Pain Killers for Lower Back Pain.

[Lacessit]

8 hours ago, justmeagain said:

Firstly, an X-Ray would show exactly what the problem is and take it from there.

 

 

 

 

.

X'rays are fairly useless if it is a tissue or muscle issue, a MRI is needed for those.

By all means have the X'ray first, they are a lot cheaper than a MRI.

[Yellowtail]

How long has it been bothering you? I would give it a week and see if it gets better, if not I'd go see a back doctor and have it looked at. 

 

I went through this a few months ago, went to the doctor, was carefully examined, x-rayed and given a three day prescription that helped a little and lot of peace of mind that helped a lot.  

 

 

 

[Nickelbeer]

I have used Tramadol, but it is definitely NOT available everywhere. My pharmacist orders Tindol, which is the equivalent, out of India. She doesn't seem to have any legal problems dispensing it. The two brands are chemically identical.

[khunPer]

18 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

What is the best pain killer for this that is strong and available without a prescription. I am in Bangkok.

Ibuprofen that also relaxes muscles...???? – are you sure that your lower back pain is not cause by lack of certain exercise...???? – some doctors seems to recommend training that look very similar to that certain kind of exercise, might be worth trying, perhaps it helps...????

[NCC1701A]

41 minutes ago, khunPer said:

Ibuprofen that also relaxes muscles...???? – are you sure that your lower back pain is not cause by lack of certain exercise...???? – some doctors seems to recommend training that look very similar to that certain kind of exercise, might be worth trying, perhaps it helps...????

thank you for this info. you may not be aware but I am the forums resident male version of a nymphomaniac know as satyromania in males. 

 

This condition is also called Don Juanism. 

 

And thank you everybody for some really great information. 

[khunPer]

4 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

thank you for this info. you may not be aware but I am the forums resident male version of a nymphomaniac know as satyromania in males. 

 

This condition is also called Don Juanism. 

 

And thank you everybody for some really great information. 

I'm well aware of your condition from several postings in the forum, that's why i get worried about your well being...????

Talking from personal experience – bad lower back from too many heavy loudspeakers and/or a fall from a balcony when I was young, and should impress an even younger lady with my equilibristic stunt skills – the mentioned kind of exercise in relative high level keeps the pain away; however don't lift more than what equals to 45 kilo during exercise...????

[Lacessit]

4 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

thank you for this info. you may not be aware but I am the forums resident male version of a nymphomaniac know as satyromania in males. 

 

This condition is also called Don Juanism. 

 

And thank you everybody for some really great information. 

It's also known as satyriasis. Be of good cheer, the affliction is usually cured by the time one hits 80. Or perhaps you don't want that remedy.

[EricTh]

Painkiller don't solve the problem, you're just ignoring the cause. Try to get a skilled chiropractor or doctor to see what's the cause.

[Sheryl]

19 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

The little yellow ones the 7/11 pharmacist sells for period pains.

Ponstan. An NSAID.

[Sheryl]

9 hours ago, Lacessit said:

X'rays are fairly useless if it is a tissue or muscle issue, a MRI is needed for those.

By all means have the X'ray first, they are a lot cheaper than a MRI.

 

Actually an XRay, read by a good spinal specialist, can tell a lot and is sometimes sufficient.

 

As OP indicates it has been only a week, and does nto mention any radiation to the legs or numbness I think he can try conservative home measures first i.e. antiinflammatories/analgesics, stretches, heat, rest.

 

OP if you do need a doctor, Prof. Wicharn at BNH is the "go to" man for it.

[xylophone]

23 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

I am experiencing for the first time in my life lower back pain. Waves of pain spasms making hard to sit, walk or lie down. 

My first question would be, "what caused it"?

 

Seeing a specialist of some description would be ideal, and knowing what caused it would help in the treatment.

 

I occasionally take painkillers for various football injuries, but at least I know what caused the pain/how it happened.

[scubascuba3]

I haven't found anything that touches sharp back pain, I just live with it while it's here, usually a few days or a week.

 

Stretches can help, i found a YouTube video a few weeks ago that quickly fixed my left lower back pain, quite amazing really

[simple1]

11 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I haven't found anything that touches sharp back pain, I just live with it while it's here, usually a few days or a week.

 

Stretches can help, i found a YouTube video a few weeks ago that quickly fixed my left lower back pain, quite amazing really

 

Can you provide the link?

[Patong2021]

On 5/17/2021 at 1:35 PM, Jingthing said:

Acetaminophen doesn't work on back pain.

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant. 

 

I read the OP description. Did you?  

Waves of pain spasms making hard to sit, walk or lie down

Methocarbamol is used to treat muscle spasms/pain. It is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and physiotherapy. Yes, it indirectly relaxes muscles. Do you know how it works and why it is one of the first products that is used to relieve pain associated with spasms?  It is because it is the least sedating of the select group of drugs used to relieve back spasm pain. Also, because it has been used for long time its side effects are known and understood. it is described as well tolerated.

