Back Pain Relief...ANYBODY?

I'm ready to shoot myself! Seriously! if it wasn't for my son I would have put everybody out of my misery a long time ago!

I have no health insurance and my doctor is worthless! Does anybody have any home remedies or suggestions for even minor relief for back pain? I wish I knew what exercises would be best for me but I'm afraid of doing the wrong thing.

I'm basically falling apart! To start, I wear an ACL brace 24/7 for an old knee problem that gave out again. Occasionally I'lll hobble around the house without the brace and of course that does nothing good for my back! Because of the ACL, my knee gives out from time to time and along with it goes my back!

I have tremendous pain in my lower back caused by either the degenerative disk disease, buldging discs, the hemangioma on my lower spine or who knows what else. I can't sit, stand, or even sleep for any length of time without my back killing me. I can't afford to go to my doctor and if I could it would be a waste of time and money since he won't listen to me or do anything for me. I'm on pain medication but it's not helping anymore. I use biofreeze and heating pads quite often but it's gotten to the point that that is not even helping anymore. I've never been able to use ice as it only makes it worse. I can't even sleep in a bed because it's just too painful.

If anybody has any suggestions as to what I can do to help lessen the pain or at least make it somewhat more tolerable I would really appreciate it!

My family is suffering right along side me because I have become so nasty because of the pain. I don't mean to be and I hate that I take it out on them but thankfully they are pretty understanding and usually just ignore me.

I try my best to keep myself busy with something (usually crafting) to take my mind off the pain but I just can't focus on anything. PLEASE HELP!

i hate to say it but go to a chiropractor doctor dont know a whole lot about backs if it is as bad as it sounds home remedies wont work anymore.id say move to canada but u wouldnt be able to see a doctor because every person with a hangnail says he needs morphene. If you go to a decent chiropractor the first visit which includes eval an x-ray and some sort of treatment which in your case will hurt BAD but an hour later youll have next to no pain. I hope this helped. -Josh

Been there...done that! He was only interested in my money and basically said so. Unfortunately, the only good chiro in my area, I can't afford. When you are talking $50 a visit and 3 visits a week it gets mighty expensive. I'm not working because of my back and I have a son to take care of so his needs come first with what little income we do have. I can't justify spending that kind of money on myself when he has needs also.

Over the past few months the pain has gotten worse and the meds no longer work as they used to and I don't want to increase the dose! I'm scared to death to take what I am already taking. Most doctors now are afraid to give any pain meds period because so many people abuse them. Well, I can assure you that the pain is going to kill me long before the meds will! I hate to take them but don't have a choice.

jeez im soory your in such a terrible situation but the only other thing i can think of is craking your back just how the chiropractor does honestly i crack my back better then anyone else but cracking may make your situation worse.

Hydrocodone aka Vicodin


works wonders

my boss use to be a chiropractor for 15 years, so i get free adjustments. works wonders.

I hear Acupuncture works.

If that chiropractor didn't help, I would find another that does!!! I know a lot of Chiropractors, and they work wonders for people. You may also want to try to locate a book called Assists for Illness and Injuries. There's some physical processes in there that really help.

HEAT HEAT HEAT!! Don't use ice, it will tighten your muscles, and it will squeeze your nerves. I hurt my back last football season. They thought I broke a vertibrae, but I pulled EVERY muscle and tendon in my lower back. An orthopidist(sp) will help too!. The school trainer had me do lots of stretches everyday. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by stangs13

HEAT HEAT HEAT!! Don't use ice, it will tighten your muscles, and it will squeeze your nerves. I hurt my back last football season. They thought I broke a vertibrae, but I pulled EVERY muscle and tendon in my lower back. An orthopidist(sp) will help too!. The school trainer had me do lots of stretches everyday. Good luck!

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Amen to this; heat pad is the way to go. I was in physical therapy for a couple a months with lower back pain; all we did were stretches. The only thing you don't have access to that feels great is the electro stimulation they do on your muscles. That stuff is great.

