Pulled my back be leave tomorrow!!!

[ellie05]

Ugh so today I went to grab a couple of items for our trip I went to pull the shopping cart out of the rows of shopping carts and I pulled my back . It is a problem I get maybe every few years after a car accident I have muscle relaxers that where prescribed for when this happens but there is no way I can walk the parks in a few days time.

Now I need advice ( I know I know stay off space Mountain) how difficult is going around the parks with a wheelchair ? We can't cancel the trip we are meeting other friends.
Any helpful advice ?

 

[Disneylover99]

No advice, but I just wanted to say, I'm so sorry and I hope you are pain free and able to move about soon.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Stay off of mission Space as well. When I pull my back out I immediately take 800mg of ibuprofen and ice it. Literally as soon as it happens. 800 mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day and ice for 20 minutes at a time several times per day. This helps with the discomfort but the real reason for it is to keep the inflammation down. Of course follow your doctors advice, some people shouldn't take ibuprofen but this works great for me as long as I start it right away.

 

[ktate82]

Stay off of mission Space as well. When I pull my back out I immediately take 800mg of ibuprofen and ice it. Literally as soon as it happens. 800 mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day and ice for 20 minutes at a time several times per day. This helps with the discomfort but the real reason for it is to keep the inflammation down. Of course follow your doctors advice, some people shouldn't take ibuprofen but this works great for me as long as I start it right away.

Make sure you eat something each time you take the ibuprofen or you could end up with an ulcer.

You might look into renting an ECV as it would be easier to get around the parks (and more comfortable) than a wheelchair.

 

[bobbiwoz]

How about an ECV? Take it as easy as you can.

 

[ellie05]

No advice, but I just wanted to say, I'm so sorry and I hope you are pain free and able to move about soon.

Thanks !

Stay off of mission Space as well. When I pull my back out I immediately take 800mg of ibuprofen and ice it. Literally as soon as it happens. 800 mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day and ice for 20 minutes at a time several times per day. This helps with the discomfort but the real reason for it is to keep the inflammation down.

I did take ibuprofen as soon as it happened I had to call for the prescription for the muscle relaxers to be called in. Have you taken muscle relaxers for it before ? if so let me know which one works better I am all for whatever makes this go away sooner. I am iceing it as we speak. I wasn't planning on going to mission space either way the only ride that makes me sick. I think I will avoid all roller coasters .

 

[ellie05]

Make sure you eat something each time you take the ibuprofen or you could end up with an ulcer.

You might look into renting an ECV as it would be easier to get around the parks (and more comfortable) than a wheelchair.

How about an ECV? Take it as easy as you can.

Might have to try the EVC I am kind of worry about driving those around a crowded park I never been in one though...

 

[Hopefully]

I second or third an ECV rental. At least have the number for an offsite vendor with you. I recommend Walker Mobility. Check outtthe Disability Forum too

 

[eeyoresmom]

I do have a prescription for flexeril but it did not touch my pain last time ( which happened on MS btw). Valium worked really well. I had it with me because my son had pulled his back the week before our trip and when it happened to me on our second day at Disney I was desperate. When I got back home and went to my doctor she told me Valium works especially well for back injuries. Of course both muscle relaxers and Valium will make you sleepy. Maybe you will be well enough that you will only need it at night.

 

[MaxsDad]

In 2009 I messed up my back playing hockey about a month before my trip (ended up getting surgery on a herniated disk that spring). I thought I could walk but it ended up being more than I could handle and after 1 day we rented a wheelchair for the rest of the week.

My wife and stepdaughter alternated pushing but it was a pain in some places. The hills in AK, some of the curbs, and watch out for the trolley track on Main Street!

If you can use an ECV try that, easier on everyone, just go slow.

I also walked when I could. After my surgery walking was the best physical therapy, sitting actually made it worse for me so in Disney I would walk as much as I could while my wife was in the chair instead (she had knee surgery later that year, the insurance companies loved us in 2009).

Also, check out the disabilities board.
http://m.disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/

Good luck.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Yes exercise ( the right kind) does help immensely. My Disney injury got better only when I forced myself to do stretches with an elastic band. You should continue gentle movement if you can. Stillness makes everything stiffen up which is why the muscle relaxers work.

 

[ellie05]

In 2009 I messed up my back playing hockey about a month before my trip (ended up getting surgery on a herniated disk that spring). I thought I could walk but it ended up being more than I could handle and after 1 day we rented a wheelchair for the rest of the week.

