My partner put his back out 4 days ago...

[mountainboo]

He was sat in his office, turned one way and his back just went. He had 2 operations on his back when he was 17 for prolapsed discs. He was then on diclofenac sodium for 3 years and since has been relatively pain free, well he's coped, then suddenly his back went and he says it's in the same place. He hasn't been able to do anything for 4 days now. Spoke to Doctor and he said to try and move around and I've got to pick up some Codiene tommorrow for the pain. Is it possible he'll have to have another back op and also do you think he'll be out of action for weeks? I'm sorry if I sound selfish but I have had the most tiring 4 days of my life, I am heavily pregnant, have 2 big dogs to deal with, now have to deal with orders and dispatch for his business, cleaning, cooking plus doing most things for him. I am not due to start maternity for just over two weeks but I'm going to get signed off as I just don't feel that I can cope. In other peoples experience is this something that is permenant? Do you think the Codiene will work because his mum is telling him that it only masks the problem and that he should still not do anything, but I want to try to encourage him to atleast get out of the house?

[Postdog]

Obviously never had a bad back then.....

No, I don't mean to sound sarcastic or unsympathetic to your own needs, but no drug will cure this, just control the pain as said, and then only if you don't do anything (ie move around) to aggravate the pain further.

As someone who did have pain for many years, the only thing I could suggest (worked for me anyway) is see if a chiropractor may be able to help. It costs a bit, but I found it worth every penny.

[mountainboo]

I understand, thanks postdog, I will try to get him to a chiropractor. I really don't mean to sound selfish, I know it must be hell for him. Your right, I've never had back problems, apart from that associated with pregnancy, so I can't begin to imagine how painful it is for him. I'm trying to adjust.

[moonshadow]

Tell him to go back to the Doctor pronto and ask for an urgent referal to the nearest NHS physiotherapy department for a full back assessment. With all back pain such as his time is very important ,too often doctors give out drugs and leave you to cope no wonder the back pain is reoccurring. With manipulation and guidence they will teach him how to strengthen the supporting muscles and if there is damage they will refer him on to an orthopaedic specialist.Look after yourself and baby mountainboo, couldn't his Mum come and help ?

[mountainboo]

Thats good advice moonshadow, thank you. His mum won't do anything, she has neck problems and isn't the most helpful of people at the best of times. We've had oiffers of help from friends so I'll try to accept their help if it gets too much.

[bednobs]

dunno where you live but "urgent" physio takes 6 weeks here!

[SRH]

I've had neck and back problems for 12 years and been prescribed voltarol and diclofenac. I found they were okay as anti-inflammatories but made little effect on the pain. Codiene is a great painkiller but doesn't solve the root of the problem. Mine was first caused by whiplash but has been bad in recent years due to RSI. Sitting at a desk all day and getting stressed always trigger it off.

I've had physio and accupuncture on the NHS but, like with the doctors, the standard line has been 'it will clear up given time'.

Personally, I've paid privately to see a chiropractor who is worth her weight in gold.She has always got me back up on my feet within minutes, without having to wait the weeks doctors and physios expect.

My chiropractor gave me sheets with exercises to do, which were far better than those given to me by my doctor and physio, and I feel like she's been far less dismissive of my problems (perhaps, cynically, because I'm paying her, but I truly believe she has far more knowledge than the NHS practitioners I've seen).

Focusing on how to prevent the problems in future has made me realise that my back problems are something I can take control of - and only my chiro has given me the skills to do this.

Sorry to hear you're having such a tough time. I totally understand - last time my back went I couldn't move for two weeks and had to have people coming round to help me dress and cook etc.It really can be disabling, but I can't recommend chiropracty enough.

And the fact that your partner put his back out while at his desk suggests that an RSI type injury could be aggravating the problem.

Hope it all works out...

[jno]

I got taken off diclofenac as there have been some recent findings associating it with heart attacks - only a slightly increased possibility, I think, but it may be one to avoid if you can

[mountainboo]

Thanks for all your input. I will put to him the importance of a chiropractor and hopefully he will listen. It must have been hard for you to have to deal with the back problems for so many years SRH. Hope all is well now.
I'll also mention about the diclofenac. Cheers again

[Panic Button]

The finger of suspicion should point directly at your bed.

Is it old and saggy? Roll across from one
side to the other. Can you feel dips where you lie?

Investment in a decent bed could work wonders. And don't fall into the usual trap of thinking bad backs need hard mattresses. They don't, and can be made ten times worse by one!

If your bed is fairly new, but very firm try putting a 3" memory foam topper on it. They are quite expensive, but some traders on e bay knock out cheaper versions. They can be brilliant for bad backs, but trouble is they are a bit hot to lie on. If you have an old bed don't spend the money on a topper, but replace the bed instead.

[beso]

Its really sad that he went under the knife for the prolapsed disks. *Always* a bad move.

Please try to find a good chiropractor. If the surgeon hasn't done too much damage the chiro may be able to fix it properly with a dozen visits.

[Whoever]

Several years ago I underwent surgery for a prolapsed disc which burst, and ever since I have occasional bouts where my back suddenly goes into spasm and locks without warning, leaving me totally incapacitated and in serious pain for anything between 4 days - two weeks. Ibuprofen will help to reduce the pain and inflammation but believe me, your partner won't be joking about being immobile. I now visit a chiropractor who helps manipulate out the kinks. When your partner is mobile again, try and persuade him to maintain a regular programme of back exercises, most of which he won't currently be able to do in his current state. But going forward these will help to strengthen his back muscles and protect against future incidents. Gentle massage might help to relax his back muscles and reduce some of the painful spasms he's undoubtedly suffering right now. Be gentle with him. This really isn't a fun condition.