Ho-lee-crap you guys! I’ve really hurt something in my lower back! It feels like it’s the muscles not like anything spine related. All I can think of was lifting my son last week when he crawled on my shoulders. Advil has been taken for the last few days but this is definitely putting a dampener on my spirits. I just apologized to a long time Wapsi reader (Alex C.) because I was being cranky, but that’s no excuse. I’ll do my best not to be grouchy. =(
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Slice of supernatural life YA comic PG-13
Maybe an anti-inflamatory medication instead like Ibuprofen and Pain relief patches, like Salonpas (can get those at any Albertsons/Safeway in pharmacy isle). Those worked for my hubby when he pulled something in his back.
I’m currently taking the target version of Advil, which is ibuprofen, it definitely takes the edge off the ouch. =) I’ll check out those patches. Thanks much! =)
The real problem with pulling your back is that the muscles seem to run from the back of the neck to the back of the knees. EVERYTHING hurts.
Please be careful moving about, as you will automatically attempt to relieve the strain on the painful muscles, which tires the ones not injured, and after awhile, they will start hurting as well — might even (oh joy) spasm.
I recall – vividly – some years back a back muscle spasm that occurred one morning that just about completely immobilized me. I managed , eventually, to crawl to the phone and call an ambulance. At the hospital, after determining I had done no permanent damage, I was chatting with a nurse who had experienced something similar. She said it was the worst pain she’s ever experienced – including that of childbirth! (so I was not just being a wussy male). I was prescribed a (very) few powerful muscle relaxant tablets and sent home to recover. Crawling is a good method of locomotion (knee-pads help) and once recovered, there were some back exercises to help strengthen the back muscles given to me by a sports-injury specialist.
BTW, I’m in Canada so the only cost was the meds.
Not to be mixed with medication, but I’m sure Tepoz could provide you with a little ‘muscle relaxant’, too – as long as you won’t need to drive anywhere. Enjoy!
Hot packs are your friend, and gentle stretching.
The two I find help my lower back on the rare occasion it plays up are these:
1. lay on the edge of your bed and drop the foot of the leg on the edge on the floor bending at the knee (90 degree angle) then pull the other knee to your chest gently, hold for a count of ten or so then release. Do that a few times then swap and repeat on the other side.
2. Lay on a supportive surface (floor is good) with a cushion under the curve of your spine to support it and bring your knees up till your feet are flat on the ground. Just lay your legs to one side of you keep your knees together as much as is comfortable whilst keeping your back still. Make sure you pause at the neutral position each time you swap sides.
Hope you feel better soon. If you can afford it see if there’s a myotherapist, physio or a sports masseuse in your area. Chiro’s really don’t do the job. And the former three can give you a few specific stretches and exercises to help the area if it happens again, or as prevention.
A good chiropractor is an amazing thing.
Some are way out in left field, but some are the real deal and can certainly help with back pain. I had a really nasty bout I tried to toughen my way through (after crawling for most of two days because I couldn’t stand up)… though it gradually hurt less over the next weeks, it never stopped, and stiffened up terribly to the point that I couldn’t turn to check my mirrors in the car. I finally gave in and went to a chiropractor; he got me loosened and turning freely again with the first session, and back to normal in a couple months.
Avoid ones who want to sell you other products beyond the chiropractic services; avoid ones who claim their services can heal whatever ails you. Chiropractors help primarily with your neck and back, and to some degree radiating problems from the spine (like nerve pain down a leg from the spine).
And try to get one with a massage therapist. The MT will help maintain what the chiropractor has done, as it’s tight muscles that pull your spine out of whack.
Sorry Quats, I should probably have put that as Chiro’s aren’t really good for pulls and strains.
When I threw my back the chiro was my best friend but I find long term that they’re just not as good as a good massage therapist or myotherapist because they’re only looking after your spine, not the surrounding muscles that support it.
I second the heat packs–Thermacare heat wraps do wonders for my muscle aches and pains, and you can wear them while doing daily activities. Also, stick to firmer surfaces for sitting if you can and be aware of your posture while sitting. Leaning over for extended periods of time can pull on your lower back. A search for “back stretching exercises” will give you some good ones. If things continue without relief, then I would also recommend seeing a chiropractor. Hope you’re feeling better soon!