While I understand your pain (I have a 60 degree turn in my back) and everyone is trying to provide "treatments" which shocks me since if it were a snake we would tell you to go to the vet. No one on here is qualified to diagnose your issue and therefore cannot provide a treatment.

Heat - only works if your issue is muscle related it will make disk issues worse.

Cold - only works for inflamation and won't help if it is muscle related.

Pain Killers - Could mask the issue and cause more harm by making you think all is well and doing too much.

Chiropracters (sp?) - While do wonders on aligment issues if you have degenrative disk disease they can ruin your back permanently. My case (settled legally)

So you need to find a doctor who can diagnose you first before trying to find a home treatment you have to know the cause before you can fix it.

Hope this helps

A friend of mine has a chronically bad back. It hurts him to sit or stand for long periods of time. He had tried painkillers but didn't like the side effects. Drinking was a good temporary relief, but again, the side effects were not pleasant.

So he tried a herbal remedy. Within a day he was more comfortable, sleeping better and able to sit in his favorite chair for more and half an hour at a time.

There are some side effects. He smiles more, is a little less uptight, has tatsy things to munch on and feels much better. These side effects he is willing to put up with. His family is also appreciative since he could be a real grump when the pain was bad.

Perhaps you could do the same.

Go to the Dr. and ask for some soma's - I had them after a bad car wreck...they seemed to do the job ;)

I am so sorry to hear about your pain. I had awful sciatica and back pain when I was pregnant with my kids.. I can't imagine living with the pain on a daily basis.
Both My parents have struggled with back issues and eventually had back surgery. It is Not something to mess around with. If you don't like your doctor, find a new one. If you don't like that one,look for another,. You must find out exactly what issue is causing you the pain before you can begin to eliminate the problem. Pain medications can help you deal with the horrible symptom, but they are not helping you get rid of the problem giving you the pain in the first place.

Here are the things that were told to my parents by a barrage of specialists that may give you a little relief ( along with some of the things you are already doing)-Some may be obvious-
- Do you lug around a heavy handbag? ( this is a big one for women!)Get a lightweight nyon one and only carry essentials in it. It should be no heavier than 3 lbs total!!! Put your bag on the scale... I bet you'll be very surprised.
-Are you lifting many heavy things all day long: toddlers, heavy grocery bags, laundry? When you have to lift, do you try to bend your knees rather than bending over from the waist?

-You must wear shoes with good support, that fit you properly.NO Flip flops, no super high heels.

-Is your bed too soft? You probably should be sleeping on a firm mattress, and not on your stomach, Some times putting a pillow under the knees can help.
-Are you overweight? Start eating healthy and try to loose it.
- Do stretches every morning before you get going... Your Dr should advise you which ones are appropriate for what ever condition you have. Maybe you could even try a beginner yoga video from the library, AFTER checking with your Dr. You may feel very tight at first but if you keep at it , it will get easier.
-Do you excercise? My mother used to swim almost every day. it hurt and was hard at first, but she kept at it and got up to 1 hour a day. It held off the inevitable surgery for at least 2 years.

- Are you hydrated? Drink at least 8 8oz glasses of WATER a day.
:8:Coffee, soda, juice, tea, flavored drinks do not count. Water makes everything run more smoothly in our system.

-Do you sit infront of the computer a lot? Make sure your chair is the right height, and that you are not hunched over the keyboard. There are back supports that can be added to your chair, and foot rests for the floor. if you don't already have them. There are many sites on 'ergonomics' if you google it.

- ANd the hardest: Relax! And Breath Deep. How stressed are you? Do you find yourself gritting your teeth Clenching your fists and shoulders or Holding your breath though out the day? I know that the pain has a tendency to make us do all these things, but they compound the problem. Your local library probably has or can get you breathing/relaxation tapes or cds that can help- if you keep an open mind and try them.

I wish I had a magic solution to give you. No one should have to deal with constant pain that way.

I hope you find at least some relief in these , and that you can find a Dr that will help you rid this back pain all together.
Good Luck!

