please help me and my kinked up back

Nurses General Nursing

Published

OK, this is the problem. I feel like I have a horrible "kink" in my lumber sacral area. IT feels like if I could just "crack" this joiunt, I would be fine!

However, the pain of trying to do so is exquisite! I had one of the aides who used to be a PT assisstant crack me, but it only cracked my upper back, felt good though, but not the right spot.

She showed me some exercises to do, but it hurts so much just trying to get into that position, I can't do it. I think part of my problem is that I am kind of afraid that this will be such a huge "crack" of a joint, it made hurt really bad. IT was so bad this am I could hardly get out of bed. And sitting forward in my seat at the computer is killing me.

Any ideas? My R hand is numb since I just got up, so excuse the typos! I need help fast! Ya think I need a chiro? I KNOW it's not covered by my insurance, how much is it usually for a first time eval and x-rays which I know they will insist on?

Oh PLEASE give me some good manuever or exercise. I'm gonna go OD on motrin now. HELP!!!!!!

psnurse

96 Posts

See an ortho doc

Jen911

104 Posts

At least go to a walk-in clinic this morning (or wheel-in via wheelchair if you can't walk..) and get something for that pain control... And use ice, not heat, to keep the swelling down. And for goodness sakes, no lifting!

BTW, if your right hand is numb, that may be a nerve up farther in your spine that may be pinched... get some xrays, maybe mri if indicated.

KC CHICK

458 Posts

Actually, for your back...you'd probly be referred to a neuro doc.

Have you tried a chiropractor, physical therapist, or massage therapist? Massage actually helps me out quite a bit....depending upon if its muscle pain or not, of course. Jen was right on it....get a cold pack under that back!!!! You'd be surprised how much that can help. Also try the cold on your knees...sometimes stressed knees can stress your back. :D (Take it from someone who's flat-footed with a mom that's a PT and a massage therapist.);)

funnynurse

77 Posts

I would check out the chiropractor first, then if that doesn't work out see a neurologist. A lot of times a chiropractor can fix what's wrong without you having to go through surgery(diskectomy, lamy etc.)

suzannasue

195 Posts

Hoolahan,

Bless your heart!!!!! I am so sorry you are having the lumbar pain!!!!!!! Please follow the advice here and get some relief!!!!!!

The cause may be minor but the chance it could be a more serious condition that would completely debilitate you would be well worth the trip to an MD!!!!!

Take care!!!!!

RNKitty

280 Posts

Picture my four year old marching around the house chanting:

YOGA, YOGA, YOGA!

Then find a good yoga instructor for long-term back care.

rachet65

16 Posts

Sorry to hear about your back. My suggestion-get thee to a chiropractor as soon as possible. I had a pinched nerve in my neck a few years ago-numbness down my arm and up to my ear. I went to an ortho doc and spent 3 weeks on pain meds and getting pt, but it just got worse, because they mis-diagnosed me. How does "cervical thoracic scapular strain" sound? Could you please be a little more vague,I told them, then I high-tailed it out of there and went to a chiro- best decision I ever made. He diagnosed me with the pinched nerve, and I was feeling better in no time! Best of all, I didn't take any meds- they just mask the pain for awhile. Ask around for some recommendations-you won't be sorry!:):

P_RN, ADN, RN

6,011 Posts

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Having been through ALL of the above......recently to my chagrin.... I say call your primary. In the meanwhile try heat and or cold packs. Take some analgesic. Ask for some muscle relaxants.....I have found Baclofen works best...for me....costs a bit though. I tried Zanaflex, Soma and Flexeril first.

I'll be praying that it's temporary though.

The chiro will order BIG$$ xrays that are not acceptable to a doctor or hospital so you might want to consider someone who WILL be covered by insurance.

hoolahan, ASN, RN

1 Article; 1,721 Posts

Specializes in Home Health.

Thanks for all the advice!

No place is open today. So motrin was the ticket, no real relief though. Hubby gave me a celebrex, didn't do anything. He offered me Tylenol w/ codiene, but it isn't that kind of pain.

I don't think it's a nerve, it is not sciatica, doesn't travel down into the buttock or leg. Just a very localized feeling like it needs to get cracked.

I would love to try yoga, but I am a little "fluffy" and I think those positions, at least some, would be hard for me.

I think it is a combo of stres, and hunching over the computer and desk writing inservices furiously to catch my HHA's up, since most of them had no inservices and they need to turn in evidence of 12 hours of inservice to the board of nursing in NJ or they will all lose their certificates, we will have no employees, and I will have no job! For the last 2 weeks I have done nothing but write, write, write and carry huge crates of manuals and books fto and from the office and my home.

OH man, I hope I can tolerate sitting in a theater tomorrow, promised I'd take the kids. What should I see Spy games? Or, Harry Potter?

Baclofen sounds like a plan! I just need a script.

donmurray

837 Posts

Got to be Harry Potter! (If only because some one asked the author if her books encouraged devil worship in children !! and her immediate reply was "You are a lunatic!") Watch for Robbie Coltrane as the giant.. What an entrance!!!!

donmurray

837 Posts

ps.Hope your back gets better soon, and holds out tomorrow!

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