Steroids for Back Problems?

**LittleBitch** · 07-05-2011, 07:58 AM

Hi,

About 6 months ago I was cliff jumping and hit the water hard. Long story short I wedged two verterbrae and the surrounding mid-traps went into severe spasm, including the muscles around the bottom of my ribs.

The wedging was minor and I have recovered for the most part. I still can't turn full rotation without feeling like the muscles around my spine are still tight as hell. It's painful at the extremes of twisting my torso.

I've tried muscle relaxants (all but valium), physio, occupational therapy, and chiropractic - all with little effective results - and the results were temporary.

I feel that the more I move, the more the muscles loosen up and more movement I gain. For example doing some shadow boxing tends to loosen it all up - again, only temporarily.

Someone suggested that I look into steroids to help with the loosening up of the muscles.

The shit thing is I can't really give you more info on the diagnosis because basically all the professionals have just said "yeh its tight muscles" - so thats all I know about it.

So yeh, I dont suppose anyone would have any tips on whether or not steroids could help / what particular steroids to look into / etc?

Thanks in advance.

**lovbyts** · 07-05-2011, 08:23 AM

No, no and no, steroids will not help, trust me on this. Ive had 2 back surgeries due to ruptured disk and have had other multiple back issues. A few things that help is when it first happens or it's inflamed, ICE. Also rest, dont aggravate it. DONT use heat, it feels good at first but causes more inflammation/swelling. Heat is ok after about 3 days or more but ice is best several times a day, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Muscle relaxer might help a little but will make you tired. At this point since it's been this long I would recommend 2 things. Someone who is experienced with PT for the back and massage therapy. You need someone to go in and work those muscles and tendons to break up those knots, they are full of toxins and you MUST drink a lot of water during and after or you will hurt worse the next day. You need to flush it out.

Another thing to look into is prolo therapy, it works the tendons sort of like acupuncture but also using a saline solution at the same time helping the tendons and muscles to start healing again. A lot of people have had good luck with this if they find a good doctor. I would like to give it a try but $$$ insurance doesnt cover it.

Honestly I would find a good massage therapist and go 2 or 3x a week for at least a month. Someone good will almost make you cry while working on you but you will feel better after if they are good.

**themoreyouknow** · 07-05-2011, 09:20 AM

I would definitely say no. They either wont help or the relief would be negligible. It sucks, bc i have back problems my self, but they are just something you have to deal with. I've tried a million things and some help a little and some help less.
listen to lovbyts..he's listed some very good options

**gixxerboy1** · 07-05-2011, 12:57 PM

steriods dont loosen muscles.

**LittleBitch** · 07-05-2011, 01:28 PM

cheers guys.

Yeah I was skeptical when I was told to look into steroids , I'm aware that they can act as an anti-inflam and obviously help with strengthening, but as for removing the spasm I didn't really buy it which is why I figured I'd ask you blokes in the know.

Thank you for suggesting the prolotherapy, I hadn't heard of it before, I'll speak to my OT and also GP and ask them about it. When I get the money I'll start going back to my usual OT, her hands are like magic but she's been off work for a year due to having a child. I think she's coming back soon as well.

Thanks for the help. lads. Very much appreciated.

**magic32** · 07-05-2011, 02:35 PM

How long ago was the injury? On the surface, this sounds like something from which you could 'fully' recover, given enough time. Was there ever a physician's recommendation for surgical repair, or were you referred to therapeutic interventions only?

**PitMaster** · 07-05-2011, 05:40 PM

I started doing yoga. Get a book and look up flexibility poses and there are certain poses. I call them stretches that are for people with back problems. Without it I would not even been able to hit the bench. It's just deep stretching give it a look.

**PitMaster** · 07-05-2011, 05:44 PM

Lovbyts thanks for the tip on prolotherapy, never heard of it and not one surgeon or specialist had ever mentioned it to me.

**lovbyts** · 07-05-2011, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by LittleBitch

cheers guys.

Yeah I was skeptical when I was told to look into steroids , I'm aware that they can act as an anti-inflam and obviously help with strengthening, but as for removing the spasm I didn't really buy it which is why I figured I'd ask you blokes in the know.

Thank you for suggesting the prolotherapy, I hadn't heard of it before, I'll speak to my OT and also GP and ask them about it. When I get the money I'll start going back to my usual OT, her hands are like magic but she's been off work for a year due to having a child. I think she's coming back soon as well.

Thanks for the help. lads. Very much appreciated.

Those are a different type of steroid called Non-steroidal or no anabolic steroids. Most are things like from mild Aleve to rx DICLOFENAC. Another one I have used that world really good when the sciatic never gets pinched and wont stop hurting is Prednisone. It's a good anti inflammatory for that area but be careful, a lot of people gain a lot of water weight from it. Before I will use the Prednisone I will try Ice for at least 2 days.

Honestly I think Massage is the best place to start. The Yoga is a great idea also. LOTS of people get relieve from that but take it slow and it's something you have to keep up. You are lucky although it hurts a lot be grateful it's not permanent disc damage. Again, dont forget to drink lots of water even during and after the yoga or you will really hurt the next day even feel sick. No one told me after my first massage.

I'm not surprised. Do a Google on it, lots of information and videos out there. It looks promising and had helped a lot of people. I still plan on doing it sometime soon but for now I have things under control although not really they way I want it to be; through a pain management doctor but mine is different, it's permanent damage and disc on disc pain along with some other stuff but it's manageable for now.