Back pain issues

kaesha

Poor Phil stood up on Saturday from the couch, and was in instant pain. And now he's been off work for two days and flopped out on muscle relaxants. I know back pain is pretty common and doctors don't really do much about it, but are there any at home remedies I could help him with? We're supposed to drive 6 hours on Friday to get back to Ottawa for Thanksgiving and I'm SO worried about him in the car. =(

vanilla15

Oh bummer! I have heard alternating hot & cold compresses. Hope he feels better soon.

BoBride28

Back pain is the worst! He should soak in a warm bath, take meds and use heating pads for your back in between. You can find the heating pads in any drug store. Hope he feels better soon!

mauidandy

Ooh, ouch!! Poor guy. I get back pain a lot, and my mom (who is a nurse) always says it's really important to stretch that part...have him lay down and hug his knees to his chest, then rock back and forth. Or kneel and bend all the way over. The heating pad and cold compress alternations should help a lot too. And there are those Icy hot back patches, giant ones, that you can buy at Walmart or the drug stores. Good luck!!

amyj513

He most likely has a bulging disc or even herniation.  A herniation can happen just like that.  Think of a green twig that gets bent over and over, eventually it's going to snap.  Anyway, ice and heat will help.  Bringing one knee to your chest at a time will help. Doing a pelvic tilt while laying down will help. (think moving your pelvis in a 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock direction.) For the drive, let him be the passenger because having his leg outstretched for that long is bad positioning for the pelvis.  Roll up a hand towel length wise and put in the small of his back for additional lumbar support.  Good luck!  Let me know if you have any other questions.  (I am an orthopedic physical therapist)

inamra

I don't really have any advice on back pain in particular. Although I tried acupuncture with a sports medicine dr some time ago for a really bad knee problem and it did wonders.Just hoping that Phil gets/feels better soon!!

maui2011

Poor Phil :-(  Backpain is really hard to deal with.  I really hope he feels better soon. There is a lot of good advice here.  Hope you guys have a safe and not to painful trip.  BTW, I live in Ottawa. Take care, J. :-)

HappyGoLuckyGal

Poor Phil! Back pain sucks. I'm not an expert, but along with the other suggestions I would be liberal with the anti-inflammatory meds (advil, aleve) for a few days. Have a good road trip.

KKakes

Oh no!!! Its all about the heat pad when I have pain. Also rub some of that hot/cold gel on his back (I forget what its called but its like this gel that you massage into his back and he will feel cooling and heat sensations. Oh wait...I think its called Bengay, yeah thats it. He will love the massage but it also feeling really good on sore backs. Good luck and have fun celebrating Thanksgiving before us! ;-P

carrieoz_76

What's most important is that as soon as he can get moving again without re-injuring himself, he should. It actually doesn't help to stay immobile for too long with back pain - you gotta get back in action, even if it hurts at first. So, you'll probably need to take lots of breaks as you're driving. Also, I think you should try to drive the most so you can let him try to recline more. It's easier on their back if they lay flat, rather than staying seated for long periods of time. Other than that - drugs. Lots. I hope he gets well soon!

simmy89

HI Kaeshafor me it is accupunture, I have terrible trouble with my back doing the same sort of thing and a good accupunturist.. works wonders and no drugs.. Hope he gets better soon and you have a great Thanksgiving..