My wife and stepdaughter alternated pushing but it was a pain in some places. The hills in AK, some of the curbs, and watch out for the trolley track on Main Street!

If you can use an ECV try that, easier on everyone, if you have time go to a local store like walmart or a grocery store and practice before your trip.

I also walked when I could. After my surgery walking was the best physical therapy, sitting actually made it worse for me so in Disney I would walk as much as I could while my wife was in the chair instead (she had knee surgery later that year, the insurance companies loved us in 2009).

Also, check out the disabilities board.
http://m.disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/

Good luck.

Yes exercise ( the right kind) does help immensely. My Disney injury got better only when I forced myself to do stretches with an elastic band. You should continue gentle movement if you can. Stillness makes everything stiffen up which is why the muscle relaxers work.

Thanks you! For me it usually last a few days of not a lot of movement before it gets bearable. Usually the doctor said if I can't bend down to tie my shoes I have no business going back to the gym I think It will be able to walk maybe half a day by Sunday and I figure I'll walk around the resort and stuff everyday for the first few days and just use help at the parks.

 

[cobright]

For what I do, most days I'm swinging a 2# hammer, I pull my back several times a year. I'm a metal worker, not a medical worker though so YMMV. That said, I feel I'm something of an expert at getting through a vacation with an injury. Let me bounce some ideas off you...

• What muscle relaxers you have will make all the difference. The first line prescription is usually Cyclobenzaprine (Flexaril) and it makes me wicked tired. Like impossible to function tired. If this is what you have, ask for something different. The next drug on the list is called Metaxalone (skelaxin) and it's not nearly as sleepy but it doesn't really work as well. Did you see your doctor? See if you can get in or go to an urgent care. Explain the situation, once in a lifetime WDW vacation that you must take, promise to take it easy, but you need a little something to help you through the park. Ask if Soma (Carisoprodol ) would be a good choice. Soma is kind of an old school muscle relaxer that's not often prescribed these days because there's a potential for abuse. Most of the time if I wrench my back, I shut my shop down for a couple weeks and just get through it with Flexaril. If I wrenched my back and also needed to go to WDW, I would ask my Dr. for Soma.
• Do you have any benzos? (I mean don't answer that out loud, it's none of my business) Valium, klonopin, things like that are commonly prescribed for muscle spasms and a whole lot more (mother's little helper). If you have any of these leftover in your medicine cabinet, they help.
• Medicinal liquor. This is my go-to fix. Before the temperance movement took hold, liquor was commonly prescribed to those recovering from illness and injury. You have to actively regulate your intake, no help if you end up sloshed then hungover before noon.
• Get a massage. Like, the sooner the better. I was raised by puritans and had a real aversion to being touched for most of my life but my doctor turned me on to therapeutic massage as a treatment for muscle injury. The sooner you get one the more help it will do you. I actually once ended up calling wildly to book a massage at 8:30PM and ended up at a not so reputable place. Which was odd, we live in a 'nice' part of town and this place was totally unassuming, but ... yeah. Once it was clear that I didn't want any of the extras I actually got a great massage. Just saying, if that's the only place open, don't discount the idea.
• Get an ECV. Take a load off. Maybe even just half a day, some of the days.

Hope at least some of that helps. Good luck.

 

[starsweeper]

I pulled my back moving boxes in my classroom years ago. I have a repeat injury every 2-3 years. Pain meds never help me. Muscle relaxers help some but anti-inflammatory meds help the most. I went to therapy after a horrible injury about 5 years ago and learned a couple simple exercises that get my back readjusted and on the mend. The best one for me is lying flat on my stomach and bending back with my head and shoulders in an arch, hold it for 5-10 seconds, rest 5-10 seconds and repeat for 10 reps--do this 3 times a day.

 

[davkata]

If it is truly pulled as in muscular, not disc related, then keeping loose is more beneficial than sitting in a wheelchair. Disc injury may cause tingling or numbness down the legs/feet/toes or arms/hands/fingers. My PT always told me localized pain is better, if it travels down limbs, thats not so good. When I have a flare up I ice initally, then use one of those microwavable bead filled moist heat packs (Godsend!) almost constantly for days. Of course, sit and take breaks, but sitting for hours will only make it stiffer. Swimming will help too, so utilize your resort or hotel pool if you can to keep loose. Also, Flexeril is a muscle relaxant, not pain killer, which is why it didn't help the pain...Only you will know what your tolerance is. I hope you are able to somewhat enjoy your trip!

