Trapped nerve in lower back

Have you tried a TENs machine? I believe they’re quite good for nerve type pain.

I hadn't thought of that Ramsgate. Thanks for the tip. I'm researching them now!

I've heard good things from people who have gone to see sports injury physios.

Yes MissAdventure I hope the physio will help but I will get a tens machine in the meantime.

Good luck.
A bad back is awful; it impacts everything.

Have you tried gentle stretching? I have my sciatica under control now through yoga, pilates tai chi and physio. It also helps me connect with my body so I can feel it starting and target the area with stretches and balance work. Sending much sympathy. Constant pain is miserable.

I find that the NHS physio videos are really good, and you know they are properly qualified

Are you able to get into a swimming pool... just to do some gentle stretches with no resistance/weight to support. I find it helpful with all sorts of back issues.
I hope you get relief soon as back pain is so commanding.

I’ve found a sports physio to be much more thorough than an NHS physio when I had an agonising shoulder/back problem 18mths ago. I simply couldn’t wait for the NHS so went private. I think I had three sessions which cost less than £200 in total.

I hope you get some relief soon, back pain can be utterly debilitating.

I used to find using an ice pack to numb the pain gave me some relief, even if only temporary. I improvised and used a wine bottle cooler, about 30cm x 30 cm square, slung over my back/hip area while I did my chores. Hope you improve soon.

If opiate type medication is making you feel zombie like ask your doctor to prescribe Naproxen instead. You do have to take it with a stomach protector but it’s marvellous for pain and you remain lucid.

I’m recovering from spinal surgery at the moment and it’s been brilliant. Also I found the flexible heat shapes you can heat in the microwaves a godsend the warmth really helps. Buy a long flatish shape you can wrap it around / place it in exactly the right place .

I have suffered for many years with a lower back injury. I have found that the only thing that helps is a visit to my osteopath. Whilst physios are great at helping with recovery from an injury, for me not so good at diagnosing and treating my back. If you do see an osteopath then go to one which is registered with the General Osteopathic Council. I also use a TENS machine which has been a godsend. Good luck and hope things improve soon

Back pain seems to be very common unfortunately. I have had it off and on for years but this time it seems different.
I think it's a trapped nerve.
It is worse at night and eases off during the day.
Thanks for your advice and experiences. Very helpful.

Grammaretto, have you considered making an appointment with a Sports Massage Therapist? They are qualified in deep tissue massage, and manipulation for want of a better description……..just don’t be put off by the ‘sports’ title…..they won’t make you run around the track.
Either way, I hope you get some relief soon.

The exercise which helped me most when I had a similar issue was:
Get down on your hands and knees.
Hump your back, releasing the nerve, then lower your back.
Repeat several times.
I did the exercise several times a day.
Obviously, don't continue with it if it doesn't feel right for your particular situation.
I believe this exercise was responsible for freeing the trapped nerve in my back.
You have my sympathy and I hope it will not be too much longer before you find relief.
PS I moved house nine months ago so I understand how you must be feeling.

Sounds like the yoga cat pose. Aldom.
I have tried it thanks.
I've ordered a tens machine and a wheat bag so hopefully I'll not be relying on the pills.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Grammaretto

Sounds like the yoga cat pose. Aldom.
I have tried it thanks.
I've ordered a tens machine and a wheat bag so hopefully I'll not be relying on the pills.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Yes it is the cat pose. As things stand, do it really really gently when you are dosed up.

These are 3 very short videos. Well worth a look as they Arte "Beginners". One is lying on your bed, another just in your kitchen. I think he's on the right lines.

(I'm a qualified yoga teacher but not a medic)

www.youtube.com/shorts/gm1klSg31I4
www.youtube.com/shorts/VmbrkHf9Nps
www.youtube.com/shorts/aDeXR3puzCU

I also agree with a good sports physio. someone hands on who will dig gently and massage to actually release the trapped nerve. It hurts, but it can work. All the best!

Back pain worse at night is serious Please make sure it is fully investigated with MRI

asked

Back pain worse at night is serious Please make sure it is fully investigated with MRI

I'd forgotten about this, are you thinking of Cauda Equina Syndrome? As OP has seen her GP he should have made her aware of the signs to look out for. First thing my GP did was give me a leaflet about this, also a relative had first hand experience and warned me. Awareness is key.

Yes it does need checking out - I've just googled Cauda Equina Syndrome and its worth the O/P checking the symptoms list, its very helpful.

(Most of us with back pain or indeed other joint aches and pains do stiffen up in bed as we age)

As suggested try a a good TENS machine to help with to he pain. Had really bad sciatica years ago and it did help. Also consider Acupuncture

Boots have a good range. Breuer are good.

Sorry you are in so much pain.
😻
X

Poor you - trapped nerve pain is evil to put it mildly. I'd agree with the others - get yourself to a sports physio asap. Also - do get an MRI scan if you can to properly diagnose your problem.

Im a long term back sufferer. Once, when really bad I was also like a zombie with the drugs. The doctor decided to give me anti inflammatory drugs instead. They worked really well. I also do a series of stretches prior to any exertion plus a time limit on tasks before a rest.

I have with severe back pain for 40 years and take so much medication like OP that I struggle to keep awake if I sit down for 2 seconds. Ten-machines have no good to me at all, it is a nice feeling whilst you have it on, but you have to constantly set the timings and the pads are really difficult to place on your back yourself, then take them off without getting in a tabngle and keeping them stuck on the holding pad. So they are a definite no good for me. I wish I did not have that opinion as I too would love something that really helps. I am watching this thread with great interest.