 

 Yes, acetaminophen is  prescribed for back pain. Why? because it is easy on the stomach and  will not cause or worsen bleeding in stomach.  Yes,  NSAIDs are more effective for back pain, but until other causes like kidney illness or physical injury are eliminated as cause, a medical doctor will use acetaminophen first. How do I know? Because in university I was on athletic teams and we had access to university teaching hospital that had a good reputation. They had treatment protocol. You will find that until proper exam is done, this is the common recommendation for someone with back spasm pain as temporary measure.

 

On 5/17/2021 at 1:06 PM, justmeagain said:

Interesting, everyone's advice here is 'dangerous'? and your advice...is not? Seriously.

Not everyone. The ones recommending potent NSAIDS without knowing the OP's  cardiovascular health or if he had history of stoke or gastric bleeding or kidney disease are not just dangerous, they are irresponsible.  Do you know what Black Box warning is?    CELEBREX may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk. CELEBREX, may cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events

 

The OP is older man. Do you want to kill him?

He is also active man who has energetic social life. Some recommend using potent drug that will sedate him. Pain in lower back can be caused by stomach or intestine blockage. OP also enjoys his alcohol refreshment.  They never ever prescribe the habit forming Tramadol until the possible blockage issue is eliminated. 

 

Several of the later posts are from intelligent people who share similar opinion of not self medicating with drugs until an underlying medical issue is ruled out. My suggestion is one of the least interventionist approaches and suggests moderate relief with the least potential for harm, until he can get professional help.  I believe the OP lives in condo alone, unless one of his many lady friends is staying over. The last thing he needs is to be juiced up on tramadol and to become disorientated and fall off balcony like what happens in Pattaya.  Would you dope your grandpa up or give NSAIDS drugs that can give stroke and then leave him alone? I would not. Just because drugs can be purchased with ease in Thailand does not mean they are safe.  

[Kanada]

You really have to watch pain killers! Pain is the brains warning that you have something wrong.....it tells you what not to do> Painkillers block that message and you might hurt yourself without knowing it.

I had two years of back pain before a discectomy so I know what its like....its no joke.

If either leg is going numb that generally signifies swelling pushing on spinal column one side or the other so be really careful.

Another simple thing I learned was put a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side...it reduces the pull on your back.

note: I'm not a Dr. but I've seen one on TV

[scubascuba3]

5 hours ago, simple1 said:

 

Can you provide the link?

https://youtu.be/P6QChMFREK4

[1FinickyOne]

Better than pain pills is a cure...

 

I had a terrible nerve problem, pain in my back, neck, arm and numbness. I could not even lay in the bed.. the doctor gave me pills and traction but no help..

 

I went for acupuncture and noticed a difference immediately but after 4 sessions and a bit more time, 99% healed... 

 

WE have a wonderful Chinese medicine clinic in CM... must be similar in Bkk.. 

[phetphet]

Was your last female gymnastic partner particularly heavy? 

 

This might help avoid future injury:

 

1. Keep a wide base of support.

2. Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only.

3. keep good posture.

4. Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees. Not your back.

5. Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your navel.

6. Use your feet to change direction taking small steps.

7. Alternatively. Get her to do all  the work.

 

 

[Kanada]

1 hour ago, 1FinickyOne said:

Better than pain pills is a cure...

 

I had a terrible nerve problem, pain in my back, neck, arm and numbness. I could not even lay in the bed.. the doctor gave me pills and traction but no help..

 

I went for acupuncture and noticed a difference immediately but after 4 sessions and a bit more time, 99% healed... 

 

WE have a wonderful Chinese medicine clinic in CM... must be similar in Bkk.. 

I’m close to Chiangmai

what is the name of the clinic please

friend of mine....the most pessimistic man you could meet when it comes to alternative medicine was forced by his wife to try acupuncture for headaches and neck pain!

Worked so well for him and almost immediately.....needless to say he’s a huge believer now????

Edited May 19, 2021 by Kanada

[Nickelbeer]

On 5/18/2021 at 12:57 PM, khunPer said:

Ibuprofen that also relaxes muscles...???? – are you sure that your lower back pain is not cause by lack of certain exercise...???? – some doctors seems to recommend training that look very similar to that certain kind of exercise, might be worth trying, perhaps it helps...????

Certain targeted exercises, is one recommendation that I have heard from several doctors.

[Nickelbeer]

On 5/19/2021 at 12:50 PM, Kanada said:

I’m close to Chiangmai

what is the name of the clinic please

friend of mine....the most pessimistic man you could meet when it comes to alternative medicine was forced by his wife to try acupuncture for headaches and neck pain!

Worked so well for him and almost immediately.....needless to say he’s a huge believer now????

I have had accupuncture treatments, and despite many assurances on this forum that they were not effective, I found I got very good temporary relief. Medications alone are definitely not the answer. Traction works for many but not all. Some sort of physical therapy seems to be the best solution.