Have you tried....ADVIL?!?! :banana:
I heard it was pretty good...Good luck!

An inversion table is useful for relieving pressure on a disk.
You can find them on ebay for about $100.

Wish you lived out here, my chiropractor is amazing and helps us money-wise.
I know what you mean with the money and no health insurance. My father needs a hip replacement. A HIP REPLACEMENT. Basically he's gotta have surgery when he could never afford it, and is falling apart all over.

Acupuncture works. I don't care what anyone says, it does. It's saved my life numerous times. I'm chronically asthmatic and I haven't had an asthma attack since I started getting regular acupuncture and adjustments. There are pressure points for relieving pain in the back, my dad got some. ;]

Unfortunately, it's a very difficult problem, but herbal treatment is also another strongly recommended suggestion in my book. (as well as homeopathy!) :]

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by Spaniard

Amen to this; heat pad is the way to go. I was in physical therapy for a couple a months with lower back pain; all we did were stretches. The only thing you don't have access to that feels great is the electro stimulation they do on your muscles. That stuff is great.

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DOOODE. I did the E stem as well, The higher it is the worse your pain is. I had it all the way up, she had to turn on another switch.:O It is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.:D

Can you afford to buy a jet that fits over the side of your tub? That works great. Also, anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or Aleve will help, but Tylenol won't do anything for inflammation because it's designed only to help pain and relieve fevers.

Ice works to reduce inflammation, as well. If you've flared nerve supplies, it might be a good idea. Also, because it's summer, tissues tend to swell a bit, too, so give ice a shot and alternate with heat.

There is a massager shaped like a belt that can be bought, too. That's a help. Sometimes, you can buy TENS units on e-bay, which is portable electrical stimulation.

Some people also swear by girdles but, ugh. Not trying it. Sorry. Don't have any personal experience there.

Sensible shoes at all times, preferably with shock absorption or inserts that can be purchased.

I agree with the back exercises, and unless you've got someone you know who helps out in a physical therapy department and can show you how to do them properly, I wouldn't chance it. It's already tweaked. Don't want to tweak it more.

Good luck. I had a psych patient do a number on my back and it hasn't been the same since.

this has been working great for my father.
http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=2790606

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wilomn

A friend of mine has a chronically bad back. It hurts him to sit or stand for long periods of time. He had tried painkillers but didn't like the side effects. Drinking was a good temporary relief, but again, the side effects were not pleasant.

So he tried a herbal remedy. Within a day he was more comfortable, sleeping better and able to sit in his favorite chair for more and half an hour at a time.

There are some side effects. He smiles more, is a little less uptight, has tatsy things to munch on and feels much better. These side effects he is willing to put up with. His family is also appreciative since he could be a real grump when the pain was bad.

Perhaps you could do the same.

---

Hahaha

those inversion tables are soooo much fun but if you do it to long youll get sick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

Hydrocodone aka Vicodin
works wonders

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That is what I am on now and I hate it! I've been on it for so long that it's not effective anymore.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

I hear Acupuncture works.

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DUH! I never thought of that! I've had homeopathic remedies in the past. I didn't notice much of a difference for what I was taking them for but I seen what they did for my brother in law when he had menengitis. I had it about two years before he did and was treated in the hospital. I was out of work for two months following, he got married the following week! You never would have known that he was sick, muchless had menengitis. I'm a firm believer that homeopatic works...if you have the patience to give it time to work or find the right remedies. The problem is that I didn't!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 4theSNAKElady

If that chiropractor didn't help, I would find another that does!!! I know a lot of Chiropractors, and they work wonders for people. You may also want to try to locate a book called Assists for Illness and Injuries. There's some physical processes in there that really help.

