs. $630 -- I'll take the $2.99 please! 
I'll try this for the pain.
Thanks for the response.
I'll try this for the pain.
Thanks for the response. @qw86289as (39)
• China
24 Nov 12
Unfortuntely for you,any local pain was terrible.some time ago I stomach aches,can not eat,eat on the spit,threw up stomach acid,then I feel stomach is the worst,but I think no matter where it hunts, very bad,because it has affected our normal life,so we are painful,sad,sincerely hope that you will be better soon.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
qw: Yeah, any type of pain like that really sucks. I also hate stomach aches. But antacids usually do the trick for those.
Hope your stomach issues also get better!
Multi: That is part of the reason I get back pain so often. I'm just sitting here working all day. I've changed my chair a few times, leaned back in the recliner or the bed with a laptop, etc, but it still comes.
How do you take this oil? Just drink it?
Thanks for the responses.
@graysky (132)
• Philippines
24 Nov 12
i think u better consult a doctor rather that just taking ibuprofen.as far as i remember ibuprofen has side effects if taken for a long time,menefenamic acid is much safer.but since your pain is so strong and lasts a long time u must seek professional help.i have experienced back aches every now and then also,there were times i thought im having osteoporosis but i know it is because of my work and sometimes spasm/air accumulating in our body.i keep having ginger tea also to help takes away some air inside my body.maybe u can try it.but i suggest u consult a doctor.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
I've been to the docs a few times. That's how I found out I only have half a vertebra. They gave me something to prevent spasms and told me to lose some weight and take it easy. Done and done, and it still happens. So I just deal with the pain after the fact.
Thanks for the response.
So I just deal with the pain after the fact.
Thanks for the response.
@vernaC (1491)
• Romania
24 Nov 12
I've always thought that ulcer is worse, but reading your story with such
pain that lasts for months, now I feel it's ok. I surely do learn a lot
from here from other people's experiences. Anyway, hope you may have a
good health despite of this. Have a good day.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
Like the commenter above me, I hate anything to do with my stomach. I've never had ulcers, but a buddy of mine had them so bad that he just hunched over in pain and couldn't eat for days! Any type of medicine only made his stomach feel worse, so I'm not sure if back pain is worse or not. At least that goes away after a few days of meds.
I hope you have good health also.
Enough of these problems!
Thanks for the response.
Thanks for the response.
@Lovegreen (376)
• Philippines
24 Nov 12
I don't have it but my cousin does. Slipped disc yes that's what it's called.
Nothing to worry they say but his limping is noticeable now because of that. Don't know exactly why he has it but maybe from his work before.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Nov 12
It is quite common, and it can be quite painful. The other muscles overcompensate and face greater risk of damage, and, of course, walking or working without the issue healed can result in more damage.
Backs bear the brunt of our weight and can suffer a lot. A slipped disc doesn't hurt right when it happens (at least for me), but the pain can get really bad after it happens.
If your cousin isn't aware, tell him that cheap, over-the-counter ibuprofen is great for it.
Thanks for the response.
