Sore back relief recommendations

[disneyfanatic60]

I leave for WDW tomorrow and I started having problems with my lower back yesterday. My left side is very stiff and it hurts to bend, step up/down, etc. I have had sciatica issues but I don't think it is that or at least I pray not. Wondering what the best treatments options are....heating pad, ice, alternate both, etc. I was wondering if even a Thermacare back pad would help or Bengay, etc. It is right at my lower left back/hip. I worry about getting on and off the buses mostly. I have very short legs and it's hard on a good day getting on/off the buses. Also, worried about the 3 hrs. sitting on the plane. Getting old really isn't fun at all.

 

[BrianL]

I have back issues, and I manage using ibuprofen during the days. I take it preemptively and it helps (though I have tried to cut down a lot since my issues are persistent). Also, stretching each morning helps and I do sometimes use an Icy-Hot patch at night. For me, also soaking in a very hot bath is helpful (or if your resort has hot tubs even better). Best wishes - I hope your trip goes well!

 

[Christine]

I've had that EXACT area flare up on me off and on. It happened to me just last week because I had to go to a long meeting and I got stuck sitting in a very uncomfortable chair. I find what helps for me the most is to do a lot of stretching to get it to release. Anything that gently stretches and the back (think rolling and arching). All the other stuff such as ibuprofen, heat, etc. can't hurt either. I remember that one time I had it happen right before a Disney trip. On my on my water park days at Typhoon Lagoon, the swimming seemed to "unkink" it.

 

[RamblingMad]

Running always makes my back feel better.

 

[Searc]

DH has degenerative disc issues in his lower back, so he has used a combo of physical therapy, our hot tub, heat pad, a roller he uses on the floor, stretching, Tylenol, ibuprofen and Thermacare back pads through the years. The thing that helps him most is physical therapy, followed by heat.

 

[RUDisney]

A therapeutic massage helps when this happens to me. You can also buy an inexpensive TENS unit (for electrical stimulation) on Amazon or in a pharmacy... maybe $25.

If you're going to use a ben gay type ointment, use Biofreeze. It doesn't smell line BG does. No one will know that you're suffering.

I hope you feel better!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Running always makes my back feel better.

Running makes my back feel worse.

 

[abdmom]

I just got rid of some bad back pain. I can't tolerate oral NSAIDs. I used Aspercreme, in addition to Tylenol Arthritis and a heating pad.

 

[longboard55]

might be your mattress, see if it gets better when staying at a hotel

 

[DLgal]

Try some stretches. If you can tolerate NSAIDS, I recommend Aleve LIQUID GELS. Take 2 every 12 hours. If you have time, visit your doctor and ask for a muscle relaxant. Take it only at night.

There are tons of stretches you can Google that will help a lot.

Also, heat is better than ice.

 

[Jennasis]

For my back (have had two discectomies of L5/S1), I was told by my orthopedic surgeon and my physical therapist...ice OR heat. Whichever makes it feel better.

Then it is NSAIDs (I prefer Naproxin, which is Aleve) every 4-6 hours. Get ahead of the pain and stay ahead of it to knock the inflammation down.

Trade secret: when my back was WRECKED, the only thing that made the pain go away was...wait for it...horseback riding! Or rather sitting on my horse. There is something about sitting on a horse (or a barrel or even a yoga ball) that opened my pelvis and took the pressure off my lower back. I would literally sit on a horse for a few hours teaching riding lessons from up there when it got bad. Sitting on an overturned barrel or a big yoga ball would do too.

 

[Micca]

I'll echo what BrianL said--Take ibuprofen when you get up in the morning, then repeat per label instructions. If all else fails, you can get a massage at a WDW spa

 

[ajlsjl]

I swear by topical CBD oil. You use it the same way you'd use Bengay. Place it on the sore spot on your back, and rub it in. It has a very medicine-y smell (it smells very similar to Bengay IMHO), but it works VERY well. Make sure you get the topical stuff, not the sublingual drops.

 

[Summer2018]

I leave for WDW tomorrow and I started having problems with my lower back yesterday. My left side is very stiff and it hurts to bend, step up/down, etc. I have had sciatica issues but I don't think it is that or at least I pray not. Wondering what the best treatments options are....heating pad, ice, alternate both, etc. I was wondering if even a Thermacare back pad would help or Bengay, etc. It is right at my lower left back/hip. I worry about getting on and off the buses mostly. I have very short legs and it's hard on a good day getting on/off the buses. Also, worried about the 3 hrs. sitting on the plane. Getting old really isn't fun at all.

I wish you could have snuck in an appointment with a chiropractor before your trip.

I do stretching exercises on the floor which give me relief. I ice my back every morning when I wake up. I try to walk as much as possible and not sit for too long. I would do these things before getting on the plane and then do them again once you are at your resort.

I hope that you feel better.

 

[Kitty 34]

I swear by topical CBD oil. You use it the same way you'd use Bengay. Place it on the sore spot on your back, and rub it in. It has a very medicine-y smell (it smells very similar to Bengay IMHO), but it works VERY well. Make sure you get the topical stuff, not the sublingual drops.

I haven't done the oil but I have used (twice) the CBD cream I bought. I used it once on my elbow that was aching horribly back in the spring and the 2nd time just last week when my knee was aching from carrying my grandson. Like I just said....I've only had to use it twice. Good stuff!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Maybe a kidney stone?

 

[low-key]

My back is often sore (tall mens disease ) take4 advil, it will do miracles

 

[Disney_Alli]

If you had time I'd definitely suggest a chiropractor visit - it's literally the only thing that allowed me to fly to Hawaii two days after I slipped going down the stairs at my sister's place while holding my nephew's hand. I twisted into the fall to stop my fall and prevent pulling the baby (18 months) down the stairs with me and sent my back immediately into spasms. Funnily enough I'd already called and left a message hoping for an adjustment before we left on vacation and when they called back I was laying on the floor in the basement flat on my back with tears in my eyes from the spasms. I was able to get on the plane and was fine for the flight just two days later (though I had strict instructions from my chiro not to lift heavy luggage - especially into the overhead bins!)

 

[snappy]

Four weeks of PT has helped me. I do the exercises religiously. I had muscle spasms one night during our recent Poly stay. I used roll on Biofreeze, Advil, and a long soak in a hot tub. My mom has had a number of spinal fractures over the last 8 years. When she sits, a nerve is compressed in her back which causes a spasm down her leg. Walking helps her. Lots and lots of walking. The benefit Of walking on the pain is temporary but her legs sure are strong.

 

[3 MEN AND A BOAT]

Jack Daniels (or whatever your preference), I also stretch, but the Jack helps me relax my muscles and back.