Back Pain

[Gail]

Advice wanted, a month ago injured my back in the UK, I had a MRI scan and the Dr told me I had a compressed disc, this all happened the day I was due to fly back here, so they gave me valium, and IV morphine and I was able to fly back a few days late. Since being back here I am trying loads of different med's none of them keeping the pain under control for long, I am keeping as mobile as possible. I have been to the physio on Soi 88, only once, the heat blanket and massage was lovely but did'nt think much of the "Rack" and was in agony the next day. I am worried that I am doing more harm than good and not a good idea to keep trying all this different medication. Is there anyone out there who has this problem and what works for you?

[johnnyk]

Gail, have you tried stretches 2 or 3x a day? I have lower back pain and stretching helps it out.
Have a look here:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/1 ... k-1303588/

[Takiap]

Gail, I injured my back offshore a few years ago and it was so bad, I could not even lay down to sleep, but instead, I had to sit up to sleep, and of course work was out of the question. I couldn't even drive a car because even the slightest bump in the road caused severe pain. I went for physio I don't know how many times and it did nothing for me. Eventually the did a scan and the specialist informed me I need surgery on the third vertebrae down from my neck. He also told me that he was required by law to warm me that if something went wrong, I could end up paralyzed.

Now, I need time to think, so I took extremely powerful painkillers and boarded a flight to Thailand. Sometime during the first week here, my wife and I went to one of those Thai venues where they have live music and etc., where you can sit at a table and order food and drink. As is the norm here in Thailand, you also get chaps who hangout in the toilet, and upon entering, they try to massage your neck and so on. Well, this guy took one look at me and before I knew it, there was an unreal amount of cracking noises coming from my back. I don't know what he did, but one minute I was in agony, and the next minute the pain was gone. I walked out to where my wife was sitting and she could not believe my back was 100% perfect. Of course I walked right back into that toilet and gave that chap the biggest tip he's ever received.

Who would have thought? Three or four doctors in the UK, physio, MRI scan, specialist at a private hospital, and none of them could do anything, and yet some chap in a Thai nightclub toilet sorted me out within about 5 seconds. I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's true, and to this day, the pain has never returned. All I know is that he twisted my next and back. I've been for Thai massage to see if they do the same thing but it appears they don't. Perhaps some know how to, and would be willing to do it if you ask. Alternatively, try and find a chiropractor, at least before you consider surgery.

I'm pretty sure a chiropractor would be able to sort you out, and if you do find one, please let me have the details, just in case it ever happens to me again.

I know your scan showed a fault in your back, but so did mine, and if they were to scan everyone, the vast majority would appear to have problems as well.

[loverboy44]

Back pain is very individual. So, you should not think what is good for this one will be good for me.
I've had this for many years in Thailand and swallowed every pill available.
After a couple of years i needed a surgery because the jelley between 2 of my discs broke open and there was no other way. It nearly took me 1 year to recover and it's still not 100%.
I don't know in which part your pain is but it helps to strengthen the back muscles a lot because this will support the back.
There is a difference between a MRI and a MRT in which you will be pushed in a tube and one (who is able to) can see far more. Actually everything.
I would recommend you to do this because then you know where and how big the problem is.
I would recomend Paya Thai 2 hospital as they are specialised on this and are not that expensive.
Good luck and hope you feel better soon!

[migrant]

Back pain is very individual. So, you should not think what is good for this one will be good for me.

I agree very much with this. Before, and in between college, I worked moving pianos and construction, both injured my back where 2-3 te time imes a year I was in constant pain for a month while doctors did therapy, injections, pills, etc.

One time about 4 years ago when it hit, I went to a local accupuncture shop thinking "what the h***".

I walked out 30 minutes later (and $40 lighter) feeling 90% better, and 100% the next morning.

Now at the first onset I go for a 30 minute session and all is good.

Like Loverboy says, "each pain is individual" but this is sure a low cost, effective treatment for me

[johnnyk]

I've tried physio, massage, yoga and now I'm thinking of acupuncture. Can anybody recommend an acupuncturist in HH or BKK?

[sharonbaker]

I think yoga is one of the best option for removing the back pain....

[MrPlum]

I think yoga is one of the best option for removing the back pain....

I agree but it sounds like this is more serious. I wouldn't try it before seeing a specialist. Yoga is good for stretching and releasing but a spinal twist, for instance, could do more damage.

Qigong and Tai Chi may be a better option, depending on the condition of the individual.

[sharonbaker]

This is my personal experience that regular yoga exercise effectively treat to back pain. I am feeling very good now.... because one of my friend suggested to me few yoga for doing in the morning. Trust me it was very effective for me....

[MrPlum]

This is my personal experience that regular yoga exercise effectively treat to back pain. I am feeling very good now.... because one of my friend suggested to me few yoga for doing in the morning. Trust me it was very effective for me....

Sorry. It wasn't a criticism. Just a precaution. You are quite right. I've been practicing for 15+ years and highly recommend Yoga but some teachers do not ask if students have injuries, while some students go at it far too hard. I am a believer in slower forms. If you feel any pain then back off immediately.

Here are some testimonials which may be helpful... http://www.yogamedics.net/testimonials.html

[sharonbaker]

This is my personal experience that regular yoga exercise effectively treat to back pain. I am feeling very good now.... because one of my friend suggested to me few yoga for doing in the morning. Trust me it was very effective for me....

Sorry. It wasn't a criticism. Just a precaution. You are quite right. I've been practicing for 15+ years and highly recommend Yoga but some teachers do not ask if students have injuries, while some students go at it far too hard. I am a believer in slower forms. If you feel any pain then back off immediately.

Here are some testimonials which may be helpful...

Thanks for providing this link to me....... I read those testimonials.... its nice. Thanks once again....

[Jim]

I am currently having physio in the UK for a neck problem, which I am told is the result of muscular tension in my back and shoulders. Its been excruciating for about 6 months now. I know that excess Chang helps, but this transfers the pain to my head instead. Can anyone recommend what sort of bone cracking toilet attendant or other type of massage they think I should try when we're in HH next month?
Thanks in advance