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I'll check out that book, thanks! As for chiros...I'm afraid of them. Many years ago I had an adjustment done on my neck because of a shoulder injury (the muscles were contracting so they thought a neck adjustment might work) and I can still to this day show you the damage! So, I'm a bit worried when it comes to chiros.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stangs13

HEAT HEAT HEAT!! Don't use ice, it will tighten your muscles, and it will squeeze your nerves. I hurt my back last football season. They thought I broke a vertibrae, but I pulled EVERY muscle and tendon in my lower back. An orthopidist(sp) will help too!. The school trainer had me do lots of stretches everyday. Good luck!

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I've never been able to use ice! Not on my knee, shoulder, back, neck...nowhere. It only makes it worse!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spaniard

Amen to this; heat pad is the way to go. I was in physical therapy for a couple a months with lower back pain; all we did were stretches. The only thing you don't have access to that feels great is the electro stimulation they do on your muscles. That stuff is great.

---

I do have access to a tens unit (not as good as what they have but better than nothing). The problem is that I never seem to place the pads in a position where I feel any benefit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord jackel

While I understand your pain (I have a 60 degree turn in my back) and everyone is trying to provide "treatments" which shocks me since if it were a snake we would tell you to go to the vet. No one on here is qualified to diagnose your issue and therefore cannot provide a treatment.

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I would probably have more luck with the 'treatments' provided here than I do from my own doctor! NO JOKE! I'm simply looking for suggestions or personal experience as to what has worked for others. And, I appreciate each and everyone of them, even yours! You make a lot of great points!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lord jackel

Heat - only works if your issue is muscle related it will make disk issues worse.

Cold - only works for inflamation and won't help if it is muscle related.

Pain Killers - Could mask the issue and cause more harm by making you think all is well and doing too much.

Chiropracters (sp?) - While do wonders on aligment issues if you have degenrative disk disease they can ruin your back permanently. My case (settled legally)

So you need to find a doctor who can diagnose you first before trying to find a home treatment you have to know the cause before you can fix it.

Hope this helps

---

the heat treatments only work about 50% of the time. Ice on the other hand, as I said before, only makes it worse, 100% of the time. I think that the majority of my pain stems from the hemangioma. Unfortunately my doctor does not agree with me and therefore won't do anything about it. As for the pain killers...that was my exact problem. The medication would take my pain away and I would feel good enough to do things around the house. But, as soon as the medication wore off, the pain was back, usually 10 times worse.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wilomn

A friend of mine has a chronically bad back. It hurts him to sit or stand for long periods of time. He had tried painkillers but didn't like the side effects. Drinking was a good temporary relief, but again, the side effects were not pleasant.

So he tried a herbal remedy. Within a day he was more comfortable, sleeping better and able to sit in his favorite chair for more and half an hour at a time.

There are some side effects. He smiles more, is a little less uptight, has tatsy things to munch on and feels much better. These side effects he is willing to put up with. His family is also appreciative since he could be a real grump when the pain was bad.

Perhaps you could do the same.

---

I used to drink... A LOT! It's been probably 15 years since and I'm glad I quit! As for the othe side effects, I could handle that...and so could my family! I honestly think that they hate to be around me because I've become so nasty! When I do sleep, I sleep during the day and awake at night so I don't have to be around anybody. But, now that my son is out of school, that is not really an option. they are pretty understanding for the most part. But still, it's not fair to them!

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Originally Posted by lenastorms

Go to the Dr. and ask for some soma's - I had them after a bad car wreck...they seemed to do the job ;)

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No thank! I had soma years ago after a car accident. I can't stand not being in control of myself and while taking soma that was the problem. I was a zombie for days!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by avdnco

- Do you lug around a heavy handbag? ( this is a big one for women!)Get a lightweight nyon one and only carry essentials in it. It should be no heavier than 3 lbs total!!! Put your bag on the scale... I bet you'll be very surprised.

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I have a small purse for that reason. Basically I have my wallet, phone and a few other small things. And, I only carry it when I have to! If I can get by with only taking my wallet, then I will.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by avdnco

-You must wear shoes with good support, that fit you properly.NO Flip flops, no super high heels.

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I couldn't agree more with you on this!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by avdnco

-Is your bed too soft? You probably should be sleeping on a firm mattress, and not on your stomach, Some times putting a pillow under the knees can help.

