Help - pulled my back...

[5-Oh]

As per the title... I've had a stiff lower back for a week or so, the other day I was bent over working on the car and when I stood up there was an intense pain and my back locked up.

Managed to hobble to the house and lay on the couch immobile for 24 hours. Rang the doc who went through my symptoms and concluded it was a pulled muscle rather than anything spinal (thank god). Prescribed codeine.

With effort I can now shuffle around the house unaided but can't lean forward as I get a sharp pain down my leg radiating from my lower back. I've been trying to move around as much as possible and use heat packs etc. but wondering if there is any mileage in any type of stretch, or am I liable to tear the muscle again?

Any back experts on here that can offer me some much welcome advice?

[Art0ir]

If you sit on a chair/sofa and raise one leg at a time in front of you, does the pain start to shoot down?

[bigkeeko]

Only advice I can give (I`ve had a deep breath) is take it easy until you feel comfortable moving in the way you were used to. I suffered from back pain on and off for years and it`s nightmare when it hits hard.
Like you said, you can feel something`s not right and it`s as if it`s about to `go`. It`ll take time but when you`re on the mend try not to slouch as poor posture is a contributing factor.
Try slow stretching out on the floor if it`s not too painful, front and back. I found Ibuprofen better than Codeine and wearing a neoprene back belt constantly was very helpful. They basically keep the heat in your lower back. Gets a bit sweaty but it works.

[5-Oh]

Art0ir said:

If you sit on a chair/sofa and raise one leg at a time in front of you, does the pain start to shoot down?

Not shoot down but the pain intensifies as the bottom of my back to the point where I can't raise a leg more than about halfway.

[5-Oh]

bigkeeko said:

Only advice I can give (I`ve had a deep breath) is take it easy until you feel comfortable moving in the way you were used to. I suffered from back pain on and off for years and it`s nightmare when it hits hard.
Like you said, you can feel something`s not right and it`s as if it`s about to `go`. It`ll take time but when you`re on the mend try not to slouch as poor posture is a contributing factor.
Try slow stretching out on the floor if it`s not too painful, front and back. I found Ibuprofen better than Codeine and wearing a neoprene back belt constantly was very helpful. They basically keep the heat in your lower back. Gets a bit sweaty but it works.

Thanks, I've been using a hot water bottle which has given me some relief. Are there any floor stretches in particular you found helpful?

[blueg33]

I occasionally do a similar thing, I find a visit to a chiropractor works wonders. For the first 12 or so hours after the treatment it often feels worse, then recovery is much quicker than if I just take anti inflammatorys and rest.

Added bonus is my chiropractor is an attractive petite blonde.........

[MurderousCrow]

Sounds like some lumbar nerve root irritation, possibly entrapment. In the short term:

- if no reasons not to (read the leaflet) take regular ibuprofen and paracetamol
- gentle mobility as you can tolerate
- arrange a GP appointment

Attend A&E straight away if you get any of:

- leg weakness or giving way
- pins and needles in your legs, or between bum and genitals
- issues with continence

Long-term:

- seek physio review if pain persists
- get, and stick to, a rehab / strengthening regime

Hope you feel better soon.

Luke

Edited to remove sexist presumption

[5-Oh]

I see what you did there (although your sexist presumption was correct anyway).

Thanks for the advice.

Matthew

[mcelliott]

I suffered a slipped (herniated) disc in my lower back earlier in the week - absolute agony. Having to get my wife to put my socks on for me. However I've done it many times before and I suggest that you really try and carry on your daily business as usual. I'm still going to the gym and smashing out hard training rides on my push bike. I find that rest, or taking it easy, is the worst thing that you can do. Sitting around doing not a lot, really stiffens it up. A couple of ibuprofen every few hours - that's about it really. The soreness should leave after a few weeks.

[Art0ir]

5-Oh said:

Art0ir said:

If you sit on a chair/sofa and raise one leg at a time in front of you, does the pain start to shoot down?

Not shoot down but the pain intensifies as the bottom of my back to the point where I can't raise a leg more than about halfway.

McKenzie extensions.