ouchies!!!!

[Dellit Tandannon]

i pulled a muscle or something in my middle back today at work. i think. well, i'm not entirely sure what the hell i did to it but it hurts like mad. anyway... aside from resting and pain killers does anyone know any ways to speed up the healing process?

[Lavender]

Alternating ice pack and heating pad to bring down the swelling and bring blood to the area. Ibuprofen will help with the pain.

I'm not sure how much work you want to do but try a cream or a salve with capsicum. Sometimes you can find this cream already made up in health food stores. Capsicum is a chemical found in red peppers. One of the things capsicum does is to trigger the body's own pain relieving endorphins.

Or you can make your own. For a quick salve, you need 2 tbsp of ground red pepper or cayenne pepper, 1 cup of olive oil. Mix in the oil & ground pepper in a glass measuring cup. Heat in a hot water bath gently for about 2-3 hours. Strain out the peppers & store the oil in an air tight bottle. The oil should be a red colour. You can use this as is or make it into a salve. To make the salve, use 1 tbsp of grated beeswax to 6 tbsp of oil. Melt over the hot water bath & stir. Let cool & store in a clean jar.

Massage the oil or salve on the sore areas. Be really super careful that you don't accidently touch your face or rub your eyes. Trust me. :eek:

But try the ice & heat thing first & see if that helps. :(

[Rubi Waters]

I love the rubs that contain Capsicum. I'm always hurting my back and that and the hot/cold packs (and rest) are what helps.

[Dellit Tandannon]

thanx a bunch wild! :)

[Lavender]

Are you feeling any better today?

[Dellit Tandannon]

actually i'm feeling quite a bit worse. i'll figure it out though :)

[shnen]

I think you have a minor case of Whiplash. it ususally takes 2-3 days to show it's fullest extent of the damage.
Being an expert in this area (had it 3 times) you could do any of the following:
- seek a physiotherapistor chiropractor ( I suggest physio)
- a muscle relaxant for the pain, so you don't reinjure it by trying to use it.
- and lots of rest, some gentle stretches, and hot baths or hot water bottle.

once you are ok again, I can post some exercises for you to do to build up your back muscles.:)

[Dellit Tandannon]

thanx shnen! i've been taking baths and they seem to help for a little while. i think sleeping is what's screwing it up more. i took to vicadin (i don't know how to spell it) the first day and they didn't do anything.

[Lavender]

Usually, if a back pain doesn't go away within a few days, it's a bit more serious than you might think. It could be a slipped disk that needs to be put back. I second the "see your doctor" advice.

Shnen, that's a great idea about posting the back exercises. There's always someone with a sore back asking for help here. I do a lot of back exercises in my yoga & I find that really helpful. :)

[Dellit Tandannon]

i went to the doctor today and i was right. its a strained muscle in my upper-midle back. i was prescribed a muscle relaxant and an anti-inflamitory and i need physical therapy three times a week or untill its better. we'll see how things go. thus far this muscle relaxant is total crap though hehe.

[Louise]

i really hope your back gets better soon, i've pulled a muscle in my back loads of times before so i know how painfull it can be!