---

The biggest problem that I have with sleeping is that I have a tendency to twist my back when I sleep. I will sleep on my shoulder and stomach at the same time...don't ask me why! I've tried to hard to break the habit but I can't. So, to avoid that as much as possible, I sleep in a semi-upright position in the recliner. It's not the best solution but certainly better than sleeping in a bed! And yes, I did have a firm mattress.

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Originally Posted by avdnco

-Are you overweight? Start eating healthy and try to loose it.

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I'll admit that since I'm not active like I used to be, I have put on some weight but I don't think I'm way overweight. Not that it means anything to you guys but I am by far the smallest in my family. I'm catching up to them, but I'm still the smallest. :taz: I just hate it that I can't do what I used to do before all this started! UGH!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by avdnco

- Do stretches every morning before you get going... Your Dr should advise you which ones are appropriate for what ever condition you have. Maybe you could even try a beginner yoga video from the library, AFTER checking with your Dr. You may feel very tight at first but if you keep at it , it will get easier.
-Do you excercise? My mother used to swim almost every day. it hurt and was hard at first, but she kept at it and got up to 1 hour a day. It held off the inevitable surgery for at least 2 years.

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to begin with, I've lost all motivation! but also, I'm afaid of doing the wrong stuff! I can't get a straight answer out of my doctor to save my life! I wish I could find somebody else but I've not had any luck! Again...it's the no insurance problem. We don't have a lot of doctors to choose from so either I get the 'we are not taking new patients' or 'we only take those with insurance' crap! GRRR! It ticks me off! I bet if I was a crack whore (can I say that here), a drug dealer, felon or whatever I would get all the help I could possibly need and/or want. Maybe I should rob a bank or something just to get some help! I mean I've paid my taxes over the years, right!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by avdnco

- Are you hydrated? Drink at least 8 8oz glasses of WATER a day.
:8:Coffee, soda, juice, tea, flavored drinks do not count. Water makes everything run more smoothly in our system.

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I was bad about drinking a lot of water but since my legs swelled up a few weeks ago, I'm drinking a ton of water! So, I'm covered there. Before that I drank a ton of Pepsi! I've noticed a difference, although only a small one. At least its a step in the right direction!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by avdnco

-Do you sit infront of the computer a lot? Make sure your chair is the right height, and that you are not hunched over the keyboard. There are back supports that can be added to your chair, and foot rests for the floor. if you don't already have them. There are many sites on 'ergonomics' if you google it.

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I sit in front of the computer ALL THE TIME! But, when I'm on the computer, I'm in the recliner with my feet up which is the most comfortable position for me right now. I avoid my desktop as much as possible. When I do use my desktop I feel it so I know exactly what you are saying here! Posture is everything!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by avdnco

- ANd the hardest: Relax! And Breath Deep. How stressed are you? Do you find yourself gritting your teeth Clenching your fists and shoulders or Holding your breath though out the day? I know that the pain has a tendency to make us do all these things, but they compound the problem. Your local library probably has or can get you breathing/relaxation tapes or cds that can help- if you keep an open mind and try them.

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THAT is easier said than done! I'm so stressed and depressed over this whole back thing. Who would have thought that it would have caused depression but OMG has it ever! the fist part...yeah, all the time! I'm nasty and hateful to those around me and I don't mean to be! I hate myself most of the time so I can understand if my family hates me too! I'm just such a bitty and I can't stand it!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by avdnco

I wish I had a magic solution to give you. No one should have to deal with constant pain that way.

I hope you find at least some relief in these , and that you can find a Dr that will help you rid this back pain all together.
Good Luck!

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THANK YOU for all of your advice! I'll look into the yoga and relaxation methods to see what I can find. Hopefully I'll have enough patience to give it a chance to make a difference.

