Bad back

[Muddle]

If you suffer from a bad back do you know that constipation can worsen the pain as it presses on a nerve in your back

[LCM52]

Hiya Muddle. I can relate to that. I have had spine trouble since 1977. I had an operation in 1992 on L3 &4 area. I understand from the marvellous consultant that they took away the disc or whatever they call it. My back goes into spasm about every 6 months. Then May 2017 I started with problems with my S1. Not good. It does cause toiletry problems, but I am just carrying on until I get some physio. I really hope that you get some relief.

[Muddle in reply to LCM52]

Thank you and I hope you can get some help

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

That’s so interesting, never thought of it! Have been on low-carb diet for donkey’s years and constipation became normal.....but never associated it with back pain! Off to buy some porridge!

[Muddle in reply to Fyllida]

Fruit is better and lots of water

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

You’re right. Forget porridge, buy blueberries etc! Love fruit and you have given me encouragement. Thanks.

[Muddle in reply to LCM52]

Did you get the operation in the Uk thanks

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

Yes, top guy!

[LCM52 in reply to Muddle]

Hiya Muddle. If you mean did I get my op in the UK. Yes it was in the heartlands in Birmingham , although it wasn't called that then. They performed a discectomy.

[deejames]

Being constipated also be hurting the back muscles with straining so to be avoided. That goes for everyone, sore back or not.

Lots of water and lots and lots of wholemeal carbohydrate and vegetables and whole fruit.

Dee

[Fyllida in reply to deejames]

But go slowly!

[Jtal19305]

I notice that too. Being constipated is a common problem for us who have post surgery nerve pain and have yo take pain meds which cause constipation. I notice some relief from the nerve pain in my left foot and left thigh once I am relieved. I never thought my back surgery would leave me with so many issues and constant pain which has to be managed. It's frustrating and given all the negative press on Opiod pain medications. If it wasn't for the Opiod pain meds that I take legitimately, I would be in a much worse situation. My advice to anyone facing the option of back surgery is to really think long and hard if you really want to go through with it. The back and spine is not an area that likes to be opened up and manipulated. Some people have very good results but it's a crap shoot so be very careful. Perhaps dealing with back or leg pain without surgery is better than the complications that may ensue after surgery.

JT

[Muddle in reply to Jtal19305]

Decided just to have limited pain medication as I was on a lot two years ago and it did not even take the edge off you have to keep upping the dosage all the time the only thing I have found has helped is diazepam it’s a muscle relaxant but the doctors do not want to give it to you as it’s addictive but will hand out opioids like smarts heat helps it’s the sitting down I can’t handle it hurts like hell

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

Yes, Diazapam is addictive and there are studied to consider regarding its safety. Doctors will prescribe it if one is very firm about it. I have taken it for years for sleep probs (low dose) and take my chances re the addiction question. Doctors [NICE?] are too quick to panic their patients, they also are being pressured to economise. Not everyone will eventually suffer the dire consequences they are so quick to promote.

[Muddle in reply to Jtal19305]

Each one off us is different what works for one might not work for another I also take CBD oil and Turmeric

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

Herbal remedies require time and patience. Hard to remember when bashed by violent pain!

[Fyllida in reply to Jtal19305]

Yes, do think carefully, but the final decision must sometimes be made on your behalf.

I have absolutely no criticism of my spinal surgeon, who has operated 4 times in 5 years, poor guy.

The titanium nuts, bolts and screws inserted are all he left them, as proved by MRI scanning. No-one expected another disc to “crash” just yet - bad luck, but spinal surgery is not an exact science and we must expect non- deliverance sometimes. But, in my case, multiple spinal surgery by definition weakened the spine - but ultimately there was no alternative. The surgeon did recommend 6 months with a pain clinic - who tried everything, to no avail, thus almost forcing the reluctant surgeon to again operate in 2015. No further ops are possible, TG.

[Muddle in reply to Fyllida]

How amazing that they can do the operations but how terrible for you the pain must be truly all full thank you for replying

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

The good neurosurgeons are Special People and we are so lucky to be living in the 21st century and that they exist. In 20 years present surgery will be primitive horse doctoring! Wish we could see into the future!

[Muddle in reply to Fyllida]

Medicine is advancing all the time yes we all sometimes wish we could see in the future

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

Well, not for everything.......Just medicine would do!

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

Am doing everything possible to manage it outside orthodox medicine. It may well be possible. One must be optimistic as a first step to pain management.

[Muddle in reply to Fyllida]

I am finding it hard as in so much pain today

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

Poor you, I know its awful. But at least you are corresponding and sharing your problems. I cannot begin to tell you how much comfort and help I have received since joining HU. And you must too. Think positive, Muddle, we are not alone any more.

[Muddle in reply to Fyllida]

It helps being able to talk

[Fyllida in reply to Muddle]

It does, Muddle, it really does. Sharing changes focus, the realisation that others are in similar or -sadly - more pain, is cathartic, and up to a point evades over-obsessing and going round in circles....

[BadHare]

In my case, also a full bladder. I get excruciating sciatic pain & my foot feels scalded.

I eat a very high fibre diet, with lots of fruit, veg, nuts & seeds, which helps prevent this, & counteract the negative effect of pain meds.

For anyone suffering unnecessarily, try two tablespoons of linseeds once or twice a day with at least one glass of water. They can be soaked first, even in orange juice, yoghurt or kefir, but drinking them is a bit weird.

[Fyllida in reply to BadHare]

Well, recently have cautiously begun to add more fibre to my diet, nuts, lecithin, seeds, salad and sheep yogurt have always been a staple. Now started on more fruit, i.e. berries and prunes/dried apricots and the bowels sure do appreciate it, even if the spine is not particularly grateful..... thanx BadHare