Trapped nerve in lower back

Yes, I agree that a scan is necessary to identify the problem. Sorry to hear you’re going through this, especially when you’re selling your home. All best wishes Grammaretto. 💐

Have you asked to be referred for a scan?
Surely no therapist of any kind will know what they are dealing with until they see the results of a scan?

Grammaretto

I have tried all these suggestions.
Today I had a session with a fascia release therapist. It was nice at the time.

I am seeing a physiotherapist on Friday so hope she will work some magic.

Good luck and please keep us all posted

I have tried all these suggestions.
Today I had a session with a fascia release therapist. It was nice at the time.

I am seeing a physiotherapist on Friday so hope she will work some magic.

Many years ago when couldn’t get on top of lower back pain. We had not long moved house and the bathroom floor had thermoplastic tiles that had been coated in something. The only was to get it off was scrubbing with I can’t remember what To cut a long story short that repetitive motion did wonders for my back. My knees wouldn’t take it now !

I have all manner of back issues.

If it’s a trapped nerve, is it sciatica?

For a trapped nerve, try a hard rubber ball, position yourself by a wall and place ball as close to trapped nerve as possible, on top is best, then push back against ball and move in circular movements.

Or find yourself a very good, deep tissue masseur, it’s not comfy at the time, but provides great relief afterwards.

You can also purchase machines which provide deep massage, but you need someone at home with you to use it on your back.

Or hot and cold works for a limited time.

For me, oral painkillers are almost all a “no no” given that they really only dull the pain but more because they have an awful effect on my tummy etc.

Good luck, trapped nerves are awful!

My last post was a week ago and the back pain is just as bad.
I think I'll have to see the doctor again and try to get an exray or scan. Depending on painkillers just to function can't be right.

People tell me back pain goes away eventually. Does it?

It's true about being distracted during the day makes it seem bearable.

I had a bad night . I stagger and squeal my way to the loo at intervals. I am waiting for codeine to work so I can dress and go downstairs.
I have a viewing for this house at 11. 😟
My next home will have to be on one level.

There is an osteopath/sports therapist but it's a car ride away. There is no way I could drive in this state.
Chiropractor on Thursday. He's just a short walk from here.

The ice pack was possibly better pain relief than the heat pad as it numbs the area. An anaesthetic would be good 😯😉
Sorry to hear so many of you are suffering too.

67notout

I read this thread after just struggling along the landing to the bathroom. I feel your pain. A recent MRI shows I have bulging discs and a recent break due to osteoporosis. It’s worse at night I think because there’s nothing to distract me, just trying to sleep whereas in the day there are many things on offer to distract although they don’t always work. Has your dr prescribed a 5% ibuprofen gel? I use this and it helps a lot. I also have lidocaine patches which help for 12 hours, but the gel is very good, you can’t buy it but is prescribed. It’s called Fenbid 5% gel and you don’t need much to get some relief. Far better than amatryptiline type meds. Also an electric heated pad placed on the back is good too, the heat is very good. I am using these pain relievers right now with a couple of paracetamol too. I wish you well, the pain is miserable.

That sounds really miserable. I am so sorry. Chronic pain is so debilitating.
I have several grabbers round the house so if pain is bad I do not have to bend. I also have a rollator which I use outdoors but sometimes indoors if things are very bad.

Can you afford an appointment with a sports physio ? My son had a sore back for a while despite physiotherapy and eventually made an appointment with a sports physiotherapist. Within 2 sessions his back was back to normal. Worth a try?

Not on the nhs but there’s acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy and some other holistic therapies that could help.

I read this thread after just struggling along the landing to the bathroom. I feel your pain. A recent MRI shows I have bulging discs and a recent break due to osteoporosis. It’s worse at night I think because there’s nothing to distract me, just trying to sleep whereas in the day there are many things on offer to distract although they don’t always work. Has your dr prescribed a 5% ibuprofen gel? I use this and it helps a lot. I also have lidocaine patches which help for 12 hours, but the gel is very good, you can’t buy it but is prescribed. It’s called Fenbid 5% gel and you don’t need much to get some relief. Far better than amatryptiline type meds. Also an electric heated pad placed on the back is good too, the heat is very good. I am using these pain relievers right now with a couple of paracetamol too. I wish you well, the pain is miserable.

