Back pain: What are the best ways to... - Arthritis Action

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Back pain

alisonchild profile image
18 Replies

What are the best ways to control back pain please?

I have lower back pain at the moment and have tried many painkillers and anti inflammatory pills.

Not had much success with these as still in pain.

Alison

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alisonchild profile image
alisonchild
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18 Replies
weathervane profile image
weathervane

Hi Alison , my stomach is a bit sensitive to anti inflammatories so gp said paracetamol 4 times a day which only took a bit of the edge off but i did find volterol 12 hr gel which is a bit stronger . It did make a difference and it hasn't upset my stomach yet ! I hope you find something that works for you , best wishes 🌸

alisonchild profile image
alisonchild in reply to weathervane

Thanks for getting back to me.

I can’t use voltarol it makes me feel sick.

I will carry on my search.

All the best

Alison

in reply to alisonchild

Isn't Voltarol 12 hour gel a rub? If so, how can it upset your stomach? I use Fenbid (prescribed) an Ibuprofen gel to rub onto my back and hips. No upset stomach.

Peggyannn profile image
Peggyannn

I found yoga stretches were the best thing for me some years ago before arthritis sets in. Son swears by his visits to a chiropractor.

I now take paracetamol and aspirin together .

alisonchild profile image
alisonchild in reply to Peggyannn

Thanks very much for getting back to me.

I will try the yoga stretches.

Can you recommend any yoga books or websites please?

Regards

Alison

Peggyannn profile image
Peggyannn

Cant sorry. Mine was in the days of pre digital classes. A dvd or similar might be good so you can take it at your own pace and stop and start? The bridge,salute to the sun, the cat all good.6

alisonchild profile image
alisonchild

Thanks

arthritis_action profile image
arthritis_actionPartner

Thank you for posting alisonchild - you might find our pain-management information useful, on our website: arthritisaction.org.uk/livi...

All the best of luck

Despina

Arthritis Action Communications Officer

bluebell99 profile image
bluebell99

The good old hot water bottle helps to ease my pain.

Hope it works for you too.

alisonchild profile image
alisonchild

Thanks very much for getting back to me.

This seems to work some of the time.

Regards

Alison

GranAmie profile image
GranAmie in reply to alisonchild

my daughter is a chiro and she helped loads. I find agood office swivel chair more comfortable - stops me slumping! I've recommended feldene gel which hospital gave me but now switched to biofreeze as a more plant based gel / rollon / spray.

alisonchild profile image
alisonchild

Thanks very much for getting back to me.

uplockman profile image
uplockman

Use the Williams back exercises. My pain doctor recommends and I have used with success. Search online. Basically stretching and strengthening back muscles to eliminate pain.

alisonchild profile image
alisonchild

Thanks for getting back to me

Alison

JoPilates17 profile image
JoPilates17

Hi Alison, I found Pilates during my search for back pain relief, and after doing a six week course run by a physio over ten years ago, I was hooked, as all the pain had gone after an hour's class! I spoke to other participants in the class, some of whom had taken the surgery route, but they told me their backs were even worse after the op, so I've never fancied that route. I was an aerobics instructor at the time, but I have since requalified as a Pilates instructor. I practise Pilates everyday, and I am a firm believer that it really helps, especially if you don't want to take meds. Have you tried ibuprofen gel, or a TENS machine? I have just recently bought a TENS machine, which was recommended to me by a physio. I find they both relieve pain 🤗

Good luck in your quest for pain relief!

Joanna 😊

alisonchild profile image
alisonchild in reply to JoPilates17

Thanks very much for getting back to me.

I will have a look at the Pilates.

Alison

ITYFIALMCTT profile image
ITYFIALMCTT

This has some exercises that are helpful (depending on the condition and symptoms): escape-pain.org

A couple of members above have recommended anti-inflammatory skin gel (like volatarol) and that can work very well for some people and by-passes the problem with taking an oral dose: painscience.com/articles/vo...

Decent guide to back pain and pain relief: painscience.com/tutorials/l...

alisonchild profile image
alisonchild in reply to ITYFIALMCTT

Very useful information.Thanks for getting back to me.

Regards

Alison

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