As most of you know I went back to work last week after being off for over a year. I only worked for three days but I'm a total mess. I'm having a hard time with my lower back. It feels like I pulled some muscles. I've tried to stay off my feet and I've increase my advil. The only thing that seems to work is when I place my hand on my lower back and keep it there, my pain will let up and I can stand up straighter. Right now I look like I'm 100 yrs old with bad posture. I have to go into work on Tuesday and I don't know if I'll make it through the shift.
So here's were I need everybody to weight in with advice. Will a back support brace help? What kind? Suggestions for coping with this back pain.(it's low lumbar pain) Find a new job????
I just want to make it until I turn 62 in 4 more yrs. I don't really want to start out fresh with something new. If I can just make it through this darn back pain.
Please help!!!!!
Marisa Marisa, I have back problems too , OA along with the RA. I have a velcro back brace that I put on when my back spasms and I can't stand straight. My doctor prescribed it but you can get them through PTs in hospitals or even at a pharmacy. There are supports that laborors use when they have to lift heavy things. Any of these devices would stabalize your back. I'm assuming it's your lower back. I also have a zero gravity chair I sit in when all else fails. Hope you feel better soon. Oh yea, A heating pad, or cold pack might help.Marisa I have used those heat patches designed for menstrual cramps often for my lower back pain. The heating effect lasts up to 16 hours, and the heat really helps. They make other ones designed specifically for lower back pain, but the menstrual cramp ones work just as well, and they are usually cheaper. You find them in the section where they sell feminine hygiene products.
Have you ever tried a RX pain patch? There's several different kinds, some stronger than others and some more addictive than others. When I worked for the pain clinic the people that used them loved them. They were prescribed for people with pulled muscles usually. It would help until the initial soreness went away, or your muscles got used to being back at work. Just a thought! Hope you feel better soon.
Marisa,
Have they done an MRI of your back? I have OA of the lower lumbar. Fortunately, most of the time it doesn't bother me that much. My daughter has a severely bulging disc that causes her exteme pain.
The patches discussed before can be helpful. There are some other things you can try. One, working with a physical therapist to strengthen the other muscles surrounding your back helps take off the pressure and helps you hold yourself in a position that doesn't hurt so much. A good massage can do wonders as it helps relax those muscles. Alternating hot and cold packs at night when you get home can help. They recommended that I sit on one of those exercise balls to help keep me in a proper position and strengthen my muscles. (I've been ignoring the ball lately.) But it does give some relief.
My wonderful son bought me one of those chair cushions (and you could take this to work and at least in your car) that has heat and massage. It even has a car adaptor.
I believe you said you hike up 7 flights of stairs. I absolutely cringed at the thought of that. I am forbidden to take stairs. And here is what else you might want to have checked out. The pain in your back could actually be occurring because of problems in your knees. My knees are shot, no cartiledge from OA. When the RA makes them flare, then my hip and back hurt really bad. So pleasant!
But if I am able to keep my knees stable, my back and my hip seem much happier. Otherwise, I rather resemble Hillhoney's avatar.
I can't believe they don't have an elevator in that building. How big a company is it? Aren't they required by law to have one? Can they make some accomdation for you (yes, I know this tricky)?
But honestly, I don't think anyone with RA should be doing 7 flights of stairs. Our joints just can't take it.
I know your pain is extreme and I really feel for you. Back pain is one of the worst kinds because it just seem to take the whole body down.
Thanks to all. I've been feeling alittle better. I've bump up the Advil to 1200mgs every 6hrs. So far it seems to help. I tried those heat wrap arounds and they are some what helpful but would be diffcult to work in.
Marisa,
Glad to hear you feel better and more optimistic. Careful on how much Advil you take per day as too much will cause damage to your kidneys. Usually doctors will alternate two different kinds of pain relivers to offset this. For instance, I take 15 mg of Mobic per day, Vicodin 500 mg 2-3 a day and I can take Tylenol. But I have to watch my overall dosage. I forget the magic number. But you can see my point.
Your work sounds very physically demanding and you are probably right that a back support of some kind while lifting would be very helpful. Your work place might actually provide this to avoid injuries as many obviously do. It might be worth asking about. I know somedays my muscles are much weaker than on others. So, certainly protecting your back would be a good idea.
But truly, it is good to hear you feel better. I hope it is a wonderful week.
Marisa,
Don't underestimate the power of pain relief through Rx pain meds. My doc moved me from Vicodin to Norco, the difference being much less tylenol. I spend a large part of my working day in front of a pc, which lends itslef to poor posture. This wan't a problem before the RA dx.
It's a major problem now, but controlled easily with the pain meds. I get stress pains up and down my spine that respond very well to the Norco. Of course it's a narcotic pain killer and not all can tolorate these pain killers. I took me about 2 weeks to get over the "high" and now I just get the relief, same dose for about 8 months.
It has made a difference for the better in my life.
MikeM
Marisa, make sure your shoes are in good shape and also remember your body mechanics when you are lifting and reaching. You might also benefit from some light stretching before you start work to warm up your muscles.