I have compressed discs.

Personal trainer at gym put me on weight machines and free weights.

Sure gave me a new lease on life!

My back doesn't usually bother me but 1 night I just couldn't sleep it hurt so bad. I used one of those patches, you peel and press it on where it hurts, it was FANTASTIC, no pain all night I got right to sleep. I think it was a absorbine Jr patch I got at dollar tree.

I feel your pain. Try a bag of frozen peas. I always forget to do something or take something ....usually just suffer but one day it was so bad I got out the frozen peas. It really did help. You can refreeze them and use them again. I would buy the store brand for my back...save the Birdseye for the eating!

Up until last week I always used my TENS machine. You can get them online for under $50.00. It sends electrical shock that "overpowers" the pain sensors or something like that. Works wonders on sore muscles but not sure WHAT it would do to my herniated disc, need to ask the MD tomorrow. Currently, I am using a heating pad like there is no tomorrow. I have probably "cooked' my thigh and claf but as long as it helps the pain, i don't care!

Good luck to you.

Pilates and learning how to hold my sway back in--that protects my back and takes away a lot of the pain for me. I also used something soft under my mattress pad as my mattress is too hard. The car seat in my previous car was definitely contributing to my pain.

Plantmasterm, have you had a scan of any kind? Treatment depends on what is causing the pain. What have you tried? The only thing I remember of the olde time remedies is Ben Gay. Used to have a very strong aroma; don't know about now.

The scan of my spine reads like a medical dictionary. When my doctor called to tell me she had the report I asked her what it said. She said it says your back is a MESS!

My best help came at the Pain Clinic, where after physical therapy evaluation a TENS unit was prescribed. Janie's description of how it works is spot on.

Good luck finding help.

Sue

thanks Sue I have what is called spondilothesis(spelling is probably incorrect)..have had back injury since 1986

I went for physical therapy for several weeks and continue to do the prescribed back exercises.

I also have spondilolisthesis. When it was at it worst, I could barely walk due to pressure put on the sciatic nerve that went down my legs to my feet. I've had a couple of MRI's, & they mentioned surgery down the road. When I talked to the Spinal specialists why they didn't want to do surgery now, they said that there are so many therapies/drugs coming down the pipeline every day, it would be better to possibly wait it out.

I've been going to a Pain Manangement Clinic & I get cortizone shots in my lower back. I'm basically laying over an x-ray machine so the injection goes exactly when it needs to be. Very minor pain--like a bee sting in your back. The injection (for me) usually last about 6 to 8 months & have been a God-send to be pain free & to be able to walk & move about without pain. I've been able to work part-time again & best of all, pick up & play with my two young granddaughters.
Best of Luck to you~~katclaws

I have herniated discs, and am currently experiencing severe sciatic pain. I've tried the ice/heat alternating, but it's not eliminating the pain. Most likely, I will be referred for the cortisone injections, which I had about three years ago. I just would like to get my life back!

Plantmasterm, I had to google spondilolisthesis, and read a couple articles and saw a video. Since 1986 is a long time to be suffering. I doubt if any olde time remedies are going to help you.

I think a Pain Clinic is your best bet. Katclaws mentioned the Epidural steroid injections, and that reminded me that I had 4 of those, and they were very helpful.

Get busy and make an appointment and let us know how you are doing.

Sue

I have herniated discs, and am currently experiencing severe sciatic pain. I've tried the ice/heat alternating, but it's not eliminating the pain. Most likely, I will be referred for the cortisone injections, which I had about three years ago. I just would like to get my life back!

I also have problems, but my are in the neck rather than back. About twice a year I wind up in the doctors office for relief. I had spinal fusion about 6 years ago and the discs above and below are weakening. I end up on a steriod pack for 10 days that makes all the difference in the world for me. Does not work as well on lower back I was told. I also use a heat pad when sitting for any length of time. I go through a lot of frozen peas too.

Trish