It’s been a while. Advice needed on bad back!

[Pitstop Penny]

Hey everyone. I hope you’re all very well. I just wondered if anyone had a bad back, more specifically, had suffered bulging or herniated discs please? I am currently suffering. Four months post injury. Have mostly been on the floor. It’s been the most challenging time. And I just got really upset thinking of the van. And wondering if I’ll ever be able to drive again, climb into the roof, and just live a normal life. Sorry if I’m being a downer. I guess I just needed cheering up, but at the same time, I hope no one here has been through this!! Because it’s awful.

Thank you!

 

[Corradobrit]

Sorry to hear about your discomfort. Back pain is no joke, as I know from personal experience. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my 40's. Suffered from lower back pain although not as bad as your's from the description ie having to remain supine.
Over the years I've had PT sessions, muscle relaxant prescriptions and ultrasound/laser therapy. Of all these interventions the ultrasound and now laser therapy has provided the best and most long term relief. I have a laser therapy instrument at home for just-in-case situations and find it useful for any number of musculoskeletal problems. I also find positioning 2 tennis balls in a bag on either side of the spine helps too. Likewise massage therapy helps loosen the muscles and relieve irritation. Similarly heat packs that you put in the microwave are great too. It's all about trying different things and finding what works best for you.
In my case the pain was caused by muscle spasms in the lower back. The localised heat generated by the ultrasound and laser helped relax the muscles and allowed the body to recover. Now I take care not to irritate the back that might lead to spasms.
Yoga can help too as it stretches the muscles. I was offered localised injected pain relief in the back but that was too invasive for me, but this could be a useful option for you.
Surgery is an option to either fuse vertebrate or replace the affected discs. I think it depends which discs are affected to guide the appropriate surgical intervention.
Wishing you fast recovery and getting back in the Cali where we all want to be. Good luck.

 

[CaliMac]

Hey everyone. I hope you’re all very well. I just wondered if anyone had a bad back, more specifically, had suffered bulging or herniated discs please? I am currently suffering. Four months post injury. Have mostly been on the floor. It’s been the most challenging time. And I just got really upset thinking of the van. And wondering if I’ll ever be able to drive again, climb into the roof, and just live a normal life. Sorry if I’m being a downer. I guess I just needed cheering up, but at the same time, I hope no one here has been through this!! Because it’s awful.

Thank you!

Yes, been there, I had 4 bouts with the last one lasting 5 months and I ended up in A&E after a nurse suggested I apply heat to my lower back. Dr informed me that nerve pain should be treated with ice not heat, from there I had a microdiscectomy. I was taking various tablets that counted to 29 a day. Night time pain was the worst. The thought of staying in a van did not enter my head. Anyway, the good news is I woke up after the op completely pain free and I have been fine for 8 years since. If it is nerve pain I found that complete rest was the only thing that reduced the pain which I guess was due to inflamation. Every back is different but hopefully the pain eases for you soon.

 

[Azteccamper]

Hi @Pitstop Penny back pain is no joke.
Sounds obvious but do you have an osteopath or Chiropractor? When I have trouble he usually gets me right (time it takes to go depends on severity) but they are brilliant at giving you simple everyday exercises you could try to help with the issue. Ice and painkillers can alleviate and help. You’ll get there, keep being positive.

 

[JuanVecino2023]

I empathise. I have been immobilised due to degenerative discs a few times over the past years.

Heat & massage etc are all good relief mechanisms.

Have you considered/tried osteopathy? I found it a huge help. I’ve also discovered what an impact hip flexors (psoas), and rotators have in lower back pain.

A lot of it can be referred, as the lower back is the most flexible region, so it takes the brunt of the abuse.

I’ve recently added a saddle stool (like hairdressers use), to work on while at my desk. It forces you into much healthier postures for your back. It also builds your core strength while sitting down.

Best of luck. It can improve!

 

[mattpartridge]

Hey everyone. I hope you’re all very well. I just wondered if anyone had a bad back, more specifically, had suffered bulging or herniated discs please? I am currently suffering. Four months post injury. Have mostly been on the floor. It’s been the most challenging time. And I just got really upset thinking of the van. And wondering if I’ll ever be able to drive again, climb into the roof, and just live a normal life. Sorry if I’m being a downer. I guess I just needed cheering up, but at the same time, I hope no one here has been through this!! Because it’s awful.

Thank you!

