Cause of a backache - back from the dr.

[catdaddy66]

I am glad to see you will see an MD. You most certainly could have jarred your back in the fall you described.

I am a Physical Therapist and treat back pain daily. Some anti inflammatory meds , as directed, should help reduce the discomfort for a short time. Whatever you do try and stay as mobile and active as is reasonable (no lifting/climbing/squatting/lifting/twisting/carrying/lifting, did I mention lifting?). Squeezing the buttocks and stomach muscles for a few (5-10) times will help the muscles remain more flexible, and you can do that sitting, laying on back or stomach. Please do them throughout the day as tolerated. Also, this many days after the injury heat should be effective at minimizing your pain. Ice can also be used with success. Protect yourself and you should feel better soon.

The MD may want you to try PT, so if it is ordered, GO!! Good Luck!!

 

[gritsar]

Saw the doctor today. Updated post #1

 

[redhen]

Jeez Gritty... ouchie..

Your a mess... whats the next step ? Whats he gonna do about the disk??

 

[onedoodle3]

Hope you feel better. Herniated disks are painful! My mother had to have her lower back operated on twice because of them. Hope the PT and TEMS and meds help!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
He said surgery works great on neck disks, not so good on lower back disks. I already knew this, having worked for one of the largest spine surgery practices in NC.
No one will be cutting on my neck, no way, no how. I tried to talk the doctor into a trigger point injection in my neck - I told him a BRAVE doctor would do it - but it was a no-go, since it's C1/C2, so close to my skull. I told him nothing up there he can hurt

, so he said maybe at my next visit, after the x-rays.
I'll be happy with a TENS unit, some deep massage and heat for my neck; a trigger point injection would help immensely too. My lower back will heal itself. Feels some better already with the steroid injection.
Gonna suffer through two more weeks of antibiotics for my throat/ear before I put my foot down and suggest we try something else. Been on antibiotics virtually non-stop since December 31st. Dr's blaming that on super germs.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Are you referring to a TENS unit? I intend to ask the doctor about one at my visit. I've used one for hip pain in the past with good results.

I don't know what a TENS unit is.

They put electrodes on both sides of my spine from the base up to about mid back. Then they connected them to a machine with two dials. One dial adjusted the strength of the current, the other the frequency of the current. I lay on my back on a moist heating pad while the machine sent current to my back for about 15-20 minutes. Then the made changes to the dial and it was another 15-20 minutes of that treatment.

 

[chixie]

I had the surgery for my neck several years ago and it was the best thing I have ever done. I only have pain in my neck when I over do It. I also have back problems degenerative disc disease... I have no insurance so I am living with that.
the surgery was not to bad. if I had to do it again I would.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Are you referring to a TENS unit? I intend to ask the doctor about one at my visit. I've used one for hip pain in the past with good results.

I don't know what a TENS unit is.

They put electrodes on both sides of my spine from the base up to about mid back. Then they connected them to a machine with two dials. One dial adjusted the strength of the current, the other the frequency of the current. I lay on my back on a moist heating pad while the machine sent current to my back for about 15-20 minutes. Then the made changes to the dial and it was another 15-20 minutes of that treatment.

From your description, that's a TENS unit.

 

[easttxchick]

Aw Geez, Kat-so sorry about you back and your throat/ear situation.
Bless your heart.
I'm keeping you in my thoughts.

 

[turney31]

I have taken that same fall over the blasted baby gate, DH found a gate made for pets at wal-mart. It has a door that is easy to open (even with hands full). It wasn't much more money . And it's BEAGLE proof! haha I hope for your speedy recovery.

Micah