Back report - Friday

[dreamshark]

Back went out on Sunday afternoon. It's been hard to tell if there's been any improvement, as the "injury" (or whatever it was) kind of moves around. The original pain was at the base of the spine, but it rather quickly diffused upward into the lumbar region, becoming vaguer and more like ordinary aching muscles in the higher region. I don't know if this is deferred pain from the actual site of injury or if it was two muscle spasms, the first one low down triggering a sympathetic aftershock higher up.

It doesn't hurt much when I'm not moving or when I'm walking, just when I change states. Sitting to standing is the worst. Also, lifting my leg while sitting or reclining, something i didn't realize I did so often in the course of a day. Putting on shoes and socks, for instance. And, most annoyingly, putting my foot onto the clutch while driving. Working the pedals doesn't hurt, just lifting my leg enough to get my foot onto the pedal.

It's always worse if I'm immobile for a while before moving (i.e., working for two hours, then standing up). Simply walking to the bathroom and back is enough to loosen things up. The absolute worst is getting out of bed in the morning, which has been excruciating. Until this morning, when it was merely painful. I'm assuming that this is a good sign, and I am actually getting better.

Comments

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

I know how bad back problems can be and I'm sorry this has happened to you! Mine is showing slow signs of improvement as well.

Two things I know of that are sort of generally useful with back problems are: gentle hamstring stretches (extra extra don't-push-it gentle while still in pain) and drinking lots and lots of water to keep the kidneys from getting stressed (as that is a back ache cause).

K.

[laurel]

This sounds a lot like the same thing I get from time to time. Was really bad a couple of years back.

The more one can move around or at least avoid sitting in one place for too long, the better it goes. And seems to "get better" or at least go away sooner.

Hope your back feels better soon!

Back

[markiv1111.livejournal.com]

Yes, sympathies, but this also seems like the kind of thing where you need to see an M.D. or a chiropractor *right away* -- your friends are helping, but the professional will help more. Note: This was apparently said in a court case about ten years ago. "You're saying the plaintiff was shot in the woods?" "No, I'm saying the plaintiff was shot in the lumbar region." Here's hoping laughter doesn't make things worse, and have a good MInn-Stf meeting!

Nate

[barondave.livejournal.com]

Sympathies. My advice, aside from echoing the much good advice given by many here, is to do stretches of and about the affected area as often as possible. Not to the point where it hurts, but just under (as K says). Keep the muscles limber. Continue when it goes away. Also, take your vitamins and calcium. Okay, 2 cents worth over.

[dsgood.livejournal.com]

See a doctor!

Sympathies and healing thoughts!!

Re: Back

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

"Yes, sympathies, but this also seems like the kind of thing where you need to see an M.D. or a chiropractor *right away*"

I can't imagine why. Doctors are helpful if you need medicine or surgery, rarely for any other reason. Chiropracters generally manipulate the back and put the spine back in alignment, and I have no reason to believe that the pain is caused by my spine being out of alignment. I was a little unsure at first, but now it is clearly acting like a soft-tissue injury, probably just muscular, and those things just need to heal. Which is exactly what it is doing.

No offense to the medical professionals in the audience, but my experience with doctors and chiropracters alike has not been one that makes me immediately want to consult with one when something goes wrong.

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

"See a doctor!"

Apparently your experience with doctors has been much different from mine.