Back pain

[Hagrid]

Sorry I have not been in touch. I have not been able to sit at my computer. I put on a Halloween party for my daughters and we have fun dancing, But the next morning had terrible lower back pain. Finally went to a spine doctor and found out I had broken by tail bone. If anyone has any suggestions I would be glad to hear them. I still cannot sit easily even on a special donut. I have been given this drug called Ultram and it does help. I have had a cortozone shot also. I have done dome research on the internet and I feel so depressed. I feel that it will never heal. I have had this pain already for six months. The only joy I get is taking Hagrid on slow walks along the beach when I can. I have missed everyone. Lily

 

[charlieinnj]

Wow....How did you break you tailbone? Did they say how long it should take to heal/feel better?

 

[victoria1140]

I have never broken my tailbone but when my back gives me problems I stick on a heat patch which lasts a while. It helps me to stop stiffening up and damaging the other muscles and nerves in my back.

 

[new_2_newf]

eeek...woman, that must have been one hell of a party! I'm sorry to hear you are in so much pain! I don't suffer from chronic back pain myself (thank the stars), but a friend of mine who's fiance has a very bad back and whom herself has fibro think the WORLD of spa tubs and hot tubs. Not the jets per say, more the warmth and feeling of the bubbles. They both find it very relaxing, and my friend finds she tends to float, so nothing is really 'touching' the tub. She gets extremely sensitive pressure points in her body sometimes. If you are able to get into a warm tub of some sort, that might help relax the body enough to let you rest well at night for a few hours...your body heals itself when you are resting, so it's important to try and get the best sleep you can muster.

 

[Newfs Forever]

I am sorry to say, I have broken my tailbone and it did take a long time to heal. My Dr. told me there is really nothing you can do except what you are doing now.

 

[R Taft]

I am so sorry to hear this...........Well walking is about the best exercise for any back problems. it gives you muscles that support all the structures. Tail bones take quite a long time to heal. Did the cortisone injection give you any relief at all? You know that you can have follow up once, because once may not be enough. I am very used to back injections as that is a very large part of my job. We do so many of them at my work. And Mike has just gone through the back surgery bit and he is on a very strict walking regime. The neuro surgeon wanted him to be walking three miles by four weeks post op. Mike is up to about two now. The dogs think it is great, because he is at home, just walking them in our pastures.
The heat also sound like a nice passive treatment. And if it was me I would have a chat to a acupuncturist, they can often help if they are good...I hope things are on the mend Ronnie

 

[graybird]

Been there, had the donut pillow :hugs:. It does take a long time to heal. I was more comfortable sitting on one "side" or another rather than straight in a chair. I found that those exercise balls are more comfortable than a chair for sitting at a desk or table -- you can roll around on them and relieve the pressure, and they come in different sizes. I would think that those kneeling chair things might help too, but they looked too hard to get in and out of for me. The donut helps to an extent, but am afraid that tincture of time is the best healer. Experiment with foot rests too, changing the angles of how you sit might help. I am so sorry for your pain.

 

[mrsnamsherf]

Something similar happened to me, except it was caused by my dog. :crazy: He yanked me off the porch, and I landed on my tailbone on the bottom step. I never found out if it was broken, but it hurt a long, long time. Like you, sitting at the computer was difficult and frustrating. I would have to get up because the pain would increase, and I could just not find a comfortable position. Even for a long time after it happened. I think I had pain there for over a year. I can't even say for sure when the pain *finally* went away. The thought of it still makes me kind of cringe.

I have no especially helpful advice...it seems like I just had to wait it out. Like you, I thought it would never get better. I literally thought I was just going to have pain there the rest of my life. It did heal eventually, though-I can't remember the last time I had pain from that injury. I sympathize with your situation. I hope you feel better soon.

Marie

 

[KodysGrandma]

Had a friend who did this and as others have said, took what seemed like forever to heal= BUT IT DID! I second the kneeling chair suggestion, put it near a table and you should be able to put the computer on the table (if it's laptop) and use it without so much pain. Also, as one who has had a fair number of cortizone/steroid shots, go back if it wasn't enough. From my husband who has lots of pain and health problems- distract yourself with something you can really get involved in mentally. Best of luck and good thoughts from here.

 

[BeccaWyo]

Maybe seeing a good Physical therapist would help? I am a orthopedic PT and work with patients with all types of back pain every day. After 6 months, I would think the fx would be healed, but continued pait might be improved by learning the right core strengthening, pelvic floor strengthening. Also, some therapists are trained to mobilize the coccyx if needed and the fx is healed.
I agree that a theraball for sitting is a great idea. It's also a great tool for the core strengthening.
you can find a orthopedic specialist PT in your area at www.apta.org
Good luck!