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muscle spasams due to chronic back disorder .

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megzie
megzie

Hi, i have been suffering with muscle spasams in my tailbone buttocks and thighs for four weeks. It has happened because of my chronic sciatica my doctor has perscribed me baclofen ten mg three times a day diazipan 2mg at night and i'm also taking 400mg of tramadol a daywhich i was pescribed before the spasams started. My doctor says it could take three months for the spasams to go and its really geting me down as i cant walk properly because of them or walk very far without being in pain . Which stops me from being able to do my shopping or walking around town. I was wandeing if anyone else has ever had these because of sciatica ? i'm having physio and dong ok but the spasams are now in my groin area to and it feels like they are geting worse not better even with all the meds im taking! Does anyone know of any herbal tablets or exersizes that could help stop the spasams ? I'ts doing my head in being stuck indoors and the doctors dont want to change my current meds.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Gerry_the_neck
    Gerry_the_neck

    Posted

    Hi

    Have you considered sleeping on memory foam. If it works....no drugs needed. You can get a memory foam mattress topper quite cheaply, and it usually takes 2 or 3 nights for the back to adjust to it. I'm not saying it can solve everything, but I've had no lower back problems since I started using it about 6 years ago. Perhaps its good for some problems and not others, but worth a try !

  • megzie
    megzie

    Posted

    i already have a orthipedic matteress are memory foam mattress better than them or the same?
  • Gerry_the_neck
    Gerry_the_neck

    Posted

    I've found memory foam to be better, it allows the back to settle into its own curvature. You could just try a single memory topper ( 2" thick) on top of the ortho. They cost about £60 at big stores or on internet. Go for good quality, it can make a difference. I believe the muscle reactions / spasms / sciatica are all dependant on how the back relaxes when we sleep. I'm a decorator, sometimes heavy duty physical work, so I can't afford to worry how my back will be tomorrow. Memory foam sorted that out ! There are still some things I can't do, like digging in garden, lifting heavy weights, or leaning over to do low level work (I always use a small seat now), but everything else ...no problem. Give it a try, you might be surprised...but allow 2/3 days for adjusting to changes. Good luck

    Gerry

  • Gerry_the_neck
    Gerry_the_neck

    Posted

    ps....All that stuff about hard mattresses for bad backs is total nonsense. Once you've tried a memory foam, you'll never want to change back.
  • megzie
    megzie

    Posted

    Thank's for your advice i have spoken to my gp who says he think's a memory foam topper would be a worthwile investment .

  • Gerry_the_neck
    Gerry_the_neck

    Posted

    That's a record quick response for this site ! And you spoke to your GP as well ! Takes 2 weeks to get to see mine. Seriously, I'm glad he agreed, and I hope you get the same results that I got. When you get your topper,, you'll need to air it for a day (best outdoors if poss) because they spray them with anti-allergenic stuff , and the airing gets rid of the aroma. As I said before, it might take a few nights to feel the difference. And, if it does improve your condition, don't let the euphoria get the better of you. Your back will still need time to restore itself. It doesn't correct the cause, it just lessens the effects, hopefully.
  • aprilflowers
    aprilflowers

    Posted

    Your story was identical to mine a couple of years ago and in the end I had to go in to hospital and have a partial laminectomy which allowed room for the nerves at the base of the spine and alleviated the awful pain. I can now walk pain free. It is not the answer for everybody but please ask your GP to refer you to Neurology Department. I was only in hospital 3 days and out and walking at home on the 3rd then a few months recovery. It has left my leg quite weak and I swim and do Pilates which is a tremendous help. All stretching helps the nerves and muscles. If you smoke, please stop and they will tell you this too at hospital.

    With regard to memory foam mattress, again it is personal. It did not work for me. IKEA allow you to try a mattress for a month and then take it back if it is not a benefit for you.

    Please do not put up with the pain and lack of mobility, push your GP for a referral to hospital and an MRI scan. Good luck.

  • megzie
    megzie

    Posted

    Thank you very much april flowers i have had a mri scan which has revealed a slipped disc that is causing the spasms in back and glutious area and that i was born with a narrow nerve canal which is pressing on nerves in back causing a trapped nerve which is causing the muscle spasms in my groin and legs. I have a appointment with a specialist dcotor in march who will either refer me for steroid injections or to a pain management clinic.
  • aprilflowers
    aprilflowers

    Posted

    March seems a long way off when you are in so much pain and I empathise with you. The muscle spasms are dreadful and take your breath away. The Consultant told me when she operated on the laminectomy that she had opened the nerve canal, she removed quite a bit of bone and this allowed for the nerves to have more room. I have never had a slipped disc or sciatica or muscles spasm since the operation 3 years ago which is heaven. I had never been in hospital in my life so was quite nervous. However, it was not too painful and I was up and walking and out of hospital in 3 days. Only a tiny scar is on the back Pilates always helps the glutes an removes the pain for while and swimming too, any stretching will be of benefit. I had a steroid injection once but it only lasted 3 weeks pain free and I would not do it again. Good luck.
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