Need some advice

Cheekers2010 · August 2011

I've hurt my back. I don't know how although I suspect it was rolling over and picking G up from his bed in the middle of the night without sitting up. I've never had lower back pain in my whole life (except back labor...oy!). Last week I tried to just power through. I did Zumba every day as usual. In the past this has stretched out any aches and pains and they've gone away. This time I'm afraid I exacerbated the problem. It's gotten to the point that I can't lift my left leg without crying. I drive a stick shift car and I can't raise my foot to the pedal without literally picking my leg up with my hands. Heck I can't even get in the car without picking my leg up and bringing it into the car. Please does anyone have any advice? I've tried not going to the gym this week to rest things and it isn't getting any better. I'm taking ibuprofen several times a day just to get through and I hate that. I don't want to go to the doctor because I know they'll just prescribe pain meds.

OhSewCrafty · August 2011

If you don't just want pain meds, then perhaps see a chiropractor. I injured my back a few years ago and after a few weeks of adjustments, was back to normal. Without it, my sprain could have done permanent damage. On the pain med front, something like Advil (an anti inflammatory) can help with swelling/irritation and pain associated with a sprain or strain.

Either way, feel better!

ETA: Nevermind, I just realized you said you were already taking Advil. Oops!

tabby0521 · August 2011

I would try a chiropractor. You probably tweaked something, and they might be able to fix it. In the mean time, I would alternate hot and cold on your lower back. Lay on the floor and elevate your feet onto a chair. That will force your back to relax. Also sit like a frog. Sit straight up with your heels together. Relax your knees, and let them fall as far as they can go. Stay that way for a little while. Then try to reach forward along the ground a little. That will relax your sacrum and sciatic nerve. DD effed up my back, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Fairy kisses · August 2011

OhSewCrafty:
If you don't just want pain meds, then perhaps see a chiropractor. I injured my back a few years ago and after a few weeks of adjustments, was back to normal. Without it, my sprain could have done permanent damage. On the pain med front, something like Advil (an anti inflammatory) can help with swelling/irritation and pain associated with a sprain or strain.
Either way, feel better!

I agree go to a chiropractor they do wonders and will actually try to help the problem rather then give you meds and send you on your way. I also suggest to go see a massage therapist a lot of times you can find a therapist that works in a chiropractic office.

I hope you feel better soon

Cheekers2010 · August 2011

tabby0521:
I would try a chiropractor. You probably tweaked something, and they might be able to fix it. In the mean time, I would alternate hot and cold on your lower back. Lay on the floor and elevate your feet onto a chair. That will force your back to relax. Also sit like a frog. Sit straight up with your heels together. Relax your knees, and let them fall as far as they can go. Stay that way for a little while. Then try to reach forward along the ground a little. That will relax your sacrum and sciatic nerve. DD effed up my back, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

OK. I'll try that. Thanks! I am afraid that G messed up my back, too. It hasn't been the same since I had him (he was very badly positioned and pressing on my left lower back/hip for the last couple months I was pregnant). This is where I'm feeling the pain now.

Cheekers2010 · August 2011

OhSewCrafty:
If you don't just want pain meds, then perhaps see a chiropractor. I injured my back a few years ago and after a few weeks of adjustments, was back to normal. Without it, my sprain could have done permanent damage. On the pain med front, something like Advil (an anti inflammatory) can help with swelling/irritation and pain associated with a sprain or strain.
Either way, feel better!
ETA: Nevermind, I just realized you said you were already taking Advil. Oops!

Yep. Taking advil, but I'm one of those people that hates taking medicine and would like to stop asap. I guess I'm going to have to suck it up for the time being.

lulu3061 · August 2011

I second/third/fourth the chiropractor recommendation. If you did damage to your back you'll want to find out sooner rather than later. In the mean time use heat and ice alternating.

lilmgirl · August 2011

Ditto the Chiro suggestion and may I also suggest a massage? If you were to see a doctor, he/she might just prescribe you a muscle relaxer and not just pain killers.

msualum96 · August 2011

If the chiro doesn't work I suggest trying a physical therapist (I am a PT). I don't hate on chiros like some PTs do, but if it doesn't work, or it turns out to be only a temporary solution, then I'd suggest seeking out PT. We TEACH things that you can do on your own to manage back pain, as opposed to saying that you need to come back week after week. Again, not hating on chiros, just saying if it doesn't work we can help! I really hope you feel better soon!

kj07 · August 2011

I'd also suggest a massage therapist.

I had some wicked sciatic pain during my pregnancy and my prenatal massage therapist was a wonder worker. She used more myofascial release techniques (as opposed to deep tissue) so it didn't feel like a traditional massage, but it loosened up the muscles that were around the nerve so there wasn't as much pressure.

Cheekers2010 · August 2011

Thank you all for the suggestions. This is miserable.

JoJoMama730 · August 2011

msualum96:
If the chiro doesn't work I suggest trying a physical therapist (I am a PT). I don't hate on chiros like some PTs do, but if it doesn't work, or it turns out to be only a temporary solution, then I'd suggest seeking out PT. We TEACH things that you can do on your own to manage back pain, as opposed to saying that you need to come back week after week. Again, not hating on chiros, just saying if it doesn't work we can help! I really hope you feel better soon!

In addition to the chiropractor, I was going to suggest considering a PT too. Chiropractors can be helpful, but it depends on what's going on in your back. I thought I hurt my back a few years ago, and it turned out to be a pinched nerve. Go figure. After 3 rounds of PT I finally found a good therapist that, indeed, tought me how to manage my problem on a daily basis, and so far I've made it through about a year without having to go back for more therapy. (yay me!) See a doctor to find out what the issue is, and then you'll be able to develop a better plan of attack. I'm sorry about your back pain. I hope you feel better soon!