Lumbar back issues?
I was in a high impact car crash 3 weeks ago. Immediately following the accident, I felt the effects of whiplash in my neck. I was given neck X-rays to rule out any breaks. These came back negative and my neck pain mostly subsided after a week. However, sometime during that week following the accident I began getting some moderate lower back discomfort/pain. I have a chiropractor/ART person who I visit during training when things pop up and he diagnosed it as soft tissue damage resulting from the trauma. I've been seeing him weekly and although it hasn't gotten better, it hasn't stopped me from training. I've been able to maintain my OS workouts adequately. In fact the only real discomfort has been during some masters swim session which involve kicking.
Fast forward to late last week. My mother in law passed away and just moments before her memorial service, I picked up a cup of water for my wife, and the sudden back pain almost brought me to my knees. The kind of shooting, stabbing pain that made me break out into a sweat. Not ideal when you are trying to comfort your family at a very roughy time. I realize that the stress may be a factor here.
I got to an orthopedist the following morning who examined and x-rayed my lower back. I have no pain running down my legs, which ruled out sciatic issues. The X-rays only showed a straightened spine which apparently is typical when there are muscles spasms present. The doc prescribed a muscle relaxer and PT. I've taken the muscle relaxer prior to bed one night and although it helped me sleep a bit, I am not thrilled with the lingering overall cloudiness that it leaves me with the next morning. Otherwise, I have been taking ibuprofen during the day and have not started PT yet.
At this point, the pain and discomfort is debilitating in terms of many things - sitting, lifting most things, tying my shoes, not to mention any kind of training! This has left me feeling pretty bad, both physically and mentally.
Looking for any advice from the team who have had lumbar issues. I'd consider anything at this point including massage, accupunture (have never had), etc. The one thing I am certain of is that I am VERY bad at sitting still! Thanks....
Fast forward to late last week. My mother in law passed away and just moments before her memorial service, I picked up a cup of water for my wife, and the sudden back pain almost brought me to my knees. The kind of shooting, stabbing pain that made me break out into a sweat. Not ideal when you are trying to comfort your family at a very roughy time. I realize that the stress may be a factor here.
I got to an orthopedist the following morning who examined and x-rayed my lower back. I have no pain running down my legs, which ruled out sciatic issues. The X-rays only showed a straightened spine which apparently is typical when there are muscles spasms present. The doc prescribed a muscle relaxer and PT. I've taken the muscle relaxer prior to bed one night and although it helped me sleep a bit, I am not thrilled with the lingering overall cloudiness that it leaves me with the next morning. Otherwise, I have been taking ibuprofen during the day and have not started PT yet.
At this point, the pain and discomfort is debilitating in terms of many things - sitting, lifting most things, tying my shoes, not to mention any kind of training! This has left me feeling pretty bad, both physically and mentally.
Looking for any advice from the team who have had lumbar issues. I'd consider anything at this point including massage, accupunture (have never had), etc. The one thing I am certain of is that I am VERY bad at sitting still! Thanks....
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Comments
Frequent stretching as this heals is a must.
Time to rest my friend, attack the CORE work when ready and move slowly into the wkos from there. Not resting enough will delay your progress.
SS
Sorry you are miserable!
I'd consider taking a half dose of the sleeping stuff- is it a real sleeping pill or a muscle relaxer? Either way, half may still get desired results without the side effects. Heat alternating with ice is useful for many people. Gentle stretching can also be of benefit. Lying around in bed is terrible and sitting increases stress on the low back, so moving gently and often is good for you. And get thee to PT...
Good luck!
Started PT this week. Amazing how the most simple exercises that they've given me can be so difficult in this condition. Also will continue seeing the chiro and may try a massage this week. Those muscle relaxers (Flexoril) just make my head swim, so not taking much. Its been 7 days of no training whatsoever for me, and this is the hardest part. But, in this state, I couldn't imagine how I would get any kind of a workout in without setting myself back more. Will report back any progress...I am trying to be hopeful, but am not seeing any improvement yet