Severe back pain... need advice

Posted by hkkatie (99 days ago)

Hi all!

I have had a lot of back pain over the last 12 years. When we were in the US, I went to a chiropractor for several months hoping for relief, but it didn't help at all. He took x-rays, though, and said that I have a mild form of scoliosis and my body is all out of alignment.

Anyway, over the last several months, I have had problems even standing up straight after sitting or lying down for long periods of time. It takes me a minute to work through the pain. These last 2 weeks I have been in constant pain with that and with sciatic nerve pain.

I've been stretching, using heating pads, and taking panadol/pain relief, and it's just not helping.

My hubby thinks that it would be pointless to see a doctor since they would tell me to do the same things I am already doing. But I just can't live with this pain. I don't know who to see or where to go or what to do. We don't have a lot of money, so expensive treatments are not an option.

Does anyone have any advice??
Thanks.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Find what you are after in our Singapore A-Z Directory

Posted by neenib (99 days ago)

Have you tried an Osteopath? I too have been going to a chiro for many years back home for migraine, back & neck pain. I did manage it okay, but since moving to HK, i couldn't find a chiro and instead was put onto an osteo and i have to say I was very impressed and found that treatment better than chiro.

I have been seeing her now for a while and now my newborn son goes there and she has worked wonders on both of us. Let me know if you want more details and i'll pm you. Anything is worth a try, backpain is so debilitating.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by hkkatie (99 days ago)

Yes, please pm me! Any help in appreciated!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sandydee (98 days ago)

Also Pilates can be a great help too. I go to a place in Wanchai called Vim pilate.Back pain is horrible but it could be a number of things causing your backpain e.g. tight hamstrings, quads, poor posture etc.. I agree a good osteo and pilates might at lwast help you to the road of recovery

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by crystal (97 days ago)

to avoid pain
sit down for 20 mins at a time. If you have to sit for long periods take a 20 minute break and stand up stretch and then sit again. By doing this you are resetting your muscles. The same with lying down.
If the pandol is not helping you may need some stronger medicine from the doctor.
If you have inflamation then the medicine helps bring it down. An ice pack also helps when you first get the pain. Cover the ice pack with a damp towel so it penetrates into the affected area for 20 mins. IF the pain is recurrent you may have inflamation. Give the stretching a break as you may be upsetting the nerves more. Go by how you feel with your body. Hope this helps as i too have suffered severe recurrent pain and know how it feels.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by hkkatie (97 days ago)

Thanks, all, for the advice. I did go to our doc yesterday and she gave me some stronger meds along with a muscle relaxant to take at night. Today I am feeling so much better. Not 100% by a long shot, but better. She did tell me to watch my posture and work on correcting that, along with proper lifting etc. I realize that I really do need to strengthen my core muscles and back muscles, otherwise I'll be having this pain again.

Thanks again for the advice. I appreciate it!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by scraggy2007 (96 days ago)

I had really bad back pain a few years ago...for quite a number of years.. One time I couldnt even stand up after sitting down on the sofa...lightening bolt of pain is all is the best description ! I was only about 28 at the time too, and not really overweight.

One doctor gave me some musicle relaxants / anti inflamatory drugs...and referred for physio which didn't help at all (made it worse, if anything).

Another doctor simply asked me if I did any exercise....Was a bit peaved at his comment...as I was so convinced there must be something medically wrong with me how could exercise help?! I just got charged 500$ for somebody to tell me i need more exercise !

Anyway was worth a try and I have to say he was spot on....it has cured my problems completely.

I find running is the best and also swimming. Now I'm fitter, healhier and no more back pain !

(I am based in Hong Kong)