Trapped nerve in my back?!

Trapped nerve in my back?

I've spent most of this afternoon in A&E with excruciating back pain, they think I'm trapped a nerve in my back. I had an injection of diclofenac and some diazepam while I was there, and I've been sent home on co-codamol 30/500, diclofenac, and diazepam. The injection helped a little bit but I'm still in a lot of pain, particularly when I move even if it's just a tiny movement.

Obviously I'll be taking the painkillers regularly, but what else can I do to help with the pain? It's really bad!!

Oh you poor poor love - having been there (several times!) and earned my very own t shirt, I feel for you, I really do.

To be honest, if you have trapped a nerve (and the muscles will almost certainly have gone into spasm as a result), there's not really an awful lot you can do to help, other than let time take its course.

For the first couple of days whilst the pain is so severe, you won't be able to do much other than try and find a reasonably comfortable position (easier said than done, I know). However, the sooner you can start mobilising, the better

The important thing to remember is that you are NOT going to do your back any damage by keeping on the move, even though it will feel like it's about to break every time you do more than breathe! It's really vital that you start to return to normal activities as soon as possible, no matter how much it hurts.

If the pain starts to travel down your legs and into your feet, and/or you experience any loss of feeling around your bum, please please return to A&E. Likewise, if you suddenly start having trouble with your bowels or bladder, as this could indicate that vital nerves are trapped.

Good luck, stay positive and remember, this WILL pass.

Hugs x