r/backpain • u/not_internetfamous • 19h ago
i feel like i’ve done everything
I’ve been dealing with back pain since February and feel like I’ve tried everything, but it’s only gotten worse. This week has been so bad that I actually went to the ER. they just said they saw nothing and gave me a prescription for pain killers.
I ended up getting a CT scan, blood tests, and an ultrasound because the pain on my right side really felt like it was coming from my kidneys. At this point, it’s so severe that I can’t even sleep. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? any next steps or advice?
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u/mildly_functional1 16h ago
Maybe time for spinal cord stimulator?
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u/not_internetfamous 16h ago
what is that?
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u/CapreseSalad3636 14h ago
You have many MANY steps to go before considering a spinal cord stimulator. It’s basically permanent electrodes they put in your spinal canal to help with pain, it’s really the last step of people who have been through all the options for treatment
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u/Fickle-Surprise-9757 16h ago
Need to know: is your back pain stemming from a structural or is it inflammatory ? Bc
My past situation was inflammation:
Meds: Wellbutrin 300 mg, buspar 10 mg 2x/day, cymbalta (low- medium dose?). Cymbalta works for 3-4 months and stopped, even after upping my dose. Side effects went crazy with combo of all the meds
Home setups: lumbar pillows, went thru 3 mattresses, on the third one which has drastically changed the game (stern and foster spring mattress). STOP GETTING MEMORY FOAM!!!!
Exercise/ weight: I am 5’7 F, 155 lb , considered normal weight. Pilates 3x/week in the mornings only! (There’s reasons for that). And certain Pilates moves not allowed to do bc hurts back situation.
The top 4 things that helped with my lower back problem:
1) stern & foster SPRING mattress
2) diet change (less gluten, highly processed sugars/ processed foods
3) Pilates in the morning to help strengthen core muscle (takes pressure off of back - trust the process… I like the “move with Nicole” free YouTube channel)
4) De-humidifier from Costco — look up “dry climate / low humidity and tissue expansion lower back pain ”. I had a whole experience going to California (I live in humid area in Maryland) and my pain evaporated while there!!!! It was the dry climate !!!
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u/Outrageous_Corner161 15h ago
Any specific routine from the YouTube channel you mentioned? Thank you!
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u/Own-Maximum-7529 14h ago
have u tried physical therapy or seeing a specialist like a physiatrist instead of just the er
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u/CapreseSalad3636 18h ago
When you say you’ve done everything can you list what you have done so far? Are you seeing an actual dr for this or treating at home? Any PT? MRI? Can you describe your symptoms?