Back Pain

[Lovedogs1]

Can anyone tell me what painkillers I can take for persistent low back pain. I have tried most of them but for some reason nothing seems to work. I have heart failure and CKD, so can’t take Ibuprofen. At the moment I’m on dihydrocodiene and paracetamol which I know is strong but unfortunately it doesn’t seem to work. I find I can’t stand up for more than ten minutes without sitting down. It really is causing me a lot of problems I also have a CRTP pacemaker which as made a big difference to my heart failure. I am a seventy four year old female, and I was hoping for a few more active years.

[Iamfuzzyduck]

i have chronic back pain in the lower back. Icing it helps, or laying on the floor with my feet up on a bench with 90 degree angle at the knees. There are several issues which may be causing your pain. Mine is multifaceted but spinal stenosis and locked facet joints are greatly helped with a decompression table at the chiropractor. Also, sitting for a long time is bad, it will cause the back to stiffen. I am active and have to live with my issues, it’s all triggered by scoliosis but i run, lift weights etc. It is knowing what exercises to do in the right way. I would recommend a chiropractor or an osteopath and frequent icing. I hope you feel better soon…

[2learn in reply to Iamfuzzyduck]

Hi, I always used osteopaths for my back/joint issues, but since I've been on blood thinners the osteopaths say they are no longer allowed to treat me as they fear causing some internal bleed. Its also NHS guidance, so you should check with yours.

[Iamfuzzyduck in reply to 2learn]

That’s interesting, thanks, I didn’t know that. I use a chiropractor and will talk to him when I start blood thinners. I will also ask the EPs nurse because I need regular back appointments -cant live happily without them!

[Finvola]

That's a powerful painkiller, Lovedogs and if it isn't helping, then you need either a different approach or to talk to your GP about alternative pain control.

I too would recommend seeing a chiropractor who can pinpoint the trouble and help with relieving pressure on nerves which may be the source of chronic low back pain.

My chiro is the main reason I am able to walk around fairly pain free and without limping. I was told not to use a recliner, nor to raise my feet when sitting down as that put too much pressure on my back and hip. I should move my joints with gentle stretching exercises which I was given and try to walk if possible - which I did for a while with a stick. I use a heated cushion when sitting for any length of time and try to remember to walk about every 20 mins or so.

Don't put up with disabling lower back pain - try to see someone who can do more than prescribe pain killers - I'm so glad I did over 30 years ago when I could barely move. Best wishes.

[2learn in reply to Finvola]

Hi, I always used osteopaths for my back/joint issues, but since I've been on blood thinners the osteopaths say they are no longer allowed to treat me as they fear causing some internal bleed. Its also NHS guidance, so you should check with yours.

[Finvola in reply to 2learn]

Will do 2learn - will look at NHS guidance too. Thanks for the heads-up.

[mav7]

Has the doctor every discussed a physical therapy program with supervised stretches/exercises to help regain your flexibility. Would help you mentally and physically.

[Spinbiker]

try a pain management programme - using RFA - radio frequency ablation where the nerve ends are burnt - it has an extremely high success rate - certainly worth looking into - good luck !

[opal11uk]

My doctor advised Paracetamol and on very rare occasions I have taken Co-codomol with no problems, having said that I rarely take either, I am drug averse and feel that I take quite enough meds!

[Plastow48]

Please see a chiropractor. They are really skilled and have helped me cope with my recent low back pain problem. I was also lucky to attend a Yoga course specifically for lower back pain. I take paracetamol when I first get up and an ice pack on my lower back for 20 Minutes. Gentle stretching helps too.Hope you feel better soon.

Jenny

[2learn in reply to Plastow48]

Hi, I always used osteopaths for my back/joint issues, but since I've been on blood thinners the osteopaths say they are no longer allowed to treat me as they fear causing some internal bleed. Its also NHS guidance, so you should check with yours.

[Cavalierrubie]

l was told l could take Co-codamol, but this should not be taken regularly. You can buy it over the counter. I suppose you have tried heat? Hot water bottle or heating pad can give some comfort.

[Leggylady]

So sorry you’re suffering. I too struggle with back and neck pain. I see a chiropractor and sports therapist regularly to keep me going, and do daily stretches Please do consider stopping your regular use of Co-codamol. Perhaps seeing your GP re pain control and to rule out other causes for the pain. Good luck to you.

[2learn in reply to Leggylady]

Hi, I always used osteopaths for my back/joint issues, but since I've been on blood thinners the osteopaths say they are no longer allowed to treat me as they fear causing some internal bleed. Its also NHS guidance, so you should check with yours.

[Leggylady in reply to 2learn]

My chiropractor is aware and he tailors his treatments accordingly.

[Ppiman]

Codeine fails to produce pain relief in anyone who lacks an enzyme that allows them to metabolise it into morphine which, surprisingly, is what confers the pain relief.

