what do you use for back pain?

Hi guys,
I haven't been on in ages but you are still my go-to people when I have questions about day to day issues for a WLS person. 
I'm 2 years post op RNY this month.  All was great until I walked my dog in a snow storm last week.  I slipped on the ice, didn't fall wrenched my back ferociously.   I knew I had hurt it.  Did  something similar a few years pre-op that had resolved with NSAIDs and rest.  OK, so I know I'm not supposed to take NSAIDS.  I admit I did take two doses, one the night of the incident and one the morning after.  It was a case of take it and use the heating pad or call the ambulance.  No joke, I very nearly did, it was that bad.  Checked with the surgeon's office the next morning to see what med was acceptable other thanTylenol.  Word came back to call my PCP; they said NO to NSAIDs and that they would rather I use a narcotic pain reliever if Tylenol didn't give relief.  I wanted to know in advance what they recommend in case my PCP didn't have a lot of experience with WLS patients. I didn't really want to go with something that strong but I've toughed it out as long as I can.  I've done the heating pad and Tylenol for just over a week now and I'm seeing my PCP tomorrow.  What have any of you used for a back injury?  I'm hoping for something to calm the inflammation not just mask the symptoms.  Anyone have suggestions or past experience with this situation?  Grateful for any thoughts you might care to share.
~Donna 

I used ice or cold packs for inflammation. I would also lay on my tummy with a pillow supporting across my hip/pelvis bones to take the pressure off my lower back.

Take care and keep us posted. Hurts thinking about it. ((hugs))

--gina

Been doing the heating pad, on 20min/ off 20 min.  Have also used a pillow behind the knees while on my back.  I'll try flipping it around and sing your method.  Thanks for the suggestions. 

I go to the chriopracter regularly.  I also have a back message cushion in my desk chair and use that almost daily.  I take hydrocodine every night for chronic pain due to arthritis, including in my back.  For knees and hips, I use a capcasan rub. 
Good luck.  Don't be afrad of serious pain meds if you need them, just don't drive until you know how they will work for you.

Unfortunately the analgesic rubs don't do a thing for me.  I've been going to work this week and I have about a 50 minute commute.  Was hoping to treat the cause of the pain, not just the symptom.  No work tomorrow for me, just the doc and maybe the pharmacy.  Thanks for the input.  I'll let you all know what the doc suggests. 

I know a lot of plastic surgeons suggest arnica as a natural alternative to NSAIDs. Maybe that would work for you? I have no idea how arnica works, though, or how similar it is to an NSAID. Good luck. Back pain is no fun. :( 

Abby

Thanks for the info.  I hadn't heard of that one.  I'll try to find out more about it online.

I use Tramadol and hydrocodone when pain is very severe. I have chronic back pain so I see a pain specialist and chiropractor regularly.

The tramadol works very well and I don't miss the nsaids.

Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks for all your suggestions.  I'll check back in with you guys after I see the doc later today.  This forum is a wonderful resource for any WLS folks.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the support you have given me over the past few years.  A lot of PCPs just aren't familiar with the ins and outs of WLS and I find it essential to do your homework and be an informed and pro-active patient.  Thanks again. 
~Donna

 Seems like me have a lot of back pain suffers around here!!!  No fun, I use epsom salts in a hot bath which seems to help some. I have gone one furthur than the heating pad and bought a heated mattress pad, I LOVE it. It helps with the cold minnesota winters too. (it is -10 this AM and that is not the wind chill.)  I really miss the NSAIDS they use to work great but I had to give them up because of kidney issues prior to RNY anyway but I still miss them a lot.  I take Norco which is like vicodin and flexeril (muscle relaxer)  although the flexeril has to go soon to if I am able get preggers. Hope you feel better real soon and that you didn't do any permanent damage!