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Extreme backache
For a while I've been having a really really bad backache in the left reigon of my back, right beside the spinal cord. Also at the base of my neck.
Sometimes I feel like cold water is being dripped down my spine, but it hurts at the same time.
I don't have insurance at the moment to go to the doctor nor can I really afford the bills.
Can anyone help? It hurts really bad somedays, it has just been getting worse. I'm not really sure what is wrong, I haven't done anything to pull any muscles.
Please help.
- Achey breaky in Ohio -
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Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Injuries?
try going to the chiropracter. that usually helps my back. they are also pretty reasonable in pricing. Especally if you hurt that bad.
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This is not a subistute for medical care however this is what I would do if it were me. Take naproxen sodium per the package directions for several days in a row on a consistant basis (speak to the pharmacist if you have any allergies or other health problems first). Alternate cold packs with heat 3-4 times a day.
If it is upper back pain that goes to the base of your neck it could be caused by stress, working in a position that is not ergonomically correct, or sleeping on the wrong mattress.So of course you want to eliminate the cause in order to cure the problem.
Dr's in the US and Japan are seeing more and more of this type of pain due to people using the computer for long hours.
If all else fails you may have no choice but to go to the Dr or a Chiropractor.
see this link for more info:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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If the pain has been going on a while then it might not be a mere pulled muscle, it might be something much more serious. You really need to see a doctor. I know how frustrating and expensive health care is without insurence, but your health is worth it. At the very least, call the doctors office, describe the pain and ask for advice.
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To begin with let me say that I am not a Dr. so please take this advice with that in mind. First off Bed rest will probably do you little good, but you should lower or stop if possible the amount of physical activity that you do each day.
Apply a cold pack to the area for the first 2 days, then moist heat after the first 2 days.
You can try to take any pain reliever that you are not allergic to while your body heals itself. (Aspirin, Tylenol etc).
Sleeping positions are a common cause of back pain, try changing the position you sleep in, or add pillows to throw your arm around or tuck between your knees.
Try not to do any heavy or moderate lifting for at least one month from the first time that you noticed the pain.
From several websites here is a compiled list of when a doctor really needs to become involved:
“If you have lost bowel or bladder control, you may have a medical emergency. Call 911.
Otherwise, call your doctor if you are experiencing:
· Fever with the back pain.
· Back pain after a severe blow or fall.
· Redness or swelling on the back.
· Pain traveling down your legs farther than the knee.
· Weakness or numbness.
· Burning with urination
· Blood in urine.
· Pain that is worse pain when you lie down
· Pain that awakens you at night.
· Very sharp pain.
Other reasons to call your doctor:
· Unintentional weight loss
· You use steroids or IV drugs.
· You have never had or seen a doctor about back pain before.
· You have had back pain before but this time it is a lot different.
· Your back pain has lasted more than four weeks.
If you have any of these symptoms, your doctor should check for infection (including meningitis, abscess and urinary tract infection), a ruptured disk, spinal stenosis, hernia, cancer, kidney stone, twisted testicle, and other serious problems.”
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