I share your pain! I have suffered with herniated discs for most of my adult life, resulting in two discectomies, one in 1998 and the second in 2007. The surgery was successful but I still have occasional bouts of pain lasting for a few weeks. In the 90s the advice was to stay in bed, which makes things worse due to losing muscle mass. Advice nowadays is to control the pain and keep moving, I have Tramadol on prescription for the worst days. Try and concentrate on what you can do rather than on what you can’t. I have climbed Kilimanjaro twice, and owned a Cali for 8 years since surgery. My latest Cali is DSG which makes driving much easier. We sleSP downstairs in the Cali, and use a Thermarest on top of the comfort mattress for extra padding. Keep you chin up and good luck!

 

[Californication69]

Wowzer. Yes I feel your pain.
Slight prolapse L5/s1, 22 years ago.
Smashed my T10 , 10 years ago in a jeep accident, only 2mm of bone having a hold on a splinter which if that had moved I’d have been a paraplegic.
It mended on its own. Over 5 months.
Then 2 years of physio.
Last year I snapped my T12 endplate.
I have back ache, but keep moving.
Walking is the best for the back.
Tramadol and diazepam keep me sane in winter months.
I find sleeping downstairs on a S2S more comfortable than hotel beds.
My bed at home is Harrison SPINKS rock hard mattress. Does the job.
Never had nerve pain, just cramp, right foot numbness, tingling and aches.
Keep moving is the best advice.
If I stop my back exercises for 4 days, takes me a week to recover.
Been doing them for 20 years.
It’s part of life now.

 

[Californication69]

Sorry to hear about your discomfort. Back pain is no joke, as I know from personal experience. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my 40's. Suffered from lower back pain although not as bad as your's from the description ie having to remain supine.
Over the years I've had PT sessions, muscle relaxant prescriptions and ultrasound/laser therapy. Of all these interventions the ultrasound and now laser therapy has provided the best and most long term relief. I have a laser therapy instrument at home for just-in-case situations and find it useful for any number of musculoskeletal problems. I also find positioning 2 tennis balls in a bag on either side of the spine helps too. Likewise massage therapy helps loosen the muscles and relieve irritation. Similarly heat packs that you put in the microwave are great too. It's all about trying different things and finding what works best for you.
In my case the pain was caused by muscle spasms in the lower back. The localised heat generated by the ultrasound and laser helped relax the muscles and allowed the body to recover. Now I take care not to irritate the back that might lead to spasms.
Yoga can help too as it stretches the muscles. I was offered localised injected pain relief in the back but that was too invasive for me, but this could be a useful option for you.
Surgery is an option to either fuse vertebrate or replace the affected discs. I think it depends which discs are affected to guide the appropriate surgical intervention.
Wishing you fast recovery and getting back in the Cali where we all want to be. Good luck.

I like the sound of laser therapy, would help free up my tight as hell back muscles. They feel like a rock.
What model and how do I get one !

 

[Pitstop Penny]

Sorry to hear about your discomfort. Back pain is no joke, as I know from personal experience. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my 40's. Suffered from lower back pain although not as bad as your's from the description ie having to remain supine.
Over the years I've had PT sessions, muscle relaxant prescriptions and ultrasound/laser therapy. Of all these interventions the ultrasound and now laser therapy has provided the best and most long term relief. I have a laser therapy instrument at home for just-in-case situations and find it useful for any number of musculoskeletal problems. I also find positioning 2 tennis balls in a bag on either side of the spine helps too. Likewise massage therapy helps loosen the muscles and relieve irritation. Similarly heat packs that you put in the microwave are great too. It's all about trying different things and finding what works best for you.
In my case the pain was caused by muscle spasms in the lower back. The localised heat generated by the ultrasound and laser helped relax the muscles and allowed the body to recover. Now I take care not to irritate the back that might lead to spasms.
Yoga can help too as it stretches the muscles. I was offered localised injected pain relief in the back but that was too invasive for me, but this could be a useful option for you.
Surgery is an option to either fuse vertebrate or replace the affected discs. I think it depends which discs are affected to guide the appropriate surgical intervention.
Wishing you fast recovery and getting back in the Cali where we all want to be. Good luck.

Thanks for your kind response. I am suffering an L4/L5 herniation, brought on my moving house but not made easier by discovering I have a transitional disc below. This means I was born with more bone than I should have and don’t really have much of a developed L5/S1 disc. Hence, the eventual pressure on discs above.

