Best cure for Back Strain?

Five Star · 05-23-06, 10:47

well strained the heck out of my back the other day.

Got some muscle relaxers from the doc and been chewing Ibuprofen like Tic-Tacs.

He wants me to go to PT, but that would mean rebooking all my appts for a few weeks.

Give me your best remedies so i don't go broke

thanks

AL-53 · 05-24-06, 02:39

I have strained my back a few times..in fact my back is killing me now...I went to PT a number of times..It was ok...but they gave me back exercises to do ...they helped..and walking does the best..I was told not to just lay around...I use heat and then Ice to the area and that helps also...I went to a accupressure center on Boston Road in Springfield and it was good..it really helped...it is tuff when the back goes out..it can get better in a week or 3 weeks or more..never know...

But try the walking and heat and ice ..and the accupressure...or maybe even a chiropracter ..I heard the chiropractor can help if back is not badly injured like a disk herniation..but try walking at first...

Al

laefd · 05-24-06, 04:21

STRETCH - as a daily ritual. If you don't stretch routinely, you'll wish you had; especially as you get a bit older.

I have one of those exercise balls that I use, daily, to stretch out my back with and it's PRICELESS.

Good luck and find a good chiropractor.

WSUcommuter · 05-24-06, 10:52

In addition to what the others have said, when you get better start working on your abdominal muscles. A strong front helps support the back.

Super · 05-25-06, 04:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSUcommuter

In addition to what the others have said, when you get better start working on your abdominal muscles. A strong front helps support the back.

How true, making love helps builds up the abdominal muscles

AutoCadillac · 05-25-06, 09:45

From the time I was a young teenager until I was in my mid 20s, I had back aches constantly. I would pull a muscle just by thinking about it. Then as a joke one day, I asked my then girlfriend to walk on my back (she was rather petit). I really didn't expect any results but I was hurting and thought just maybe, she might kill me ( and it would have been a blessing).

Now, I won't lie and tell you I haven't pulled any muscles since then. I have but only maybe 4 or 5 times (and I'm in my 50s now).

I do believe that accidently she got something back in joint the way it was suppose to be.

GearHead_1 · 05-25-06, 09:56

Speaking from recent experience I wouldn't recommend a spinal fusion. It hasn't been any fun.

Slick61 · 05-25-06, 10:30

I've had sciatica (pinched nerve in back) for the past 8 or 9 months, but can't talk my doctor into giving me anything for it. He said that if Aleve wasn't helping, that the stuff he'd prescribe probably wouldn't work much better.

I asked him about Yoga and/or accupuncture.

He said he'd heard that Yoga actually helps.

may be worth a shot... supposedly good for bloodpressure too.

GearHead_1 · 05-25-06, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick61

I've had sciatica (pinched nerve in back) for the past 8 or 9 months, but can't talk my doctor into giving me anything for it.

If you've had significant back pain for 8 or 9 months and your doctor won't prescribe medication that could help you, you've got the wrong doctor. There are all kinds of anti-inflammatories and pain medications (not necessarily narcotics) that may provide you some relief. Doctors don't know which ones might work for you unless you try them. If he's not perscribing some of these for you to try, he's not helping you. That's what a doctor is supposed to do, help you. Time to start looking for a different doctor, a spine specialist may be what you need.

I'm sure our symptoms and the problems that caused them are different but Acupuncture didn't do a thing for my back problems. I tried it 6 or 7 times, it's kind of like chiropractic you're supposed to do it several times to see results.

J.J. · 05-25-06, 02:53

As a physician, I would recommend you try Aleve. It is very similar to Ibuprofen but can be taken twice daily. Once in the morning and once at night. You can begin with a loading dose of three pills but, after that, no more than 2 at a time.

Your doctor can also prescribe a drug called Flexaril. There are mixed reviews on it. Some physicians like it and some don't. I recommend it occasionally.

Heat sound great as does stretching, however stretching is not a good idea for acute muscle strain. You need to allow the inflammation to dissipate before reaggravating the muscle with more strain (stretching). With that said, begin stretching in a week or two.

I do not generally recommend chiropractors. I'm an Osteopath so I can perform my own manipulation and, for muscle strain, high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) manupulation is contraindicated, especially in the acute setting. BTW, HVLA is all chiropractors do... 99% of the time.

JJ

Five Star · 05-25-06, 03:21

I picked up some Naproxen (Aleve) the doc said I could substitute the Ibuprofen for it. Asked and took the dosage u recommended

Got a few heat patches, and am not stretching, just trying to move around a little less than normal.

Having a better day today.. Thanks for the tips

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.J.

As a physician, I would recommend you try Aleve. It is very similar to Ibuprofen but can be taken twice daily. Once in the morning and once at night. You can begin with a loading dose of three pills but, after that, no more than 2 at a time.

Your doctor can also prescribe a drug called Flexaril. There are mixed reviews on it. Some physicians like it and some don't. I recommend it occasionally.

Heat sound great as does stretching, however stretching is not a good idea for acute muscle strain. You need to allow the inflammation to dissipate before reaggravating the muscle with more strain (stretching). With that said, begin stretching in a week or two.

I do not generally recommend chiropractors. I'm an Osteopath so I can perform my own manipulation and, for muscle strain, high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) manupulation is contraindicated, especially in the acute setting. BTW, HVLA is all chiropractors do... 99% of the time.

JJ

John Styrnol · 05-25-06, 03:41

Whenever I hurt my back (pinch nerve) I just try to lay completely flat for awhile everyday until it goes away usually within 3-5 days. Also take some Vitamin I.