One other possibility that has helped me, if only a little, is an occasional tablet of 5mg. diazepam. This is a muscle relaxant, but more often used to treat anxiety issues. Doctors are reluctant to prescribe it as it's a benzodiazepine which has a reputation for being abused and which can cause dependency if overused in around a third who take it.

The latest NHS thinking seems to be that physiotherapy or exercises bring the most relief for back pain sufferers.

Steve

[quanglewangle]

hi. Same problem. After a TIA was Warned off nsaids but tried everything anyway and eventually asked my cardio specialist if l could go back on diclofenac and he agreed - wow! Relief again. We are all different and that is what works for me. 5years on and all’s well………

[Bingofox007 in reply to quanglewangle]

That’s interesting, I had diclofenac for chronic OA/back pain and my cardiologist said it was probably a major cause of my anterior infarct. Really is a good pain killer but alas not for me, esp too as I take edoxaban. Take care 🦊x

[Silvasava]

I get lower back pain, usually if I stand still for too long. I do yoga stretches specifically for the lower back and a heat pad when necessary. I try to avoid pain killers as I'm on a cocktail of meds for AF and DCM, I also have spinal stenosis in my lower back, I'm 78.

[Vonnegut]

I used to have lower back pain years ago which was cured after a series of Alexander Technique sessions. A few years ago, an odd fall brought it back again and only two sessions with a different Alexander Technique practitioner got it sorted. We make a lot of the pain ourselves and somehow one learns to relax out of it. Hope you can find a practitioner near you and it works as well for you as it did for me.

[Qualipop]

I've had severe back pain from trapped nerves and a dislodged spine for 30 years. Sadly the only thing that's ever helped me is oxycodone which is even stronger than what you have and absolutely not advisable for so many years as I've had it. I'm now suffering the long term effects and it's only working for half the time it should. 3 minutes standing is all I can manage. The only other thing my pain consultant could offer was CBD but he's very reluctant because the effect on the heart is unknown. Lyrica and gabapentin are often given for nerve pain and do work for some. They did nothing at all for me except make me suicidal. Have you tried or been offered steroid injections? If you don't have a pain consultant, ask to be referred to one.

[DiyChas]

I was the same, for about 3 years, and can't take NSAIDs.I take 2 dbl strength acetaminophen each night, along with 2 pregabalin.

Nov 1st, I had a RadioFrequency Ablation in my lower back to eliminate the nerve pain. Worked. Can now stand and walk for extended periods.

I am 79 and am now rebuilding my back and leg muscles.

Check with your GP or some one who can refer you to a pain clinic (IPSSC here in Ontario Canada) for testing.

[blacknight]

I've suffered with lower back pain for decades, probably caused by scoliosis. My highly experienced GP put me on Amitriptyline which started out as an anti-depressant drug but has been found to be effective at low doses for back pain and is now widely prescribed as such. I'm on 10mg daily and I think it has helped somewhat. I should ask your doctor whether it may help you.

[ellamental]

Poor you! Back ache is rubbish 🙁I think a good chiropractor/physio/acupuncture can all help but when you are stuck and can't move because of severe back pain, for me, the only thing that works is tramadol or diazepam can too sometimes help (but not together). They are powerful drugs, like the ones you are already taking though. That said, I am not a medical person and they may not play well with your heart condition although (I think) they are ok with kidney problems. co codamol did not work for me either. My husband has osteo arthritis and pregablin helps him with ibuprofen (but he takes something for his stomach too) as ibuprofen can cause trouble in your tummy. Maybe have a chat with your GP and ask about different meds and what is safe for you to try that may help but won't be trouble for your pre existing conditions. Hope you feel better soon.

[2learn in reply to ellamental]

Hi, I always used osteopaths for my back/joint issues, but since I've been on blood thinners the osteopaths say they are no longer allowed to treat me as they fear causing some internal bleed. Its also NHS guidance, so you should check with yours.

[ellamental in reply to 2learn]

Hi. Thanks for the heads up. I am no longer on blood thinners. I hope you find an answer and the osin gets better x

[Snowgirl65]

I recently hurt my back from lifting too-heavy bags of birdseed. I too can't take Ibuprofen, and Tylenol didn't seem to work for me (I'm in the US). I bought a heating pad from my local pharmacy and used it in the evenings while watching TV. I was amazed at how quickly it alleviated my pain and seemed to cure it in only a couple days. It might help you too.

[Maisie2]

I get terrible back pain at times and find the heat pads really help. I keep them on 24hrs. Also my Chiropractor told me to sleep with a pillow between my legs which helps keep your hips in alignment. I find the pillow has really helped. Good luck!

[2learn]

Hi, I get the same, can no longer use osteopaths cos they won't help if you are on blood thinners. I find its difficult to get a proper diagnosis and help. Docs say arthritis and there is nothing but painkillers. I have prescribed codeine/paracetamol mix, they make me sleep so tend to take only at night. I've been told there is no cure, but if we were young athletes there would be and exercises will only moderate. I wear a back support belt, like a big cummerbund when I need to esp if I'm doing any gardening that involves bending or lifting.