Dear Dr. TEF...

[Samdy Gray]

I'm having a bit of trouble with lower back pain.

I've had it before but usually goes away after a couple of days, but this current episode has lasted around 2-3 weeks now. Was just uncomfortable at first but it's bordering on excruciating now.

Sitting is uncomfortable and laying flat is uncomfortable. The only way I can remain in some kind of comfort is standing up. I've tried Anadin which isn't even touching it, just Ibuprofen which eases it a little and now I'm doubling up on Ibuprofen and Paracetemol.

I'm off to the docs tomorrow to try and get some Codeine prescribed, but in the meantime does anyone have any tips for pain relief? Ta.

[dell boy]

Whiskey!!!

[Simon Pieman]

My mum has back pain so I asked her:

Apparently says magnets work, but ibuprofen is best. You can also lie on the floor and bring your knees up to your chest (hug them) to stretch it off.

You might get referred to a physio if it's a longer term or recurring problem.

[pauld]

My stepson got a dog in his eye last week and was in agony. He also found Ibuprofen/Paracetamol ineffective, so on recommendation of Tesco pharamacy got some Solpadine Max which contains codeine and is about as powerful as you can get without a scrip. Seemed to help him a bit more than Ibuprofen so that may be worth a try. Also try and keep dogs out of your eyes

[DV]

If its muscle releated than a soak in hot bath will do some good.

[Chubbs]

vicodin :-)

[china red]

As well as pain relief try Tiger Balm.  Rub it all over the affected area, much better than Deep Heat or anything like that. 

[Batch]

It should go after you've had the baby If not try an osteopath or chiropractor.

[Reg Smeeton]

 Try a good walk...you say it's ok standing up. Probably the consequence of an over sedentary lifestyle. Once you've done the good walk repeat on a regular basis...sorted.

[warksred]

Try applying Ibuprofen gel or thermocare heat wraps
for stronger over the counter analgesia try Co-codamol

[Talk Talk]

If not try an osteopath or chiropractor.

No, no NO! It's complete psycho babble and pseudo science. The same as homeopathy and acupuncture. The only relief you will get is placebo because you think it works (if you believe in that sort of remedy). One of my customers swears by his chiropractor. "How long have you been going?" I asked. "Twenty years" he said. "He's brilliant, he gets rid of the pain every time". Quite. If the quack actually cured the source of the problem then he wouldn't need to keep going back would he? That's twenty years of income to the charlatan, nice earner.

You need a qualified physiotherapist Sam.

[RobertT]

Switch to whichever tablets you don't normally take, so if you use Ibuprofein a lot, then try Asprin.  Ask over the counter for the strongest they have.

[Arriba]

some back conditions will never go away completely.chiropracters can help those in that situation

[RobertT]

Oh, and if you google your symptoms I'm sure it will either say trapped nerve or possible life threatening tumour

[Samdy Gray]

Cheers for all the advice. I've tried stretching and hot compresses but nothing seems to even touch it. Looks like I'll just have to wait until I can get to the docs tomorrow.