by Ron Sombilon Gallery

Question by John K: Need Back Pain/Headache Relief Recommendations?
I have suffered from a pretty bad herniated disc in my lower back for the past 3 years. I am 48 now. Over this time, I have had various injection procedures, that have produced little relief, unfortunately. My doctor doesn’t think my condition warrants a ‘strong’ painkiller and he is so afraid of me getting addicted (I have no evidence of addiction in my medical history), that the only drug he has agreed to prescribe for me is one called Voltaren XR, which helps somewhat, but I wish I could have something stronger because I personally think it warrants it. I’m going to see him again soon and talk to him again about it, but I am not too hopeful. Anyway, this condition has limited me somewhat in my daily activities over this time. However, lately, like in the last week or so, I have noticed my back pain has dramatically increased for some unknown reason, and along with it, very persistent painful headaches. Usually, when I have had a headache in the past, some aspirin would take care of it. But since the onset of this increased back pain, aspirin does little if anything to ease the headache pain. I haven’t tried any of those so-called ‘extra strength’ headache remedies yet. I am 99% convinced my headache pain is due to the increased back pain, as the headaches began at exactly the same time as the increased back pain. All I have been able to do is stretch, and lie on a heating pad to gain some relief, but it is very annoying, as the headaches just persist for hours and hours. The headaches are more bothersome actually than the back pain, although that also is noticeably worse. Why all of a sudden my back pain is worse and these headaches, I don’t know. I don’t recall having strained my back lately or anything. The seasons are changing from winter to spring…maybe that might have something to do with it. But I am really at a loss to explain it. I was thinking of maybe trying one of those OTC back pain products like Doan’s Pills, but I really don’t know if they are effective. If you’ve used one of these products and found relief let me know, as I don’t want to waste money on something that won’t help. And also something for the headaches…I could try those extra strength products, but again, who knows. Again, if you could recommend a good product or products to try for back/headache pain resulting from this condition, please let me know. I don’t know where I am going with this back condition. I am considering chiropractic…what have I got to lose. Surgery has been mentioned, but I know with surgery it’s a gamble, sometimes you get better, sometimes you actually might get worse. It is very frustrating. And then you see all these so called ‘gimmicks’ advertised everywhere for back pain because it is so common, you really don’t know what works and what doesn’t.. I don’t want to do any more injections, I’m fed up with them. If you have any other general thoughts or suggestions, please share them with me, as I am starting to feel a bit desperate. Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by sugarquill
Getting a more supportive mattress can help you out. We spend a lot of time sleeping and if you are sleeping on a soft mattress when you have a back injury, this can really intensify the pain. Your back has to be well-supported. You might want to consider getting a memory foam mattress with at least 4 pounds of density. This should provide a good amount of back support.

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Technorati Tags: Back, Need, Pain/Headache, Recommendations, Relief

Tags: Back, Need, Pain/Headache, Recommendations, Relief