Lumbar Strain?

[Tazicket]

Posting in case anyone has experience with a lumbar strain. At least, I'm pretty sure that's what it is.

I bent down to pick up a small child on Sunday and felt a crunching/popping sensation in my lower back followed by a lot of pain. (I know - supposed to lift with legs instead of back ) I've been taking anti-inflammatories every day since then, but am still pretty stiff and sore.

I have not been to the doctor yet, in case it is just muscular (since they can't really do anything for that). I haven't had any tingling or numbness with it so far. Is there a good rule of thumb for how long to wait before calling the doctor? Something like, "call if it hurts for a week" or something like that?

 

[Tazicket]

bump

 

[dumboiu]

Perhaps you should go to a physician to make sure you did not herniate one of your discs. Hope you feel better soon!!!

 

[momoftriplets]

Go see a chiropractor!

 

[JessicaR]

If your pain increases and doesn't seem to ease with anti-inflammatories I would see your doctor. Crunching and popping can indicate LOTS of things when it comes to your spine. That isn't the best indicator of a problem but pain that increases or that does not eventually cease is.

I would not see a chiropractor until you know what you are dealing with. Have you tried ice and or heat? If it ends up being muscular muscle relaxers can be very helpful used in conjunction with an anti-inflamatory.

An x-ray would be a good place to start. Hope you start feeling better quickly!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

That happened to me about 12 years ago. My back did something kind of like a rubber band snapping, my vision went black, I got REALLY hot and nauseated and almost passed out. Luckily the baby made it back to the ground safely.

I went to the Dr. that same day because the muscles in my back were sort of bunched up and I was lopsided. He put me on Advil and said I might consider a chiropractor.

My back has never been the same. I never know what is going to hurt it or when it will happen. Sometimes it will spasm and make my knees buckle, which can be very embarrassing. I did end up going to an orthopedic surgeon 2 or 3 years ago because I hurt it leaning into the trunk of the car and could barely walk. He said I have a degenerating disc. He told me to take 800 mg. of ibuprofen 3 times a day, and he also prescribed Robaxin. He said right now that will be fine - I don't need surgery. Yet. I am not allowed to lift anything over 30 pounds and I have exercises to strengthen the muscles in my back.

Good luck!!

 

[Barbossa]

This used to happen to me all the time. It hasn't happened to me in years because I started doing two things: 1) Use a good back brace when lifting heavy objects, and 2) Learn to tense your abdominal muscles when bending over to do anything. My back is most vulnerable in the morning when the vertebrae are extended after a night's sleep. Bending over to pick up the soap in the shower used to be a hazardous chore until I learned to tense my abdominals.

 

[Muushka]

Here is my story, and so you don't have to wait until the end, my back is healthier today, 36 years AFTER the initial injury.

When I was 18 (I know, I am old now.... ) I had an injury at work, eventually diagnosed as chronic lower back strain. Initially I saw orthopedic surgeons (which I do recommend to get the diagnosis). They eventually discharged me, because I was not improving with drugs and a steel lined corset type of thing (imagine that, no improvement with that wonderful medical treatment )

After a few years of pain, I went the chiropractor route. Things improved, but not healed. This went on for about 15 years. And during those 15 years, annually or more often, my back would 'go out'. When that happened, I would need the drugs and not be able to move for several days. I thought that was my lot in life.

June, 1993 (can you tell this was an important time??) my boss recommended her chiropractor. I went to him during one of my 'outages'. He did the strong, forceful POP of my leg up against my chest. WOW!! scared the crap out of me, but in a strange way, I felt better. I let him do the other one. BAM! felt better too! I saw him 2 more times and all was well.

Since `93, I have only been to him one other time, in 2000. He did the POP thing, saw him once more during that time and that was it. And I lived in NC for that second appointment and the doc is in FL. Had I not been visiting at that time, I still would have gone to him, he is that good.

My advice:

1. Go to an orthopedic surgeon to get an evaluation.
2. Follow their advice.
3. If no improvement, find yourself a good chiropractor

Like I said, my back is so much better today than when I was 18.

 

[HamTown]

I had a very similar incident (from the exact same cause) 2 years ago. Unfortunately, I ruptured a disc. I had a pretty immediate loss of sensation and strength in my left leg. I still have decreased sensation in the leg but physical therapy gave me strength back.

I would definitely have it checked out. You may need PT to strengthen the muscles of the lower back to help prevent a recurrent injury.

 

[Tazicket]

Thanks for all the advice and words of wisdom.

I called my GP and made an appointment for Monday morning (the soonest they could get me in). I haven't lost strength or feeling in either of my legs (for which I am very happy), but the pain is more constant and worse today than it has been over the last few days. If nothing else, I'll hopefully have more peace of mind once I get looked over by a professional.

Thanks again.