Can anyone help me with my back problem?

[Health Filbert]

This morning, I was bending down (not lifting anything), when I felt a 'crack' across the circumference of my lower back, just below my waist area.
I fell to the floor, and lay there for around five minutes trying to breathe properly, as the pain was hindering my breath.
My young children unsuccessfully tried to help me up, but I managed to crawl across the room and get on a chair.

Basically, the pain's now quite dull providing I keep my back bent, but i'm unable to straighten up at all. I also need to keep bent slightly to the left, as any movement to the right causes pain, aswell. I've taken some Ibuprofen, which appear to have helped with the pain i'm feeling whilst immobile, but not with the 'movement' pain.
Aside from the pain, this is obviously very inconvenient, as I have children to care for. As i've never really suffered with my back before, I was wondering if anyone has any advice as to what might be wrong, and how long I can expect it to last.

Currently, i'm physically unable to get myself to the doctor's, as I can barely walk, even in a bent state, but calling an ambulance seems a bit over-dramatic.
I'm supposed to be driving us all across France for our holiday, on Friday, so i'm rather concerned!

Thanks in advance...

 

[AeeDbv]

Ouch! Sounds awful!

If you call your GP they might come out to you, they did for my mum when she trapped a nerve. Try and get something cold against it for 20 minutes or so (peas, ice, anything!).

For more tips you could call the NHS Direct helpline, I'm sure they would be able to give you some pointers - 0845 46 47

In the meantime I can send you Reiki if you would like it?

 

[John Robertson]

Hi, sounds painful!
I have a friend had a similar experience who after one trip to an Acupuncturist was fine. Other possibilities are Chiropractic or Osteopathy, but they can be painful treatments. Or Cranio Sacral - gentler. I'm sure more people will be along soon with suggestions. I hope you get relief soon, and will also send Reiki if you'd like.

 

[Kwonbaby]

It's not much fun, I must say!

My GP is fairly useless, so I dunno whether he'd come out or not. Also, I tend to prefer not to 'make a fuss', so rarely seek medical help.
I'm having difficulty reaching round to my back, because of the pain, but, when my partner comes home from work, i'll get him to try your cold compress idea on me.

Thanks - I never thought about NHS Direct - i'll call them.

Excuse my ignorance, but I know very little about Reiki!

Thanks very much for responding, Doogle.

 

[???? ?? ?? ???????? ?????]

You're very welcome pibandpob,

Your GP should technically come out, it would probably be the on call doctor so you might not get your own one. See what the NHS people say.

OOoooh Muriel accupuncture, lurvely

Reiki is a form of energy healing, if you look at the therapies forum theres a reiki group and there are some fantastic explanations on how/why it works

 

[Love Bella]

It's impossible to say what the problem is with so little info - sorry!

You would need to be examined properly. If you're luck, then it may be just, what's called a facet joint lock & an osteopath or chiropractor may be able to release this for you, then they settle quite quickly. Also, acupuncture locally may well relieve the pain help to release the offending joint/s.

Cranial osteopathy or therapy would most likely take a lot longer treatment for this sort of problem.

If you're less lucky, then it could be a disk injury (prolapsed, slipped disk) and these take a lot longer to settle. As you only did this A.m. then it may be impossible to tell if it is a disk problem. But if it is, and you can't get to see your GP, then an osteopath or chiropractor would be able to write a sick note if you need to claim on holiday insurance.

I posted on other threads in this forum on the sort of symptoms that you get with a typical disk injury, so have a fish around.

Driving that sort of distance with a prolapsed disk could be disasterous, so see someone ASAP & get a professional opinion.

Good luck - Andrew.

 

[Danielle_bby(:]

Hi pibandpob,

I have been having back trouble on and off for the past 15 years or so, and this March had the most dramatic, and painful experience of all, which sounds identical to yours. I have never known such pain. I got someone to drive me to the chiropractor, (GP's don't really 'do' back pain, just recommend ibuprofen, but that doesn;t help to put bones back in the right place. they certainly don;'t generaly recognise chiropractors).

I would strongly recommend seeing a McTimoney chiropracotr, (gentle, non force). They are the best.

Good luck and much sympathy,

LoisX