There are sticky heat patches that you can find at walmart the help alot and there tiger’s balm well make you stinky has some wonderful heating properties if you think its mucler not tendon or spinal related. also if you can find the instructions on how to make one, a rice heat pad that you microwave can help. you also might be able to find them some places to buy as well. hope that helps.
Ouch! indeed! I ruptured a disk in my lower back in late July last year which laid me up for a month. I’ve only now finally been able to stop taking several Motrins a day. The anti-inflamatory effects on the affected nerves allows the muscles (and other parts) to heal. I recommend having a doctor look at your back, though — the spine and back muscles are too complicated for effective self-diagnosis and treatment.
Ouch! If it’s muscular, it really helps to use Icy hot or the Bengay muscle patches….Smells nasty, but really really works. Oh, if you use the icy hot cream, it helps to lay a towel on the bed before you lay down…the smell will seep through your clothes, sheets and into the mattress. It took 2 months of febreezing to get rid of the smell!
My sympathies. I’m an acupuncturist & I’ve helped a lot of people with that kind of thing. I agree with the heating pad suggestion & if you like, email me & I’ll ping my alumni list to find you a referral in your area.
I’ve found that Aleve works much better on the pain, and for inflamation I usually end up taking about 1600 mg of Ibuprophin, I have a bit of a tolerance for anti-inflamitories.
My husband had 2 ribs knocked out of place when my son was 2, because he laid on the ground and let the baby jump all over him… I’d suggest having it looked at if it hurts more than a couple days.
Aleve or Naproxen worked better for me than ibuprofen or muscle relaxents. Can be hard on your stomache though. Also, ice is good for the initial stages when everything is spasming.
Just over 12 months ago I slightly slipped a disk in my back. If it’s severe or not going away, see a dr.
1. 800mg advil every 6 hours with food is a maximum before going to stronger medicine. I ended up on something a lot stronger for a week. Alleve may work better for you, but the dosage/timing is very different.
2. Hate to disagree with the rest, but for serious muscle strain, ice for the first 48 – 72 hours to reduce inflammation is the right idea. Warmth after that, if the inflammation has gone down. Check with dr.
3. Physical therapy, as early as you can stand it, if you can afford it.
Again, if it’s more than just a little strain, see dr. I know just enough to know that this is what worked for me, but everyone is different.
Lots of MILD exercise/therapy will help things get better sooner, but it will take longer than you want and it’s hard to get anything done in the meantime.
Get well soon
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY NUMBNESS, TINGLING, OR PINS AND NEEDLES SENSATION IN YOUR LEGS OR BUTT, OR PROBLEMS WALKING, you absolutely need to get checked out in the ER. That means you’ve slipped or ruptured a disk and you need expert medical attention!
Once you get over this acute episode, absolutely do get with a physical therapist/sports medicine specialist. The best defence (against recurrence) is a good offence (back strengthening exercises). Oddly enough, what protects your back best is strong abs. If you’ve “thrown your back out” once, you are at high risk for recurrence unless you strengthen your core.
I agree with Aleve. Extended Release Tylenol is good too. Just don’t take anything like that on an empty stomach.
Try the Two bulls sports rub http://www.pbrsportsrub.com/ I’ve tried that with some of the back pain, I’ve had. Works great and hey if professional bullriders use it, it should be pretty good.
Don’t worry about the crankiness, I’ve pulled my back before so I totally understand about how back pain can affect one’s mood.
If you’re still having some trouble, try sleeping with a pillow or two under your butt. Elevating your pelvis can help relieve the strain while you’re sleeping, giving you a chance to heal. By the way, take the time to check your mattress and make sure it’s not sagging too much. A mattress that isn’t giving you adequate support can add to back strain and injury.
Hmmm…. not sure if my input would be applicable – I did hurt my lower back last summer (felt a “crack!” kinda thing). It did not feel like a muscle thing but I was not sure, kinda felt like something was “out of place” – finally went to PT and they said the right side of my pelvis was tilted forward and not aligned with the left side of my pelvis… But doing hamstring exercises regularly should help slowly pull them back into place (hopefully). So maybe another option you could look into if other things don’t provide answers.
Oh my god… You’re married?! What else don’t I know about my favorite comic artists?!