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Back pain

viva

Veteran

Any words of wisdom? I've never hurt my back before, but at some point during my recent travels I must have tweaked something, and my lower back is killing me. Do I stretch? Exercise? Or rest? Do I do yoga to stretch, or do I avoid it? It feels good to walk in the morning but then by the end of the day I can barely move.

I am a terrible patient and have never really experienced back pain before.

Any and all advice welcome.

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19 replies

Latest reply was from

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Go to doctor get checked out then referral to PT. Speaking from too much experience.
It could be innumerable things.
If you have any numbness and/or tingling in the legs get to the doctor STAT.

Anonymous

I second annagybe's comment. PT got me straightened out and back on track. Waiting for it to go away on its own can be pretty miserable.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So so sorry, Vivian. I think Anna gives good advice.

I've never had serious back injury, but I've had occasional pain from twisting it the wrong way or sleeping weirdly or who knows what -- not warming up properly before lifting. Luckily, hot baths, gentle movement, Advil, and red wine seemed to do the trick after a day or two. In the long term, strengthening core muscles is key. But you do that already.

Anonymous

Take it from someone who's had lower back and leg pain for decades and gradually worsened over time:

Don't go to a PT until you get an MRI and x-rays done to see what the problem is. Otherwise, the PT might not be good. I went to a PT once whose exercises made my back worse. Once the MRI and x-rays were done, we figured out it was osteoarthritis and I was referred to a different PT, who was able to give me exercises that I can do with the limitations I have.

I think the worst thing you can do when you have a back problem is ask for advice, because everyone has advice to give you, and what works for one person might not work for you. You need to know what you're dealing with so you can get the best treatment.

Good luck!

Anonymous

I would use heat and try some very gentle stretches several times over the course of the day to loosen up your joints. As long as you do not experience pain radiating into your butt or back of thigh you should be good. If the pain gets worse or does not improve, then I would advise you to see a doctor.

Since you say you have been traveling, don't know if you have been walking or sitting more than usual, so it could just be a case of muscles that have tightened up, either in your lower back or hips. Hope you feel better soon!

JAileen

Veteran

I've had back pain off and on for years. Mine are muscle spasms and not spinal. Anything can set it off. One time I reached over my head for some coffee filters. This last time I found doing yard work actually made it feel better.

You definitely should get it checked out.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I had sciatic nerve issues last year that were so bad I couldn't take the stairs in case my leg gave out. I went to my GP and she referred me to a physio therapist. When it starts flaring up, I roll on a large foam roller a few times a day and it goes away in a couple of days.

PT is a great resource. I hope you get rid of it soon. It is hard to do many of the usual life activities with lower back pain.

Anonymous

You've already gotten good advice from people who know more so I will only add that I would be very careful with the stretching. If you have an tear pulling on it won't help and if you have some kind of knot, you could injure yourself forcing it.

Do not underestimate the effectiveness of very gentle range of motion type actions, no pulling, no strain, just gentle movement to encourage blood flow and relaxation.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

You've already gotten good advice, but I wanted to wish you well. I've been there, and it sucks. I hope you get relief soon!

Peri

Veteran

I've had a herniated disk and it is awful, so you have all my sympathy. If it has been more than a few days, get to a doctor. Personally I would avoid chiropractors, as I think one made me much worse. Acupuncture helped me a lot.

merwoman

Veteran

Excellent advice has been offered, it's crucial to determine the root cause of your pain prior to initiating treatment.
I've lived with a disc herniation for 8 years. my salvation has been building core / abdominal strength with Pilates. My PT recommended an excellent book Treat your own back pain by Robin Mackenzie. Back pain is a chronic condition, but it doesn't have to impose limitations on your life style. Sending you healing thoughts, Sue

Anonymous

Oh geez . Sorry this is happening . I have something that flares up from time to time (see JAileen's reply above ) and have been at times so debilitated I couldn't move . I've done it all from chiropractic treatment , massage therapy, ultrasound , physiotherapy, lots of Advil, muscle relaxants , an MRI , you name it . The only thing that works is pâtience and rest. If it's the first time you've had this happen, wait a few days to see how it goes , and then see your doctor if it's still awful. Our medical system is much different than yours though so maybe that's not what you can do. Robaxicet will at least let you sleep ...

mountainwave

How recent do you think the "tweak" was? Within a day or two? Ice. If that is just too much, alternate ice and heat.

When you go to the doctor, be specifc about what hurts, if it's sharp, dull, hot, nervy, whatever the quality of the pain is, describe it. Note and describe any new limitations of movement.

Source: I'm a certified massage therapist specializing in chronic pain and post surgery recovery.

viva

Veteran

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate all of the comments and the advice. I realize that I made a HUGE mistake on Thursday by going to my Barre class, thinking that stretching and exercising would help (my general life motto is "Act!" -- I tend to think pushing forward is always the way.) Well, long story short: one of the exercises was a butt move called "the pretzel," which involved such twisting it definitely was not a good idea.

I have no tingling, numbness, or radiating pain of any kind. I've been able to really localize where the lower back soreness is (apart from exercise soreness). And I am taking the weekend off from any exercise and will continue on a regimen of Aleve, baths, and VERY gentle stretching. On Monday I'll see where things are and if there is still significant pain, I will see a doctor.

I really appreciate the help -- so good to have somewhere to turn.

xxxxx

kellygirl

Veteran

Good luck, Viva! That's pretty much what happened to me. My back was sore from the chair I inherited at work--thought working out would be good. I would think that unless you did some thing that wrenched your back or you have bad back history--rest, ibuprofen, ice and heat will take care of it. I also slept on the floor for a week since turning in bed was killing me. It took me a little over a week to get back to normal--longer that it did last time (but I'm also 15 years older!) Be careful with the stretching and don't over do it!

Isabel

Veteran

I can not agree with Ana more. I have had life long back issues due to scoliosis and a slipped disc in my neck. Massages help my muscle tension tremendously...and PT has been a life savior for me. You need to be taught the exercises correctly. Good luck.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

If you are sure it's nothing major, the best "stretch" I know of for lower back pain is to lay on your back on the floor with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle and feet/lower leg resting on a chair. Like a sitting position but on the floor, using the chair for the lower leg support - if that makes sense. It's supposed to relieve the pressure on the lower back and seems to work for my DH at least. I usually have upper back pain.

Anonymous

I can't think of anything better than yoga, but you need to make sure you don't have an issue that would prevent you from doing certain poses.

Anonymous

The other great lower back stretch (if you want to call it that) is lying on your back and get your butt as close to the wall as possible, legs up against the wall or any variation if it makes it easier and just relax.