backache !

[scarymary]

ive had backache for 2 days now and its not getting any better. Any abers got any good remedies to make me more comfortable. ive been putting nurofen gel on my aching back thanks

[woofgang]

If you don't know what caused the backache then best to be on the safe side and see the doc. Once you are sorted on what caused it then IMO the best remedy is warmth or cold on the affected area (cold is more effective but less comfortable. Along with whatever oral pain killer works best for you, you could try taking some buscopan which is a muscle relaxant and helps to reduce any spasm. The combination can make you sleepy so don't take it and drive or operate machinery etc etc and always read the instruction on the medicine before use, don't exceed the stated dose.

[andy hughes]

Have a hot bath - as hot as you can stand - then lie on a floor with a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a teatowel between you and the affected place. Lie until the peas start to war, then rub the area gently, and get dressed. Try this for a few days - may well help to ease if it's caused by a strain.

[WendyS]

It must be something in the air - I'm in a similar state (although mine relapses occasionally as a result of disc surgery) so do get it checked out if it lasts much longer. You may have just moved awkawardly and pulled a muscle or something similar. A hot water bottle strapped around the lumbar area may give you some comfort and help relax the muscles, alternated by a frozen ice pack (the type you put in a cooler bag) wrapped in cloth. Take regular painkillers, but stay off the alcohol. Try and keep moving gently if you can. Unless the condition is really acute, lying flat and immobile will probably make you feel stiffer in the long run. Also, if you've got somebody who can give you a deep muscle massage, this may give you some temporary relief.

[Clanad]

All of the suggestions here are good information, especially woofgang's requirement that you see a doctor. However, for long term releif (unless it has a cause such as described by WendyS, is to become involved in physical activity that includes stretching of the hamstring muscle and ligaments. Our modern life style allows the muscles to "shrink" up and they are always involved in lower back pain. Lying on the back and raising the straightened leg with the toes pointed down towards you is a good start. Simply bending and reaching for your toes with outstretched hands is also adequate. For the latter, work your way up to assuring the legs are straight and locked at the knees. This will, most assuredly, take a period of time to become comfortable, but should notice some relief almost immediately. Be sure, as stated, to get advice from the doctor first...

[funnywebsite]

Have you got or know anybody who can lend you a weight training belt? That will keep your back straight and ease the discomfort. I had a lower bad back once but my husband had a weight training belt and it helped because I could not bend my back and keeping it upright helped ease the pain.