[Artisi]

Worth trying, along with professional diagnosis if the problem persists 

[Guest jonzboy]

For the OP, I have read through comments so far and can relate to most of them.  I have suffered "back pain" on and off for 30+ years originating from overly aggressive sporting activity when young.  An initial x-ray identified a narrowed inter-vertebral spacing with mild prolapse.  The doctor I saw said the pain is caused by the muscles surrounding that area becoming inflamed or torn when they overly protect the spine from being damaged when under stress.  Over the years this has been a recurrent problem for me as a result of heavy lifting etc.  Other than doctors, I have seen physiotherapists, a chiropractor, a Chinese bone doctor and massage therapists.  Here's what works for me.

 

1.  A medium strength NSAID for the first day or two only.  I take Naproxene (sold OTC in Thailand as Naprosyn).  Take with an antacid like omeprazole and/or with food.  Always read the literature before taking any meds.

2.  Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment.  The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles. They may also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.  The device is available in pharmacies at relatively low cost.  I use it immediately I feel any back spams.  2-3 times a day for a few days.

3.  A heat pad 2-3 times a day for a few days.

4.  Exercise as part of my daily routine to help strengthen muscles in the lower back.

[rumak]

On 5/17/2021 at 9:14 PM, lanng khao said:

You might be overdoing it, just try one lady at a time see how that goes..

 

It's never a pleasant awakening when us "athletes"  have to retire.   Sure,  we can still pinch hit once in a while......... but everyday playing the field becomes impossible.

 

When i occasionally have a back issue..........  (i have tried a few anti inflamatory meds)

the one that works for me is  diclofenac ( the brand name seems best in this case : Cataflam )          

Spasms:   diazepam   (only hospitals will prescribe,  and they don't like to ! ) 

      I had spasms and they suck.  A really good dr, now retired,  told me:  "this is what you need ! "   when i told him i didn't want lots of pills.    Commonly nurses and doctors only think this med (valium)  is for sleeping,  and is highly addictive.  Well, it might be, but both meds i just mentioned only are needed (by me)  once in a while , for a few days,  when my back acts up.    Otherwise i stay clear of them........... and yes,  walking is good.

Unfortunately,  humping is not so good

[BritManToo]

Just now, rumak said:

When i occasionally have a back issue..........  (i have tried a few anti inflamatory meds)

the one that works for me is  diclofenac ( the brand name seems best in this case : Cataflam )   

The more I walk, the less pack pain I have.

It's been almost ZERO for the past 5 years now, I try and do a few Km every morning and evening.

[Artisi]

Correctly applied TENS can be extremely beneficial, I worked with a guy many many moons ago who wore a TENS unit while ever out of bed, it wasn't constantly on but a switch in his pocket activated it as and when needed which was most of the day, it was the only way he could function. 

[rumak]

24 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

The more I walk, the less pack pain I have.

It's been almost ZERO for the past 5 years now, I try and do a few Km every morning and evening.

i have been active all my life ,  though can't claim the "i do 300 km every morning" that some posters do   555     Really nice walking area on the road that goes to Huai Tung Tao

in CM ,  winding through trees and views of the mountain.   Walked there today.

 

 

  

[rumak]

1 hour ago, jonzboy said:

 Other than doctors, I have seen physiotherapists, a chiropractor, a Chinese bone doctor and massage therapists.  Here's what works for me.

 

yes,  everyone is different ............... and it takes lots of practice and pain  and pay the doctors before one can determine (hopefully)  what works best for them.

every doctor i went to said   "  do these stretches" .    take these anti inflamatories.

well, the pills didn't help,  and the stretches i still can't do without it making things worse.  Swimming however, seems to loosen me up.   but of course all the pools are closed for some reason

 

If you are young,  with no issues,  i would strongly recommend stretching every day

Edited May 22, 2021 by rumak

[HighPriority]

4 minutes ago, rumak said:

 

yes,  everyone is different ............... and it takes lots of practice and pain  and pay the doctors before one can determine (hopefully)  what works best for them.

every doctor i went to said   "  do these stretches" .    take these anti inflamatories.

well, the pills didn't help,  and the stretches i still can't do without it making things worse.  Swimming however, seems to loosen me up.   but of course all the pools are closed for some reason

 

If you are young,  with no issues,  i would strongly recommend stretching every day

I’m a 54 yo ceramic tiler, I run ok and I do triathlon.

if you have time yoga is great for gentle stretching and for me swimming is great for my back.

I swim like <deleted>, but the more I swim the fewer back problems I have.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, rumak said:

i have been active all my life ,  though can't claim the "i do 300 km every morning" that some posters do   555     Really nice walking area on the road that goes to Huai Tung Tao

in CM ,  winding through trees and views of the mountain.   Walked there today.

Free entry to the lake for people over 60 as well.