Back agony

[aw1912]

Hiya, I’ve experienced back problems for about 10 years now but went for a run yesterday which I usually do a few times a week, I thought I’d sprint up a hill which then hurt my back, the pain was a 3/4 out of 10 and eased off after a 1km or so.

I woke up this morning in agony towards the top of my back and it’s made today impossible. It takes me 10-15 minutes to get up off the sofa, I can’t do things with my children and it’s making day to day things impossible.

I’m taking some painkillers but it’s doing nothing - would you try and see a doctor?

I’m wary about going giving the current circumstances.

Thank you

[barneybear15]

Hi, I’ve only just read your post.

Have you tried heat and or ice?

I’ve had back surgery and they both help a little.

Until you know what is causing your back pain running is the worse thing you could do.

It’s really high impact on your spine.

If you are better and have tried running again and the same thing happens I wouldn’t do it anymore until you know the cause.

If your not having any sharp leg pain or difficulty going to the toilet it’s probably not a serious problem although painful.

If you can tolerate anti - inflammation tablets they would help too.

[aw1912 in reply to barneybear15]

Hiya, thank you for your reply.

I find heat or ice do help my back but it’s short lived.

I’ve not had any sharp leg pain but have had problems going to the toilet, it’s become painful to go and there’s even been blood (although this could be completely unrelated)

I’m taking anti inflammatory tablets and they are helping but only for a few hours.

Thank you

[barneybear15 in reply to aw1912]

Hi,

The things they told me to look out for, they call red flags are numbness in the saddle area, if you lose control of your bladder or bowels or the opposite - can't pass urine at all.

If you have any of those symptoms you need to contact your doctor.

If you have blood in your urine even if it isn't related I certainly would speak to your doctor.

I'm sure they could discuss it over the phone and make a decision whether you should be seen in the surgery or not.

I understand not wanting to go or to bother them under the circumstances but there's no harm in ringing them and seeing what they advise.

If you can't tolerate the pain with your back you could also discuss some stronger pain relief with them also.

I hope you feel better soon and get some answers.

[PainConcernHelpline Moderator Community Champion Pain Concern]

Hello there,

You mention you've been experiencing back pain for a long time now. You may find it useful to read this information about managing back pain provided by the charity, Pain Concern.

You can find this here - painconcern.org.uk/wp-conte...

You also mentioned that you go for runs a few times a week and you think that running up a hill is what has caused the back pain you're experiencing. You may find this information useful, which discusses how to exercise and manage pain - painconcern.org.uk/manage-y...

I completely understand that in the current circumstances, you may be worried about visiting your GP. It may be worth calling them, perhaps they are doing phone call appointments where you could speak to a doctor?

You could take a look at the following link for more ideas about how to manage pain apart from using painkillers - perhaps you could discuss these ideas with your doctor - painconcern.org.uk/resource...

I hope this information was useful.

Moderator 4, on behalf of Pain Concern.