Lumbago or low back pain

[Redstart]

With age has come lumbago and whatever I do it's one or two weeks before its better. It started last Monday (too much gardening in the cold at the weekend and then carried a heavy laundry basket first thing on Monday morning, before my muscles had warmed up - Ouch. I ask for all I get!).

I keep changing my position (sitting, standing, walking) and am sat here wearing vest, trousers, long sweater and a woollen scarf wrapped round the problem area (4 layers). A hot shower in the mornings helps with early morning stiffness and I use a hot water bottle against it at night. I also have a a good herbal rub that I use.

Anyone got any other ideas to speed up healing? I don't want to take pain killers because they just enable me to compound the damage. I'd rather have the "ouch" and know I shouldn't do that.

[Ivy]

Rhus Toxicodendron (Globuli by Wala) and a hot water bottle on your chest ( no I am not mistaking parts of the body) the muscle that hurts stands in some complicated contact with the chest muscles and once these are loosend up the back can relax (my physiotherapist told me in a more efficent way but that was basically what she said) Take care and let others carry the heavy loads. I always think the body tells you when it needs a break. Accept it before you become REALLY ill

[Oola]

My cousin is a qualified osteopath so I can ask her for some ideas when I next see her.

[Redstart]

Thanks both of you.

Ivy: I have Rhus tox globuli in my homoeopathic first aid kit. And I'll try that and the hot water bottle on my chest instead of my back. However, it seems to me whatever I do it's one or two weeks before it heals.

[Ivy]

It is but make it one intead of two this time :-))

[Ivy]

How is your back today Mandy?

[CountryLady]

You poor thing Mandy. I've recently had treatment for two trapped nerves in my back and it's been agony. I really feel for you and hope you find some relief soon.

[Healing Hands]

I am off to see an osteopath tomorrow, my poor old back is getting worse everytime I bend down to dry the dog off I struggle to get up again and like you Mandy if I take a heavy load of washing out I struggle.

Always had back problem when I was pregnant with eldest but that was 29 years ago, now as I have got older the back is just ceasing up, so I was told it was time too go and see someone and get it sorted was and for all.

Hope yours get better soon Mandy

[eleanor2]

thanks ladies listening to you all.has made me realise that back strengthening exercises now are worth the effort.hopefully keep at bay back problems in the future.

[Redstart]

Thank you for your sympathy and good wishes!

I don't know why (perhaps the wool scarf I wrapped round my middle to keep my lumbar region warm) but last Saturday I got up from the chair and walked into the kitchen and only then realised I'd moved normally and it hadn't hurt!

On Sunday I managed a walk - not very long but an achievement and it was lovel to be outside. Also, from Saturday night on I've been able to sleep comfortably and turning over hasn't woken me up up with a scream.

It's now 8 days and I really am feeling better - I even went shopping in the village yesterday. My back still doesn't like me staying in one position for a long time and I'm rather stiff when I first get up inthe morning, however, I feel so much better!

I'll still have to be careful for the next few days but the end is in sight.

[lily]

Have had back problems on + off for many years since a laminectomy,last time I went to a physio who recommended pilates. (last Autumn). I went for pilates lessons for 2 terms and do a few exercises most days. Result= far fewer problem days.

[Redstart]

Yes, I find if I do my yoga exercises (Pilates is based on these) I don't have back problems but I keep forgetting to do them - and then I get back problems. I'm waiting until it's really better and will then make myself do them, every day.

[lily]

I've had back problems for years- since youngest son (now 30) was a toddler. have also had a laminectomy. After the last episode about 2 years ago, I saw a physio who recommended pilates. I went to lessons for 2 terms and now practice a few exercises most days at home.I'm generally much better with only one nasty week since starting Pilates.

[dinger]

I have just read the threads on you poor folk with back problems .Like Oola I am suffering at the moment with back pain . Have every sympathy for you .xx