What are some ways to manage back pain, without the use of opiate-based painkillers?

Question

I am in recovery, so pills are not an option, but I have been suffering some pretty bad pain in my lower back lately.

I'm not sure what's causing it, but I would like to learn about some techniques for managing it. I plan on making an appointment today with a chiropractor.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

i have chronic back pain, and I'm allergic to most opiate based pills, can you take advil? its not that strong, but it may help. also- try a hot water bottle, a heating pad, or an analgesic cream-like A5-35 rub, or i get one from watkins called icey blue- it works great-just rub on the back, and it is a non medicinal way of controlling the pain.

Answer 2

There are several things you can do. When you go to bed, sleep with pillows under your knees so your legs are bent as if you were sitting in a chair.  Use OTC pain meds combined with ice packs.  And most importantly of all, do the exercises recommended specifically for back pain.  Here is a site covering those:  http://www.bigbackpain.com/back_exercise...  Although it's somewhat controversial, some people report relief from decompression therapy, which your chiropractor will probably discuss with you.

Answer 3

I've had a lot of help with chiropractic care and massage.  A lot of people say that chiropractic is a crock, but I have a pinched nerve in my lower back and some minor problems from a fall I had as a teenager.  All of it is manageable though chiropractic care.  It's also helped with other problems like my allergies.

Simple stretches can also help, but I wouldn't go to yoga.  I've tried that twice and both times I wound up in my chiropractors office with a misaligned hip.

Answer 4

get an at home stem machine there wats in the chiropractors office but a miniature version works amazingly

Answer 5

exercise with me

sorry babe its just that we're aging,  muscles if we don't use em' we lose em'.

so whenever your ready let me know!

Answer 6

Find a certified Rolfer in your area. I had serious low back problems, but after several Rolfing sessions, I was able to do heavy labor. Before the Rolfing, I was afraid to sneeze because one time I sneezed, it pulled something in my low back, and I was unable to walk for about a week. Find the Rolf institute online and they have a locater to help you find a Rolfer near you.

Answer 7

You should try ACUPUNCTURE.  It's completely safe, natural, and effective.  It requires no drugs of any kind, and probably a lot cheaper than going to a chiropracter.  

Answer 8

As ridiculous as it may sound, exercise is one of the most beneficial things you can do for back pain. Specifically weight training with light weights. I am sorry for your pain, I suffer from it as well, but mine is mostly stress related and I know how you feel about narcotics. You may want to try a light muscle relaxer such as flexaril or skelaxin. They are not habit forming. But, they also don't work for everyone. Good Luck!