How's it going have a serious issue and no idea what to do. I am 27 and have been having back issues for a few years now. I had to take steroids for a herniated disc and for about 8 months I have been fine. Today I can't get out of bed due to the pain being severe when I sit up or try to get up. I have no idea what to do I have an allergy to aspirin and can't take ibuprofen. Don't want to go to the hospital but seems like the only option I have. Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.
Welcome to the board. Just so you know, there is a board just for back issues entitled "Back Problems." You might find it helpful to read through some old threads to see if you pick up any useful tips. You also might want to post something there where more members with back problems will see it.
Herniated discs can and do heal on their own, particularly if through using conservative measures you can get any tissue that is swelling and affecting a nerve to move off the nerve. First you have to get through the most acute phase. Then a course of physical therapy would probably be ordered and perhaps a steroid injection, which are often given in a series of three, a week or two apart.
If you have had a lumbar x-ray and know you do not also have a spondylolisthesis which is when one vertebra slips over the top of the adjacent vertebra, you can begin exercises almost immediately to not only strengthen the core and back muscles but to also free up the nerve a bit so you can move more easily.
If these disc issues are becoming chronic, it may be time to see a spine specialist if you have not done so already.
Thanks, the issue is I can't walk more than 10 feet only to the bathroom barely standing. There is just no way I can walk all the way to the car. Which position is it best to lay in, because that is really all I can do other then have a heating pad on the back. Thank you.
If you can get down on the floor (and back up, of course) there is a position that serves as a natural form of traction.
Lie flat on the floor on your back, knees bent with feet resting flat on floor. Be sure your body is in straight alignment. Place arms close to the side of your body with palms facing up toward the ceiling. Now, relax and breathe deeply from the belly, letting it rise and fall.
A variation on this is to lay on the floor close to a chair or couch. Place your legs up on the seat of the couch, so the back of your calves are resting on the seat of the couch, your back is flat on the floor and your buttocks rests against the edge of the couch. The rest of the position is the same as above.
The purpose of these positions is to allow the discs to unload. I've been known to find a quiet corner in an airport and lie down on the floor like this when I felt I just couldn't walk another step.
This position helps your spine realign, helps the muscles which may be "guarding" the hurt area to relax and just generally helps the soft tissue to relax.
Five minutes at a time is enough to provide some benefit. I try to do it when I first get up in the morning and again before bed. I find it extremely comfortable and relaxing, even after a multi-level lumbar fusion.
Thanks, the issue is I can't walk more than 10 feet only to the bathroom barely standing. There is just no way I can walk all the way to the car. Which position is it best to lay in, because that is really all I can do other then have a heating pad on the back. Thank you.
Tetonteri66 has given you some good advice, you should heed it.
In addition, If your back pain is that bad, you should be presenting yourself to the emergency department of the hospital closest to you. You may need to get someone to help you get there, judging by what you've said.
You NEED to undergo some sort of scan - xray, CT or MRI (you may have had one already given what you've said you've had back issues for a few years). I'd also recommend you make regular contact with your local doctor, until symptoms improve.
