I am reducing meds from 7 to 6 using the slow method. Last week I had really bad back lower back pain which came on suddenly then went off 2 days later. This week it started again but much worse. I couldn't even move without excruciating pain. Rang doctor yesterday to see if it could be related to adrenals or reduction in meds she doesn't think either but thinks my back has gone into spasm so has prescribed me diazapan. In desperation I took 1, 2mg last night which eased it a lot but as today's gone on its got really bad again. I'm very unsure about taking this medication 3 times a day as she's suggested as I know it can be addictive. Has anyone any thoughts on this ? I don't have pain anywhere else and I've not had back pain for a number of years and this feels different to then anyway. I have read on the faq that adrenals insufficiency can cause muscle pain . Just so unsure what is going on !
Back pain: I am reducing meds from 7 to 6 using... - PMRGCAuk
Back pain
I don’t think I’d blame a high degree of localised pain like that on adrenal problems. My personal experience of it was a general fluey ache, not a real ouchy like that and it didn’t suddenly strike in a debilitating way. Sounds like you have a mechanical issue. Where exactly is it and does it travel? Had you been doing anything in the previous few days that was active, especially anything that involved bending or twisting?
Did they think it was muscle spam after a thorough physical exam? Diazepam for this kind of thing is short term and not going to make you dependent. It is much more likely to happen if it is for a longer term, complex issue like mood or sleep.
Hi snazzyD no I hadn't done anything that I can remember that would cause it. Although I have been doing a little more walking with the dog but nothing major! I wasn't examined by the doctor just had a phone call. So do you think I should take the meds a for a few days ?
It’s worth a try if only to add more clues to the puzzle. If it doesn’t work, you can legitimately go back to the doctor and if it does, you know that’s ’all it is’. You might need to see someone who deals with musculoskeletal issues rather than the GP. Anyway, one step at a time, preferably pain free.
I have found the chap I go to for remedial massage plus heat in affected area the best for back spasms. He has bailed me out a few times, especially after a long stressful journey when I thought I would be stuck forever in the driving position!
Have just been thinking a couple of times I've been sitting on a sofa talking to someone side on so my back will have been twisted maybe this was what has done it ! Thanks again for taking time to respond very grateful
It could do. I have just got to the end of a muscle problem in my right buttock. I realised it was because I had had a week of getting up and down from a chair at the table. I was getting up and put the same side and it involved twisting the same way. It didn’t hurt to do so but it set up some unhappy muscles on both sides. The remedy has been to do the opposite as well. I have also been on a car journey and two days later my shoulders are upset. I have found that my body no longer tolerates repetition and bias like it did.
Sounds far more like muscle spasm than adrenals - and at the dose you are on it is about the level of corticosteroid your body would produce normally so less likely.
If it were me, I would start by trying a flooding dose of ibuprofen - 800mg - and sitting with a hot water bottle over the sore bit. If that relieves it, it is most likely muscle spasm. Then you can try the diazepam to see if it helps without worrying. It isn;t addictive if you only take it for a few days.
Hi pmrpro I'm not great with ibrofen although I have been using the ibrofen gel which hasnt made much differnece. I have been using a hot water bottle which helped a little. I think I'll take the diazapan as if you say its OK for a few days then I feel it will be OK. Thanks for your help ! Much appreciated
My husband occasionally has diazepam for back spasms. It is the only thing that helps. Short term treatments should be ok.
OI used to get an awful back spasms and was prescribed Robaxin. It worked for me but I don't know if you can still get it. For some unknown reason they switched me to diclofenac sodium and that caused erosive oral lichen planus. Oddly, since being on pred for PMR, the mouth ulcers from that have cleared up - every cloud eh? 😁😗
The trouble with muscles which are in spasm is, you have to break the cycle and get them to relax and stay relaxed. This is where the diazepam helps and why the dose is three times a day. Take at bedtime, middle of the day and when you wake up. Sometimes what happens is, the muscle relaxes, you think oh the pain has gone and immediately the muscle goes back into spasm. Do you have any Tramadol? I don't like it as a drug but it is useful in this situation.
Pmrnewbie thanks for your reassurance too. I don't have tramadol so will take diazapan. I'm concerned about taking it too much during the day in case it makes me too sleepy as i have such a busy few days as I retire this weekend.may take it on at night till Sunday then go to 3 times a day ! Just when things well going so well too. Seems tonbe always something!
I’ve been prescribed diazepam for back trouble, & car crash crush injuries. Short term usage. I didn’t find them addictive at all. They, I believe, are meant to help you through intense acute periods of pain…& then you can stop them. If you are in that bad pain that you need diazepam sadly, you won’t have busy days…I realise you are retiring, but parties can be delayed, & retiring can happen when you’re better! After the truly intense episodes I take tramadol time release with 24 hour cover.
Often muscle spasms are due to magnesium deficiency - I would not suggest using with diazepam etc. but Magnesium oil - massaged into the painful area can work wonders. This will release the muscle spasm but naturally without powerful drugs that do not do the kidneys or liver any good at all.
I did try magnesium spray 1st but it didn't help at all. How long does it take to work as may give it another try .
Hi that's a shame I had seriously low levels of magnesium at one time and was going into serious spasms but I suppose if you aren't low in Mg then it may not work - did you use enough of it - I think several sprays are needed - it is a bit messy but I wouldn't be without it. Not to be taken with diazepam or similar though.
I only used it for a day but as i was in so much pain I rang the doctor. May give it another go now its not as painful ! Thanks
I've had similar lower back pain and I use paracetomol tablets or paracetomol with codeine tablets (co-codamol or solpadeine) when that happens. The paracetomol with codeine ones I use are normally the soluble ones as these act quicker than the ordinary tablets.
As to addiction, I remember reading about a quite large and long term study that was done on the use of codeine as a painkiller. The results were surprising, as it turned out that people who take codeine and other opioids (tramadol etc) for headaches, were likely to become addicted, whereas people who had to take them for back pain rarely, if ever, became addicted.
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Agonising Upper Back Pain
Pains starting to come back
Back/pelvis/hip pain?
Back pain and spasms
pain in middle of back
chest and back pain again
Update on stroke and painful back 
Cortisone shots for back pain
Sharp pain in shoulder and back
