help! back pain

I'm leaving on a six hour flight tonight and I put my back out lifting my suitcase!!  I took 3 extra strength antinflammatories and have an ice pack on it, but it's getting worse.  Just what I need right now.

Any quick fixes, anyone?

[essdipity]

Yikes. Can you get one of those heat wrap thingies at your local pharmacy? I've heard they're good. No experience, though. Also get some icy hot or mentholatum, but not for use on the plane. Pretty stinky in close quarters.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

ess

[bairdy]

hi
have you got or can get hold of a tens machine i have one and it does help a lot when my back is playing up
regards bairdy

[twopack]

Do you have a history of back problems?  I'm never sure what people mean when they say their back is "out".  Could you have set off a spasm by being hurried, doing too much or getting careless with body mechanics?  

Extra baclofen (if you usually take it) might help some.  Check with your doc.  I'd think about calling him anyway to see about getting a script filled to take along.  You're going out of country aren't you?  It may be very hard to get treatment or a Rx once you leave.

If it is muscular, my first choice would be a good massage treatment and/or some inversion therapy (stretch it out by gravity) BUT that's what I do for the back I know so well because I live with it.  It's hard for us to know what's going on here.

In general, the anti-inflammatories on a regular basis and ice are first line defense.  Use the ice on and off at 20-30 minute intervals for it to work best without doing more damage.  If ice doesn't work you can try a LITTLE heat for a short time but be careful as it can add to swelling and pain early in an injury.  

Positioning is important.  Try to keep some very gentle and slow stretching movements going if you can.  Rest with your legs elevated and bent at the hip and knee to relieve pressure on the back.  Seating in flight will be difficult.  Move around as much as possible to avoid stiffness but get a ride per cart or wheelchair in the terminals so you don't overdo or reinjure with rapid movement.

Wish I had more to offer.  Good luck.  I hope you can take care of yourself before leaving today so the vacation ends up bringing you everything you've been looking forward to.

Mary

[doublevision1]

Thasnk you guys.  Ess, I have something similar to icy hot I will try in a while.  You're right, too stinky for the aircraft.  I think I'll be asking the flight attendants for lots of ice.  I have been doing the pice packs as Mary suggested, off and on for 20 mins or so.  Bairdy, no I don't have one of thse TENS machines but will be b ooking physio when I get home if I'm still suffering after a couple of weeks.

Mary, fortunatley I'm not flying out of country, just heading east to NS and PEI.  There'll be lots of driving as we'll be all over NS, and PEI is about a 4 hour drive from Halifax airport which is where we're landing tomorrow morning.  We actually splurged and for the first time ever, we booked exec. class seats on the plane.  It is ridiculously expensive but my husband rationalized that we'd be so much more comfortable and would be more likely to get some sleep on the red-eye.  Now I am SO glad we did so, I can't imagine feeling this bad and being wedged in like a sardine next to a stranger.

Your advice about positioning is well heeded.  Unfortunately no time for a massage today but that will be at the top of my to do list when we get to PEI.  I do have a history of back trouble but have been pretty good in recent years.  I apparently have osteophytes on my lower spine and a slightly prolapsed disk, which impinge on nerves, normally it doesn't bother me unless I injure myself and I guess once the tissue in that area becomes inflamed, it worsens the impingement.  This came on this morning, after lifting my full suitcase from floor to bed.  I was careful to bed at the knees not my back but not careful enough I guess.  I assume I've pulled a muscle.

I don't take baclofen.  I do have some prescription anti-inflammatories and Tylenol 3.  And I expect the aircraft to be well stocked with red wine, so medication is covered. :)

We are only flying domestic today thank goodness, as I can't find my passport which I also use for my ID.  Thankfully my driver's license is in my wallet, which so far I've managed not to lose.

Oh, and the three anti-inflammatories I mentioned taking this morning?  I realized afterwards that they were my husband's pills he takes for his thinning hair!!!   Not Rogaine but something similar!  It was hours ago now, and so far I'm not having any adverse effect that I know of.  I can't believe I didn't look at the label more closely.  I already have very thick hair, I don't need anymore, and hopefully it doesn't grow it anywhere it shouldn't!

[Rena705]

Hey Girl...maybe next time you should pack lighter?  he he  I know, hindsight is 20/20...in the meantime, you have a good time down east and I hope you bring them some summer weather girl!  Have fun!!!

[doublevision1]

Thanks Rena!  Yes, I definitely should've packed lighter, you're right about that!  I'm lumbering along.  The ice and the codeine have helped me get through the day.  Thanks for your PM, I'll try to respond before we leave tonight.  I'll do my best with the weather, here up north the leaves are already starting to turn, yikes!

[wildcat2x]

Hello.

There are lots of good suggestions.  I have experienced back pain.  Using an ice pack for 20-30 minutes, as well as slow stretches, but don't exaggerate the stretches can help diminish the pain.  Some yoga moves like the angry cat are good for stretching and strengthening the back.  If the pain if from muscle heat can help to relax the muscle.  This can be good for the knots in the muscles too.  Ice packs can help diminish the pain from a pinched nerve.  Also reclining (though relaxing) can be very comfortable but is not very good for the back muscles, so make sure that you get up once in a while.  A shower can also help or having the significant other give you a massage can be helpful to back pain.  Sometimes I have found laying flat on a hard surface to help for a little while.  Good luck and enjoy your vacation.
wildcat  

[Lulu54]

Just checking - any hair growing on your knuckles, yet?    I hate that small print on those RX labels....

I hope your trip is better than how this has started and you get some relief from the back pain.

hugs, L