I have a mild protrusion that’s pressing on my L5 nerve and causing pain that is far from mild. It’s been four months though. And I have improved significantly. I still can’t sit on the sofa, lie on my left side, get in any vehicle, or stand for longer than 30 mins. But I am getting there.

I tried physio in the early days. Some posture stuff too. And a hell of a lot of walking. But the nerve just wasn’t settling so I’m trying a new thing: rest. I move around the house, don’t get me wrong. But I am mostly lying on the lounge floor, resting. It’s working. Better sleep, way less pain.

I’m working with a back specialist who has made such a difference. Ideally, he wants me walking. But not if it inflames the nerve. So we are just taking it easy. I’ve done that for two weeks. I’ve got another two weeks to go. I am instructed to walk if I can.

Yesterday, after three weeks of improvement, I had a setback. The nerve just wouldn’t settle and I was in pain all day. I’m trying to come off all meds too, you see. Not making life easier.

I’ve got a good plan for recovery. I know it will take time. Thank you for your kindness. I hope you don’t suffer

 

[Pitstop Penny]

Yes, been there, I had 4 bouts with the last one lasting 5 months and I ended up in A&E after a nurse suggested I apply heat to my lower back. Dr informed me that nerve pain should be treated with ice not heat, from there I had a microdiscectomy. I was taking various tablets that counted to 29 a day. Night time pain was the worst. The thought of staying in a van did not enter my head. Anyway, the good news is I woke up after the op completely pain free and I have been fine for 8 years since. If it is nerve pain I found that complete rest was the only thing that reduced the pain which I guess was due to inflamation. Every back is different but hopefully the pain eases for you soon.

So happy you’re better. Yes, I am trying rest. A new thing for me. And it’s helping. I worry I’m not walking like I was. A lot. But I move around the house. I don’t sit still for long… well, lie down. I can’t sit on anything except a hard dining chair with a special cushion.

It’s been four months. I am hoping I can conquer this conservatively. But I fear I’m in for a long road.

 

[Pitstop Penny]

Hi @Pitstop Penny back pain is no joke.
Sounds obvious but do you have an osteopath or Chiropractor? When I have trouble he usually gets me right (time it takes to go depends on severity) but they are brilliant at giving you simple everyday exercises you could try to help with the issue. Ice and painkillers can alleviate and help. You’ll get there, keep being positive.

Thank you! Alas, due to the nature of my injury, I don’t think that would help. I did see an osteopath a few times but it flared up my pain and I’ve daren’t go back. My current mission is to get the nerve to calm down. It is working. But there are ups and downs. I’ve really goes help. I’m trying to ease off the meds. I’ve got some exercises to do but they are very gentle. One involves my husband pulling my legs gently as I lay face down and doing a windscreen wiper movement. Only briefly. It helps to suck the disc material back in. Another just involves lying on my front with a pillow beneath my hips. It’s all working. I’m having better results since I found this current back specialist. Alas, I believe for me it’s time and patience, and easy does it. With a reintroduction of walking slowly but surely over the coming weeks. And then strength and mobility training. I’ve got this! Thank you

 

[Pitstop Penny]

I empathise. I have been immobilised due to degenerative discs a few times over the past years.

Heat & massage etc are all good relief mechanisms.

Have you considered/tried osteopathy? I found it a huge help. I’ve also discovered what an impact hip flexors (psoas), and rotators have in lower back pain.

A lot of it can be referred, as the lower back is the most flexible region, so it takes the brunt of the abuse.

I’ve recently added a saddle stool (like hairdressers use), to work on while at my desk. It forces you into much healthier postures for your back. It also builds your core strength while sitting down.

Best of luck. It can improve!

Thank you! Love the idea of a saddle stool! Will look into that. Great tip. See my first reply above to see what i’ve got. I hope you’re ok now…?

 

[Pitstop Penny]

I share your pain! I have suffered with herniated discs for most of my adult life, resulting in two discectomies, one in 1998 and the second in 2007. The surgery was successful but I still have occasional bouts of pain lasting for a few weeks. In the 90s the advice was to stay in bed, which makes things worse due to losing muscle mass. Advice nowadays is to control the pain and keep moving, I have Tramadol on prescription for the worst days. Try and concentrate on what you can do rather than on what you can’t. I have climbed Kilimanjaro twice, and owned a Cali for 8 years since surgery. My latest Cali is DSG which makes driving much easier. We sleSP downstairs in the Cali, and use a Thermarest on top of the comfort mattress for extra padding. Keep you chin up and good luck!

