My back is out
So I was doing laundry this morning and hanging up the wet clothes that can't go in the dryer. I was about to hang my bike clothes outside when I bent down to get them and almost threw up from the pain. That was this morning, since then, I have trouble walking up stairs, standing straight up, not limping and having terrible pain in my right lower back just above my ass. It is like having a stiff neck, you know the one when you move it the wrong way it stuns you and it seems every way is the wrong way. Go figure, my training has been perfect for a couple of months, I've lost a ton of weight, and I was planning on going away this weekend to log some good miles and hang with my boys. Figures.
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Dan,
I am so sorry to hear about your back. Sounds like a herniated or bulging disc. Does the pain stay in your back or go into buttocks and leg?
The reason you can't stand striaght is the disc is protruded posteriorly and will not allow you to without excruciating pain. Usually the issue will resolve with time and anti-inflammatories. Possibly muscle relaxors if you are spasming. For now try not to bend over at all to do your activities. Bending and or bending and twisting with a load is how this happens. It is from overuse/repetetive motions like that coupled with tight hamstrings that finally cause the disc to give. For now, bend with knees and keep back straight.
Getting in to bed. Same thing, keep back straight. Lay down on your side first then roll to your back. Sleep with pillows under the knees or on your side with pillow between the knees.
Go see your MD:-). And then a PT.
Carrie
Could be a few things: 1) muscle spasm- the back muscles can feel like a knife that twists with every move, 2) nerve impingement (they run through the muscles or can get caught if a disc moves), or 3) disc injury. For the first few days, they will all feel the same. Even if it's only a spasm, it's worthwhile to get checked out as the latter two can haunt you if not taken care of.
Here are some tips in the mean time:
1) alternate heat and ice. 15 min heat. 15 min ice. 30 min off. repeat every hour as needed.
2) Get in to see your PCP asap. Should be able to score some anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers and even some pain meds to help take the edge off.
3) You're going to want to keep moving. Too much of any one position will be rough. When standing stinks, sit down. When sitting stinks, lay down with some pillows under your knees or your feet up on the arms of the couch. When that stinks, stand up again.
4) The log roll is the way to go for getting up/down out of bed/off the couch. Just like swimming. Total body rotation. If only one half moves, you're gonna feel it.
5) If sleeping on your back is a no go, you can lay on your side with a pillow folded in half between your knees or on your stomach with 2-3 pillows stacked under your stomach.
Good luck and keep us posted!
DF -
Man I feel your pain; I tweaked my back a few weeks ago and was out of comission for a week. You simply have to rest it and get seen. I found that my hips were the real problem, having not stretched in months....control the pain then work to a solution!
Please keep us posted!
P