I'm watching this thread too as I have my own thread posting on here at the moment discussing Pain Relief, but am getting similar answers to yours - all kindly meant but without really helping.
It seems hopeless unless we can get hold of illegal cannabis or something of that ilk.
The person who develops an effective, safe analgesic will deserve to make a fortune! Good luck.

I am sorry you are suffering like this.
If you are on strong painkillers be aware that your bowel could turn to concrete so take preventive measures!
I had to laugh at the cat pose ... if I were to try that I would be on the floor forever!!

Thanks to you all for your help.
The wheat bag has been great.
The tens thingy is a fankle but possibly helped.
I've come to bed as my day has been long, painful and tiring.

I have an excellent osteopath who put me all back together after a nasty fall. NHS were useless sending me to a physio.

But I would a)pester your GP for the MRI and follow up b) find a sports physio, especially if your local football club does outside work. One of my staff was given traction, then an op, then ended up medically retired in a wheelchair still in pain.

A friend of a friend recommended Swansea City's physio - miracle cure - walked out with no pain after years. He explained that although the traction had moved the trapped nerve back where it belonged, the actual pain was coming from the nerve regenerating, and the muscles in spasm because they too had been stretched out of shape

I have with severe back pain for 40 years and take so much medication like OP that I struggle to keep awake if I sit down for 2 seconds. Ten-machines have no good to me at all, it is a nice feeling whilst you have it on, but you have to constantly set the timings and the pads are really difficult to place on your back yourself, then take them off without getting in a tabngle and keeping them stuck on the holding pad. So they are a definite no good for me. I wish I did not have that opinion as I too would love something that really helps. I am watching this thread with great interest.

Im a long term back sufferer. Once, when really bad I was also like a zombie with the drugs. The doctor decided to give me anti inflammatory drugs instead. They worked really well. I also do a series of stretches prior to any exertion plus a time limit on tasks before a rest.

Poor you - trapped nerve pain is evil to put it mildly. I'd agree with the others - get yourself to a sports physio asap. Also - do get an MRI scan if you can to properly diagnose your problem.

As suggested try a a good TENS machine to help with to he pain. Had really bad sciatica years ago and it did help. Also consider Acupuncture

Boots have a good range. Breuer are good.

Sorry you are in so much pain.
😻
X

Yes it does need checking out - I've just googled Cauda Equina Syndrome and its worth the O/P checking the symptoms list, its very helpful.

(Most of us with back pain or indeed other joint aches and pains do stiffen up in bed as we age)

asked

Back pain worse at night is serious Please make sure it is fully investigated with MRI

I'd forgotten about this, are you thinking of Cauda Equina Syndrome? As OP has seen her GP he should have made her aware of the signs to look out for. First thing my GP did was give me a leaflet about this, also a relative had first hand experience and warned me. Awareness is key.

Back pain worse at night is serious Please make sure it is fully investigated with MRI

Grammaretto

Sounds like the yoga cat pose. Aldom.
I have tried it thanks.
I've ordered a tens machine and a wheat bag so hopefully I'll not be relying on the pills.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Yes it is the cat pose. As things stand, do it really really gently when you are dosed up.

These are 3 very short videos. Well worth a look as they Arte "Beginners". One is lying on your bed, another just in your kitchen. I think he's on the right lines.

(I'm a qualified yoga teacher but not a medic)

www.youtube.com/shorts/gm1klSg31I4
www.youtube.com/shorts/VmbrkHf9Nps
www.youtube.com/shorts/aDeXR3puzCU

I also agree with a good sports physio. someone hands on who will dig gently and massage to actually release the trapped nerve. It hurts, but it can work. All the best!

Sounds like the yoga cat pose. Aldom.
I have tried it thanks.
I've ordered a tens machine and a wheat bag so hopefully I'll not be relying on the pills.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.