Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 1 2009, 7:40 PM BSTI have to disagree with this.
I'm not, of course, saying this is best practise for everyone. But it is the most successful position when dealing with acute attacks or acute-on-chronic flare ups of muscular lower back pain (the commonest reason for new attacks of lower back pain), in combination with simple analgesics and low-dose diazepam (used as a muscle relaxant). 
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 1 2009, 7:45 PM BSTI'm not, of course, saying this is best practise for everyone. But it is the most successful position when dealing with acute attacks or acute-on-chronic flare ups of muscular lower back pain (the commonest reason for new attacks of lower back pain), in combination with simple analgesics and low-dose diazepam (used as a muscle relaxant).
But it's not very comfortable for ladies. 
My back is killing me today because I've been sat around, so I'm going to dose up on Nurofen, do 8k on my training machine and then get a massage, which will help for tomorrow.
Oh, undoubtedly keeping mobile is the best thing in the medium and long-term, I was rather more talking about when the pain is so acute that you can't actually walk. (I have a bout of such pain about once a year, with no back problems usually.)
I'll volunteer to massage any of the BCG ladies. And maybe one or two of the men if the price is right.
Quote: AndreaLynne @ November 1 2009, 7:12 PM BSTWhat are your suggestions for lower back pain, Tim? I'm sure you've got one or two...
Do you know what is wrong with your back? I would take the advice of someone who has seen it and knows what is best for you personally.
All previous advice good, but what helps one person may not be good for another, depending on the cause of the pain.
Sleeping on your stomach can cause problems for well endowed ladies and exercise can be very good but probably needs to be undertaken only after specific advice. There is a huge difference between gentle stretching and jogging for instance.
Other things that CAN help are sleeping on your side with pillows between your legs, or on your back with a pillow under your knees. How many pillows you have under your head can make a difference, as can Osteopathy and anti inflammatory medication
However, unless you know what the problem is then any or all of the advice above may not be appropriate for you.
I do hope you can find a solution and get some relief. 
Not so sure that I would trust most osteopaths (or worse, chiropracters). Physiotherapists tend to be far better trained in the actual anatomy and, most importantly, are aware of the risks which come with any back manipulation. I certainly wouldn't let an osteo/chiro anywhere near me if I had neck pain. Physiotherapists are far more inclined to teach you very helpful exercises to be able to treat the problem yourself, rather than get you along for session after pointless manipulation session. Physios also tend to work with an alongside GPs and orthopaedic surgeons and therefore have a much better understanding of the conditions and further treatments.
Quote: DaButt @ November 1 2009, 7:56 PM BSTI'll volunteer to massage any of the BCG ladies. And maybe one or two of the men if the price is right.
You'll use your hands this time?
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 1 2009, 8:17 PM BSTNot so sure that I would trust most osteopaths (or worse, chiropracters). Physiotherapists tend to be far better trained in the actual anatomy and, most importantly, are aware of the risks which come with any back manipulation. I certainly wouldn't let an osteo/chiro anywhere near me if I had neck pain. Physiotherapists are far more inclined to teach you very helpful exercises to be able to treat the problem yourself, rather than get you along for session after pointless manipulation session. Physios also tend to work with an alongside GPs and orthopaedic surgeons and therefore have a much better understanding of the conditions and further treatments.
Luckily for me, where I live the Osteopaths work with the GP's and Physiotherapists. I've never seen a Chiropracter and don't know anyone who has, but wouldn't see anyone without recommendation from a GP or Orthopaedic Consultant.
Quote: Loopey @ November 1 2009, 8:21 PM BSTLuckily for me, where I live the Osteopaths work with the GP's and Physiotherapists. I've never seen a Chiropracter and don't know anyone who has, but wouldn't see anyone without recommendation from a GP or Orthopaedic Consultant.
Good, because some of them are openly dismissive of "mainstream" (i.e. evidence based) medical practitioners and can do more damage than good.
Hope your back doesn't incapacitate you too much, Loops. 
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 1 2009, 8:30 PM BSTGood, because some of them are openly dismissive of "mainstream" (i.e. evidence based) medical practitioners and can do more damage than good.
Hope your back doesn't incapacitate you too much, Loops.
Thanks. Not as much as my brain does.
Quote: Loopey @ November 1 2009, 8:35 PM BSTThanks. Not as much as my brain does.
Yeah, I've had that. 
I would echo the keeping mobile thing.
Before my weight loss by back was awful! Right at the bottom of the spine. Obviously the amount of weight I was carrying didn't help. But obviously I wasn't really moving at all.
But since I've managed to get to the gym over the last few months it's been fantastic.
I'm very hungry. 
Quote: Leevil @ November 1 2009, 8:51 PM BSTI'm very hungry.
Well this is the 'What are you eating' thread (not that you would know from my last few posts) so perhaps you should go and eat something. I'd offer you some of my supper but it is pretty dreadful.
I hurt my back when I was crawling around on the floor playing with my youngest. I don't know if I twisted wrong or what, but I can't straighten out at all. I think it was only adrenaline that got my through Halloween last night.
Quote: DaButt @ November 1 2009, 7:56 PM BSTI'll volunteer to massage any of the BCG ladies. And maybe one or two of the men if the price is right.
I might take you up on that. 