severe back pain

Hello,

I need some suggestions and I'm hoping the caring CC community can help.

I don't know my exact weight, but it is in the neighbourhood of around 360lbs. I'm about 5'6.

I have severe, disabling, debilitating back pain that doesn't seem to be responding to medication. I'm currently on Tylenol #3s (with codeine) and they help on a very minimal level.

I know I need to lose weight, but how can I do that if I cannot move? I can't even take a shower without severe pain. Should I try stronger pain killers?

And advice/help is great. Thank you...

=^..^=

help please???

Other than your weight is there a reason for the back pain, have you had an injury?? Do you have arthritis??

I know it sounds really stupid, espically when you are in pain but physical activity is the bext thing out for back pain plus it has the added bonus of weight loss. Do you have access to a swimming pool??? At the pool i worker at we had a lift that helped disabled/physically unable people into the pool. You sit in a chair and it lifts you into and out of the pool so you dont have to worry about climbing up ladders and all that.

Walking up and down a pool slowly is a really great exercise for overweight people with injurys/health problems. There is practically no pressure on your body so you are able to move a little easier. I would strongly encourage you to speak to a dr before you start any type of physcial activity espically cos you ahvnt mentioned if you have suffered an injury.

I don't have any injury. And I don't have arthritis that I know of....

And while I know the pool would be the best place for me, it is really not my thing at all... I would never go...

Right now I want to be able to take a shower without pain, never mind excercise...

I'm so lost...

Is the pain when you shower due to standing or due to attempting to contort in an enclosed space?  If it's from standing I think you need some professional help in finding exercise options that will work for you.  If you can stand without pain, then the best exercise is standing and walking.  You don't have to go very fast or very far, but move around as much as you can without pain each day.

Sorry it completely didnt occur to me about getting into a pool and all the self esteem stuff that goes with it. I dont think i will be getting back into a pool anytime soon either!!!

So does your dr know what is causing the pain, cos i mean thats the first place to start. Do they think it is because of the weight??? My mum is a big lady and she has a prob with the disc's in her back, she has to lie in bed for days at a time.

I have problems with my neck and lower back, i cant lay down flat on my back becuase it is just too painful. Ive been to an osteopath and had my spin manipulated, it works wonders!!!!! Is that an option for you.

Ive also heard cortisol is good for severe pain, it doesnt treat the cause of the pain, just masks it so you can function.

 

Ive found a few websites for you to have a look at but again without knowing if the pain is say muscular or otherwise its really hard to make suggestions.

http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/pa in/painm/painm01.html

http://www.bigbackpain.com/

http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.p hp/article108.html

It is nice to see you back Magic.
I hope that you are doing much better.  What happened to your back?

Is it possible your doctor can get you into some physical therapy that will help you with mobility? Has your doctor given you any ideas at all about options for you ?

Get thee to a chiropractor, stat!

Hello,

I can empathize and feel for you.  I started on this site again cause of back pain and cause I was envying those who could walk without a thought about it.  I was at 219 or better and thought it fantastic to go to a gym pool and do jumping jacks etc.  Big Stupid mistake.  I paid for it with hell pain for about a month- but also knew that no matter what a chiropractor or pain pills could do, I had to get some of the weight off.  I have gotten about 10 pounds off and still hurt.  I still go to the pool- and no I do not wear a swim suit.  I wear old shorts and a funky tee shirt- gets discolored from the cholorine so who cares?  I have had women say to me, Thank God you are wearing that get up!  Now I know that I can wear what I want!  I also found from going to the pool that I am NOT the largest lady to get in the water- far from it.  There are folks there who use walkers and canes when they get out.  I started using a rolling back pack to carry my heavy wet clothes and that helped.  I want to encourage you to try to get better.  Sitting still is just not going to help you.  I walk in the pool for 30 minutes 2 or 3 times a week.  I also try to listen to my back and hips and if I don't feel well enough, I don't go or I cut down the time of walking.  I also gently stretch my back when I can- put your knee up to your stomach and hold it there as long as you can- or get that leg up as far as you can- stretches the lower back.  You can do this lying on the bed.  I found that I have arthritis in my lower back plus bursitis in a hip and God knows what is going on in my left knee.   Good luck and Goddess bless you on your journey.  You are not alone.  Chiropractor might help- did not do a lot for me- plus there are different kinds of massage- Swedish is supposed to be gentle.