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

When I glanced at this thread's title, I thought your employer pulled back your leave (cancelled your vacation time)! I am very glad that did not happen, and I'm sending your back positive vibes. I hope it heals up quickly!

 

[LuvMyEAR]

Ouch! After a number of similar incidents, DH was finally tipped off to a good chiropractor. Now, when a random move sends him over that edge, his first call is to his chiropractor. The result is a few days of discomfort as opposed to a week or more of misery.

Also, don't underestimate the value of hydrotherapy. Yes... get in the pool. No swimming laps, just find a spot where you won't be bumped or startled into sudden movement and relax.

An ECV is great. Ask someone else in your group if they would drive it now and again if it would make you feel better to stretch your legs. You can always park outside stores etc, but it can sometimes be more beneficial to just walk a ways, not just do the "shopping shuffle".

Rest if you need to rest! That includes taking resort breaks if and when you need them.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful vacation.

 

[oceanmarina]

For what I do, most days I'm swinging a 2# hammer, I pull my back several times a year. I'm a metal worker, not a medical worker though so YMMV. That said, I feel I'm something of an expert at getting through a vacation with an injury. Let me bounce some ideas off you...

• What muscle relaxers you have will make all the difference. The first line prescription is usually Cyclobenzaprine (Flexaril) and it makes me wicked tired. Like impossible to function tired. If this is what you have, ask for something different. The next drug on the list is called Metaxalone (skelaxin) and it's not nearly as sleepy but it doesn't really work as well. Did you see your doctor? See if you can get in or go to an urgent care. Explain the situation, once in a lifetime WDW vacation that you must take, promise to take it easy, but you need a little something to help you through the park. Ask if Soma (Carisoprodol ) would be a good choice. Soma is kind of an old school muscle relaxer that's not often prescribed these days because there's a potential for abuse. Most of the time if I wrench my back, I shut my shop down for a couple weeks and just get through it with Flexaril. If I wrenched my back and also needed to go to WDW, I would ask my Dr. for Soma.
• Do you have any benzos? (I mean don't answer that out loud, it's none of my business) Valium, klonopin, things like that are commonly prescribed for muscle spasms and a whole lot more (mother's little helper). If you have any of these leftover in your medicine cabinet, they help.
• Medicinal liquor. This is my go-to fix. Before the temperance movement took hold, liquor was commonly prescribed to those recovering from illness and injury. You have to actively regulate your intake, no help if you end up sloshed then hungover before noon.
• Get a massage. Like, the sooner the better. I was raised by puritans and had a real aversion to being touched for most of my life but my doctor turned me on to therapeutic massage as a treatment for muscle injury. The sooner you get one the more help it will do you. I actually once ended up calling wildly to book a massage at 8:30PM and ended up at a not so reputable place. Which was odd, we live in a 'nice' part of town and this place was totally unassuming, but ... yeah. Once it was clear that I didn't want any of the extras I actually got a great massage. Just saying, if that's the only place open, don't discount the idea.
• Get an ECV. Take a load off. Maybe even just half a day, some of the days.

Hope at least some of that helps. Good luck.

Oh no, having your back out of sorts is the worst! Cobright gave a lot of good advice. Once after my back was out a friend who does sports medicine gave me a back massage - what a difference it made! Also I swear by heating pads when that happens. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[A Belle Among Beasts]

I have a touchy back as well. My current combo for flare ups, in addition to daily home PT exercises, is meloxicam and baclophen. The meloxicam is an anti inflammatory. The baclophen a muscle relaxer that doesn't make *me drowsy. It's not as good as flexeril but allows me to work and drive while taking it.

My favorite home exercise is to lay flat on the bed, knees up and feet flat on the bed. Then, keeping knees together, move them to the side and down toward the bed. Moving them in an arc, but keeping bottoms of the feet touching the bed. It stretches things nicely for where I tend to get pain.

 

[Tomh]

Well, first OP . . so sorry this happened at such an in-opportune time for you!

I have no experience with a wheel chair in Disney, though I did do Disney with a stroller many times, not bad at all.

I also have experience with back pain in Disney. I have a bad disc in my lower back. Most of the time it doesn't bother me much (well, actually, that is starting to change as I get older, but anyway) however, the second time we went to Disney, we had a pretty bumpy ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari, it was killing me. I was trying to brace myself between my seat, and the back of the seat in front of me, it didn't help much, the pain was intense. When the ride was over, I wasn't sure if I was even going to be able to get out of the seat. So, I will just say to think twice about the safari if your back isn't happy!

Good luck, hope things go well for you, and you are able to enjoy your trip!!!