Ugh. Back.

[dreamshark]

I think I just joined the "my back went out" club. I've heard people talk about this phenomenon but it never made sense to me. What, you're just standing there and your back "went out?" Surely there's more to the story than that - lifting without bending your knees or something? The most common explanation seems to be "I leaned over to

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I think I just joined the "my back went out" club. I've heard people talk about this phenomenon but it never made sense to me. What, you're just standing there and your back "went out?" Surely there's more to the story than that - lifting without bending your knees or something? The most common explanation seems to be "I leaned over to <pick something up, whatever> and then I couldn't stand up again." That's pretty much what happened to me. I wasn't lifting anything, or twisting, or even leaning over very far. Got a stabbing pain in the very base of my spine as I started to straighten up. I continued to elevate my body to vertical and the pain spread upwards to encompass most of my lower back. WTF?

I've had sore muscle pain in the lumbar region before, even an occasional muscle spasm after exercising too vigorously. But I've never had pain at the base of my spine. And never had pain for no reason at all. It hurts when I stand up straight or go up stairs. Doesn't hurt particularly when I'm sitting or lying down. Icing it had no discernible effect. Hot bath made it feel better temporarily, but getting out of the tub made it start hurting again. Hurt even more after a night's sleep, but I think it's a little better now that I've been moving around. Or maybe that's the four ibuprofen talking. Fortunately I can sit and work at a computer with no problem.

I'm gonna take it easy for a day or two and see if it gets better. I know if I went to the doctor at this point that's just what they'd tell me anyway. Anybody reading this have any experience with backs that "go out?"

Comments

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Listen to Becca, she knows this stuff. My chiropractor (who I just saw today because MY back is out, too) would tell you the same thing. Gentle stretches (not to the point of pain) are what's wanted. Also gentle activity like short walks and such. Staying immobile in a pain-free position and soaking in a hot bath will only make things worse and slow your recovery.

K. [Been There, Done That]