Help Relieving Lower Back Pain?I am a 30 year old man in generally good health. Several years ago I had an accident while parachuting in the military. My back/neck were severely twisted on landing, to the point where I was nearly paralyzed. Luckily, I was able to walk away but the pain has lasted ever since.
Since that injury my back pain has kept me from walking very far, no running, standing, etc. I've become very stiff all over as well. The pain is generally in the lower lumbar area where the lower and upper back muscles meet. It is usually dull and throbbing, but becomes stabbing or tearing when I exercise for any length of time (45-60 mins cardio).
I have put on a lot of weight since the injury, which isn't helping the back, but then my cardio exercise ability has dropped dramatically. I've had xrays and an MRI and no structural damage has been found. When standing, however, one xray showed my back bowing toward the right side (injury was on the left). I shift weight toward the right when standing too.
I've been to a chiropractor but that didn't bring lasting results. I do some yoga positions to stretch it out but the pain still persists. Oddly, sitting causes the pain as well. If I lay for a long time and the back straightens I can walk better but if I sit in a chair for awhile then walking afterward will hurt a lot.
So, can anyone point something to help out? Anyone dealing with similar? I want to get back in shape and be active again, but am tired of this holding me back.
Answer by Ragnarok
This sounds like a compressed disk in your lower
spine from reading your question. If the vertebrae
are out of line, developing disk problems is to be
expected. I am not a fan of chiropractors, and
prefer to visit physical therapists, or even a
Physiatrist to learn proper exercises to reduce
or eliminate the underlying problem. Caffeine,
smoking and alcohol would aggravate the problem.
Drinking plenty of extra water would help.
I found great relief by using the following therapy.
I am not a Dr, but this really sounds familiar.The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the foot. There is one on each side, and a pinched disk in the area of L5, at the lowest part of the back, just above the backside. An X Ray of the lower back may show this, but an MRI would be a better image.
I had this problem for years, and went to many Drs until I finally was told how to take care of it, and used the following method to attain incredible relief. Your experience may be different, and I do not intend to supplant professional medical advice.
Rest on a hard, flat surface, face up, with pillows and/or cushions under the ankles and knees, to elevate them and reduce strain and pressure on the small of the back. Do not use pillows under the head. Try this at least thirty minutes at a time, at least once or twice a day.
Some use ice on the lower back to reduce the swelling of the disk(s), nerves, and muscles. If this helps in the daytime, one might accelerate the healing by sleeping in this position. I slept in this position for several weeks, and rarely have to sleep in this position, and only occasionally use the daily exercise.
I went to Drs for a few years before learning this technique. I REALLY did not want back surgery, and have avoided surgery, with only occasional moderate back pain for ten years now, and can eliminate the pain fairly quickly. I do use pillows under my head now, except for the rare occasion when I use this therapy.
Some have used to variation of lying flat on the back, with the heels of the feet drawn under the knees, approaching the buttocks. Others draw the knees to the chest for several minutes, again, while lying flat on the back.
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If you can take an anti inflammatory, you may obtain relief with advil or aleve. If you take those medications, take them with a bit of food and plenty of water. Never exceed the label directions on any medication.Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking, as they irritate the nerves and affect circulation as well as hydration.Drink plenty of water.
If the pain continues, changes or worsens, see a Dr.
~ Good Luck ~
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