Chin firmly up! You’ve given me hope: thank you! I am so looking forward to that first adventure in our lovely van.

 

[Pitstop Penny]

Wowzer. Yes I feel your pain.
Slight prolapse L5/s1, 22 years ago.
Smashed my T10 , 10 years ago in a jeep accident, only 2mm of bone having a hold on a splinter which if that had moved I’d have been a paraplegic.
It mended on its own. Over 5 months.
Then 2 years of physio.
Last year I snapped my T12 endplate.
I have back ache, but keep moving.
Walking is the best for the back.
Tramadol and diazepam keep me sane in winter months.
I find sleeping downstairs on a S2S more comfortable than hotel beds.
My bed at home is Harrison SPINKS rock hard mattress. Does the job.
Never had nerve pain, just cramp, right foot numbness, tingling and aches.
Keep moving is the best advice.
If I stop my back exercises for 4 days, takes me a week to recover.
Been doing them for 20 years.
It’s part of life now.

Sounds like you’re quite the adventurer! I am totally on board with moving. But I’m trying resting temporarily. Trying to settle the nerve. Not easy. I miss my daily walks but I think I was doing too much.

As for nerve pain? My god. I am quite a wuss when it comes to anything like this. I’ve had many a day sobbing on the floor. But in the last month I’ve developed quite a resolve and I’m proud of myself. It’s pain like nothing I’ve ever experienced and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Yesterday was a bad day. This morning, I am not so bad. It’s up and down. That first cup of tea sat on my van’s stoop, looking out onto a glorious view, will be a tearful and emotional experience I would expect.

 

[Corradobrit]

I like the sound of laser therapy, would help free up my tight as hell back muscles. They feel like a rock. What model and how do I get one !

This is like the one I have. It's a professional level unit found in PT offices which I picked up used when I lived in the USA. It's not normally available to the general public due to the strength of the lasers which can damage the retina if the light enters the eye. I wear special protective goggles to prevent potential injury.

 

[GillianC]

Hey everyone. I hope you’re all very well. I just wondered if anyone had a bad back, more specifically, had suffered bulging or herniated discs please? I am currently suffering. Four months post injury. Have mostly been on the floor. It’s been the most challenging time. And I just got really upset thinking of the van. And wondering if I’ll ever be able to drive again, climb into the roof, and just live a normal life. Sorry if I’m being a downer. I guess I just needed cheering up, but at the same time, I hope no one here has been through this!! Because it’s awful.

Thank you!

You have my sympathy.
I woke up one morning with back pain which got worse and went down to my foot when I tried getting up.
To cut a long story short , after months of being told it would go away I paid privately to see a back surgeon and an mri showed that I had developed a bony spur on L5 and it was squishing S1. The pain was excruciating, like nothing I had ever experienced before.
Course of action was a microdiscectomy to remove the spur and release the nerve. Boy did that nerve tell me that it was pleased to be released!! Ouch.
Not been able to use the van was awful. I organised a club meet in Dorset and had to stay in the pub while everyone else was in their vans.
Recovery took a while but gradually the pain subsided and while it still aches sometimes I think it’s age and not nerve related.
I hope you feel better soon and are back on the road.

 

[Corradobrit]

Something that is often neglected is having the right mattress that alleviates the lower back stresses and not exacerbates them. And the most expensive is not necessarily the best. I found an inflatable air mattress to be especially beneficial. Choose one that suits your sleeping style ie back or side. My current mattress is a Vispring Herald with medium support in the center but soft at the shoulders and feet, since I'm a side sleeper and this helps keep the spine aligned. I would not say this gives me better back relief vs the the air bed mattress but its does feel premium and offers far better temperature control throughout the year and won't develop a leak like the air mattress.

 

[Pitstop Penny]

Something that is often neglected is having the right mattress that alleviates the lower back stresses and not exacerbates them. And the most expensive is not necessarily the best. I found an inflatable air mattress to be especially beneficial. Choose one that suits your sleeping style ie back or side. My current mattress is a Vispring Herald with medium support in the center but soft at the shoulders and feet, since I'm a side sleeper and this helps keep the spine aligned. I would not say this gives me better back relief vs the the air bed mattress but its does feel premium and offers far better temperature control throughout the year and won't develop a leak like the air mattress.

