Help: Killer Back Problems

[max_boost]

I don't know if it stems from the lifting I do at work (minor 20llbs), because I'm not physically active, but something happened and it's killing my back. It only occured a few days ago. I felt some minor pain in the back but it was light. I just thought I slept funny but when I was doing a light jog in downtown (9th Ave to 7th Ave), and then POW, something must of went and I felt like lying on the street. In my back, to the right, below my waist line, that area, not sure what it's called is just killing me right now. I've seen my family doctor once, been to the chiropractor twice and it's not helping. Is there a specialist that I can see or you guys can recommend? Have any of you had similar problems? It hurts to even walk, I'm limping. I can't even carry my laptop to morning classes at SAIT. Everyone I've talked to just tells me to rest, I can't!!! I have a shop to run and perhaps I'm just aggravating things by moving? I'll confine myself and limit my movement today but any help from you guys is appreciated.

I should also note, I've never had these problems before. Now I just wish I consumed more milk when I was younger (stronger muscles the commercials say? lol).

[blueripper6]

That really sucks. Could it be related to your accident? or was it just your g/f I dont remember, that was a long time ago, but u never know.

just REST, what good is ur shop gonna do to you when u have lifelong injuries and cant even walk in 5 years because you didnt rest now, think of the rest of your life. Someone else can run the shop(restaraunt?) for you.

[1badPT]

There are a lot of things that could be - just get one of your employees to run the shop in the meantime or a hire a minimum wage monkey to keep things going while you rest. Has any of your doctors or specialists given you a diagnosis or do they just all agree that there is pain there?

You could have a simple pinched nerve which hurts like hell or you could have something more serious.

[ZorroAMG]

Hmmm... Knowing what it's like to not be able to rest fully, what about a back support brace ( a la home depot) that you can wear under your shirt while at work?

Hope that helps and good luck, sorry for the pain!

[SkylineAdmirer]

Aggreed^^^, and ya i think theres some sort of special spinal doctor u can see, ask ur doctor or chiropractor bout sumthing of that nature, x-rays,surprised ur chiro didnt tell u to get 1, after this is over i suggest finding a better chiropractor, hell ive got an appointment with mine on thursday ill ask him what it could be for u, hes helped me with back injuries from sports to many times to count, maybe something shifted outa place, fracture??? or 1badpt cud be right, pinched nerve

[xrayvsn]

Most lower back pain comes from muscle spasm. Other than analgesics, and time, there isn't too much that can be done.

However, having a slipped disc can also be fairly common, and this can cause pain for a few reasons, including pinching one of your nerve roots. Usually this results in radiating pain that you feel - often down the side of your leg, past your knee. It can radiate down to your heel. Warning signs that should make you seek immediate medical attention is if you lose normal bowel or bladder function, or if you can't seem to pee for any prolonged period.

Prolonged rest for your back will probably do more harm than good. For the first while, it may help, in combination with a heat pad, but it is best for you in the long run to try to mobilize as much as you can tolerate.

It will probably take you 6 months to a year to see a spine specialist, by which time most back pain will get better on its own.

[max_boost]

I should have my X-Ray results back by tomorrow. This seriously sucks, I've never been in so much pain before. Hopefully either the chiropractor or the doctor can figure out what the hell is going on. Having this problem seriously limits me, so much shit to get done.

[Mckenzie]

I had the same problem in the summer time. My back went but after 5 years of constant soreness. When it went, it was pure pain. The best pain killer was pot. Advil rotted my stomach and made me lose over 10 lbs because I couldn't eat. Celebrex is another horrible drug....dont get it.

I tried everything, Accupuncture, massage, chiro, etc.

Eventually in June I had to quite my job. I can afford to lose a few thousand dollars but I cannot afford to lose a strong back at 21 (something to keep in perspective).

So off I went to see doctor after doctor....they all had different opinions.

X rays should rule out disc problems.

I was diagnosed by a sports med doc with Spondlylolysis....blablabla....and I need physio.

So far it has helped pretty good. Mostly core strengthening excercises. Make sure you take it easy though....but I would suggest NOT to just sit around. that was the worst thing for me and even though it sounded like it would be good not to move, it was not.

Now my back has knots and hard spots where it is in spasm. It hurts through out the day but I will just have to live with it.

Sorry to hear that....I hope you recover quicker than I did. There is no pain in the world like chronic back pain....it drains the life out of you and controls everything you do.

[Marsh]

I had the same problem as you max boost, exact same location and everything...i just skipped school and lay down the whole day and it was much much better the next day...But yeah it seems like you can't take a whole day off so I dont know what you could do other than rest if u get the chance

[TrevorK]

Sciatica - do some searching on the net, see if you have those symptoms. I believe it's fairly common...

As was said - in order to help you must go to physio and strengthen the core (Abs/lower back) muscles.

I have found that just keeping move helps my back - it's when I lie down that it starts to get sore.

[crx62]

yo i will pm u the name of my sis's friend he is a chiropractor but he is really good, he help my dad get rid of his tendinitous and help me with my shoulder.


i will pm u his name and number by 4:00 today

[xrayvsn]

X-rays will not tell you if you have a herniated disc. The only tests for this are CT or MRI, which you may need if your sciatica is really severe. The x-ray can tell you some gross pathology, like if you have a spondylolisthesis or a spondylolysis, or even if there is a compression fracture.

Going to physio may help you, as they target streteching and helping to condition your back. They'll also teach you some exercises that can help strengthen your back, and relax the sore muscles.

[illeagle]

pinched nerve?

[max_boost]

Thanks guys

X-Rays turned up nothing

I'm still limping, I'm still sore, but things are much better today. Apparently the combination of taking the prescribed pills from the doctor, seeing the chiropractor, and some chinese medicine hot pack used for rubbing the sore spot, are ingredients to what hopefully is a course to recovery.

It was crazy though, never felt so much pain in my life! Sure opened my eyes to a first.