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Originally Posted by TheMolenater2

Have you tried....ADVIL?!?! :banana:

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All I get from it is heartburn! Same with tylenol and some of the other OTC stuff. In fact, I have alot of ill effects from medications, rather it be OTC or from my doctor. Most of which are not pleasent side effects!

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Originally Posted by dsirkle

An inversion table is useful for relieving pressure on a disk.
You can find them on ebay for about $100.

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I wonder if I could find one locally on Craig's List since I'm sure shipping would be out of this world!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Wish you lived out here, my chiropractor is amazing and helps us money-wise.
I know what you mean with the money and no health insurance. My father needs a hip replacement. A HIP REPLACEMENT. Basically he's gotta have surgery when he could never afford it, and is falling apart all over.

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I'm sorry to hear about your dad! Our healthcare system sucks! People in prison get better care then us law abiding citizens! I wish him the best! I too have had hip problems (I was born with dislocated hips) so I can imagine how he feels. Thankfully its been about 7 years since my last flareup.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stangs13

DOOODE. I did the E stem as well, The higher it is the worse your pain is. I had it all the way up, she had to turn on another switch.:O It is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.:D

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I loved the electrical stimulation treatments that I was getting! I felt great...for about 10 minutes after. They even had a massage table that you could lay on during the treatments. Talk about a treat! Afterwards it was into the treatment room where I would get the adjustments. More times than not, I was in more pain after than I was before. it did help with my headaches though...that's for sure. I just didn't like this chiro at all! The other chiro that was goingn to is too expensive for my budget and with the gas prices...way too far away for three trips a week.

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Originally Posted by SapphireTigress

Can you afford to buy a jet that fits over the side of your tub? That works great. Also, anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or Aleve will help, but Tylenol won't do anything for inflammation because it's designed only to help pain and relieve fevers.

Ice works to reduce inflammation, as well. If you've flared nerve supplies, it might be a good idea. Also, because it's summer, tissues tend to swell a bit, too, so give ice a shot and alternate with heat.

There is a massager shaped like a belt that can be bought, too. That's a help. Sometimes, you can buy TENS units on e-bay, which is portable electrical stimulation.

Some people also swear by girdles but, ugh. Not trying it. Sorry. Don't have any personal experience there.

Sensible shoes at all times, preferably with shock absorption or inserts that can be purchased.

I agree with the back exercises, and unless you've got someone you know who helps out in a physical therapy department and can show you how to do them properly, I wouldn't chance it. It's already tweaked. Don't want to tweak it more.

Good luck. I had a psych patient do a number on my back and it hasn't been the same since.

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I don't have the patience to be sitting in a tub! I would go stir crazy. I hate the beach, too! Sitting still is just not my thing!

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Originally Posted by Butters420

this has been working great for my father.
http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=2790606

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That isnt' anything that I could afford but maybe it's something that my family wouldn't mind chipping in for since we all have back problems.

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Originally Posted by Thor26

those inversion tables are soooo much fun but if you do it to long youll get sick

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Sick how? I hate feeling sick!

I try to keep reminding myself that I don't have it nearly as bad as a lot of people...but that doesn't make my pain go away. My brother in law is fighting a brain tumor right now, just had it removed in May and is now almost legally blind. So, what do I have to BI*^@ about, right? It's so hard to ignore the pain though! Sometimes I think that if I get up quick enough and run, I'll leave the pain behind, but that's crazy! I just want so bad to get back to my normal self! I want to go to work and provide for my son like I should be doing, but I can't. I'm sorry if I sound like whiner, I don't mean to. I was just looking for opinions and suggestions as to what I can do and I have gotten just that. Please don't think that I'm not taking your suggestions seriously by coming up with 'excuses'. I've been dealing with this for years now and have done all I can think to do. I'm really getting sick of it and honestly don't know what else to do at this point. My son already lost his father, I've got to do whatever I can to get through this to be there for him. I also have to say that I'm thankful for my family because if it wasn't for them, we would probably be living on the streets! I'm lucky to have them!

Again, thank you for your help and kind words! I think I have some research to do now!

OOPS! Sorry for the double post.