Thank you! Funny enough, I have just ordered a John Ryan mattress that cost £3k and I tell you what, I am excited. It’s the most I’ve ever spent on something like this. But the last time I got a mattress that changed my life it was only £500 cheaper and that was 12 years ago.

I am sorry to say this isn’t my first rodeo.
Hurt my neck as a young kid. And so know my way around chronic pain. And therefore appreciate the value in a good set up.

In the van, we use a S2S self inflating mattress on top of the Cali mattress and use a topper from Wool Room on that. It’s amazingly comfortable. And saves my back.

I have the very same mattress on top of a super uncomfortable hard mattress, soon to be replaced by the ordered one. It’s saved my life.

 

[CaliMac]

So happy you’re better. Yes, I am trying rest. A new thing for me. And it’s helping. I worry I’m not walking like I was. A lot. But I move around the house. I don’t sit still for long… well, lie down. I can’t sit on anything except a hard dining chair with a special cushion.

It’s been four months. I am hoping I can conquer this conservatively. But I fear I’m in for a long road.

I was given various theories by chiropractors, PTs and back specialists; however, the MRI showed the problem that anyone could understand. A piece of disc about the size of triangle of Toblerone was dislodged pressing hard against the left nerve. This led to referred pain and like you I could not sleep on my left side (for years in my case), indeed it felt like hip pain but went down my leg too. I also leaned to the right when the pain was there; consultant took one look and said I need an MRI scan now! One thing the surgeon said was 'we understand very little about back pain', he estimated 30% of causes were understood. The root cause of mine I believe was tight hamstrings which meant I arched my back when bending with legs straight. I was actually getting out of a helicopter, slid my legs out first and arched my back to dip my head clear of the canopy. My left leg was straight and I felt a small sensation in my back, not too much pain to start with but a week of no sleep followed then 8 years of intermittent back pain. I suspect if I had been very careful after the first bout I may have avoided surgery but the delayed effect of pain gave a false sense security. My only advice is: when (and I hope) the pain does goes away, just treat your back like 'glass' going forward.

 

[Pitstop Penny]

I was given various theories by chiropractors, PTs and back specialists; however, the MRI showed the problem that anyone could understand. A piece of disc about the size of triangle of Toblerone was dislodged pressing hard against the left nerve. This led to referred pain and like you I could not sleep on my left side (for years in my case), indeed it felt like hip pain but went down my leg too. I also leaned to the right when the pain was there; consultant took one look and said I need an MRI scan now! One thing the surgeon said was 'we understand very little about back pain', he estimated 30% of causes were understood. The root cause of mine I believe was tight hamstrings which meant I arched my back when bending with legs straight. I was actually getting out of a helicopter, slid my legs out first and arched my back to dip my head clear of the canopy. My left leg was straight and I felt a small sensation in my back, not too much pain to start with but a week of no sleep followed then 8 years of intermittent back pain. I suspect if I had been very careful after the first bout I may have avoided surgery but the delayed effect of pain gave a false sense security. My only advice is: when (and I hope) the pain does goes away, just treat your back like 'glass' going forward.

Ouch indeed! Glad you’re feeling better now. I intend to be very careful, thank you. But I hope to live my life without fear of this happening again. I’m seeing a great back specialist who is highly experienced in my specific injury and is going to help with my rehab plan, too.

There will always be a vulnerability in my lumbar now. But it’s been on the cards for a while. I have a transitional disc, which means I don’t really have an L5/S1 at the bottom. Too much bone, not enough disc. That puts pressure further up. My back has “gone” a few times over the years. So I’ve learned what to avoid and what to do. I have every faith I will survive this and be back on the road soon!

 

[Holly]

Hello, I don’t have a bad back but I’ve just read a brilliant book about chronic pain and it talks a lot about backs and the mind body connection. It’s a novel and easy to read but based on a lot of research and experience. Highly recommend..
‘Painless’ by Chana Studley.

 

[Holly]

painless:%20A%20novel%20about%20Chronic%20Pain%20and%20the%20Mind-Body%20Connection%20https%3A//amzn.eu/d/doLExox

 

[Holly]

Sorry, can’t work out how to include a link

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Sorry, can’t work out how to include a link

https://amzn.eu/d/j3bjB2K

 

[Holly]

https://amzn.eu/d/j3bjB2K

Thank you