HELP. Lower back pain--Came on suddenly

[Nostradamus]

I was playing a match today and after about 1 hour of play, all of sudden Sharp Lower back pain. I couldn't even attempt to bend down, and it started to hurt even when I just walk. had to leave the match and stop playing. My back had been kind of stiff and mild pain for last 6 month. but today All of sudden, lower back pain became so bad, I had to stop playing.

What is going on ? Is this serious ? would it just get better with rest and some Motrin and Flexeril ? Would Massage help ?

 

[gut wax]

Very sorry to learn of your predicament.

Now:
Ice
Ibuprofen
Chocolate Milk (anti-inflammatory & much more + cocoa gets rid of lactose intolerance)
Rest

I found Ice to be better in long term, as well. Though I'm sure you know that Heat usually replaces Ice for many injuries after 24-48 hours.

If you have access to masseuse, by all means, do.
How do you feel about Chiropractors?
In either case, relax during treatment.

Getting around:
Shoes or Boots you know provide best support. Ariat brand of Boots, for example.

Don't be afraid to lean onto shopping cart when - well . . . shopping.

Exercise:
Stocking feet under Couch
Extend spine, then scoot forward without compressing spine.
Sit-ups - but think about Crunches.

This is particularly helpful to strengthen core whether you have a desk job or stand on concrete all day.

 

[Nostradamus]

Then I should ice it now ? ok I will. Don't do anymore leg presses, am I right ? I think that made it worse, indirectly. and that Leg press machine was also Broken, I think. Because of often times, in the middle of leg presses, it would get stuck or become harder to press,,,,,,,but I kept on using the machine, that was dumb I think.......

 

[Nostradamus]

Oh and how long should I put the ice pack on there for ??? and would I feel relief right away with ice pack ?

 

[Nostradamus]

Ohhhh, Mama Mia............. After applying Ice for 15 minutes on my back, now it feels like it is spasming out even more.....................OUCH. What is going on here ??

 

[Triskadekaphilia]

Acute back pain, sounds like some chronic issues there as well. A lot of the pain comes from tightness and spasm in the para spinal muscles. Lay on your back flat on the floor and just allow the muscles to relax. It also helps to raise one leg on to a block or couch with the knee at 90 degrees. Do that for 15 minutes at a time, then roll on to your stomach and again just relax the muscles. Then elevate your shoulders off the ground to extend the back. If you do this twice a day it may help to stop the contractures on those muscles.

 

[Nostradamus]

Acute back pain, sounds like some chronic issues there as well. A lot of the pain comes from tightness and spasm in the para spinal muscles. Lay on your back flat on the floor and just allow the muscles to relax. It also helps to raise one leg on to a block or couch with the knee at 90 degrees. Do that for 15 minutes at a time, then roll on to your stomach and again just relax the muscles. Then elevate your shoulders off the ground to extend the back. If you do this twice a day it may help to stop the contractures on those muscles.

Thank you. IS there any Picture illustration to give me some visual aid ?

 

[Triskadekaphilia]

Thank you. IS there any Picture illustration to give me some visual aid ?

There are some more complicated things you can do once you get the back to quiet down. Right now I would stick to the relaxation/flat types of poses to get it to stop hurting. I would suggest reading some books by robin Mackenzie and egoscue which describe these exercises in detail and have illustrations.

 

[Nostradamus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trWBj8pJXV8

I am doing these right now and it is not helping yet

 

[RajS]

@Nostradamus: I have a chronically stiff back, but I have kind of wrestled it to the ground enough to keep it under control. Lots of warm up before playing, lots of stretching after playing, and some back exercises every other day. The exercises are the usual ones - a few variations of situps for the abdominals and obliques, and planks and bridges for the core/back. You have to wait until the pain is gone before you do these. I still get stiff after a few sets of serving, but the stiffness usually goes away after a day or so. I would avoid putting ice on the back since this will make the back really stiff and set off spasms... heat works much better for me when it comes to the back. Also, it may be worth investigating which stroke/action is causing the most damage (for me, it is the serve) and making suitable modifications.

 

[unorthodox stringing]

Nostradamus,

I suffered a similar sudden lower back pain. After 10 minutes of light rally, I squat down to adjust the net height. Then could not stand straight nor walk. Thought it was a slipped disc.

Been healthy all my life and it was the first time it happened.

After many attempts to cure it, a change of my worn mattress solved the backache completely!

There was a sunken portion on the mattress where my butt rests that caused my spine to curve backwards when I sleep on my back. The new firm mattress fixed that in just a few days.

No medicine, no chiropractor, no injections, no massages

The other common cause was due to tight hamstring muscles tugging on the lower back.

Have a speedy recovery!

 

[Nostradamus]

Nostradamus,

I suffered a similar sudden lower back pain. After 10 minutes of light rally, I squat down to adjust the net height. Then could not stand straight nor walk. Thought it was a slipped disc.

Been healthy all my life and it was the first time it happened.

After many attempts to cure it, a change of my worn mattress solved the backache completely!

There was a sunken portion on the mattress where my butt rests that caused my spine to curve backwards when I sleep on my back. The new firm mattress fixed that in just a few days.

No medicine, no chiropractor, no injections, no massages

The other common cause was due to tight hamstring muscles tugging on the lower back.

Have a speedy recovery!

YOu might be a Genius. I do have a Hamstring so tight, it is like rock hard.... that might be making it worse.
As for my Mattress, It is very old like 25 years old. I don't know if it is broken but it might be worth replacing and seeing what happens ??

 

[gut wax]

Way too soon to do any stretches. I knew something was missing from my first post, and unfortunately, that word was "Later" - wish I'd figured it out sooner than later.

If Ice, 15 minutes is too long. Yikes.

Heat strips like Salonpas are effective, as is Topical like Tiger Balm. Neither is unscented.

Everything in moderation, and if it seems wicked, "all in good time, my pretty" rule applies.

 

[Nostradamus]

@Nostradamus: I have a chronically stiff back, but I have kind of wrestled it to the ground enough to keep it under control. Lots of warm up before playing, lots of stretching after playing, and some back exercises every other day. The exercises are the usual ones - a few variations of situps for the abdominals and obliques, and planks and bridges for the core/back. You have to wait until the pain is gone before you do these. I still get stiff after a few sets of serving, but the stiffness usually goes away after a day or so. I would avoid putting ice on the back since this will make the back really stiff and set off spasms... heat works much better for me when it comes to the back. Also, it may be worth investigating which stroke/action is causing the most damage (for me, it is the serve) and making suitable modifications.

Yea, I think when I applied the ICE for 20 minutes yesterday, it felt like it was worse, not sure why ????

 

[sureshs]

As for my Mattress, It is very old like 25 years old.

I suspect it is also extremely dirty. Get rid of it.

 

[RoddickAce]

Do you sit a lot at work? I recently had a pinched nerve in my lower back from sitting with bad posture for long hours. I felt a tingly feeling in my back through the back of my leg and when I stood up from a sitting position, I couldnt fulling stand up straight until after a minute or so.

I stopped exercising for a month and saw a chiropractor for a few months and my back is fine now.

 

[Sirius Black]

It could be caused by some imbalances or a tight hamstring weak glute combo. Can you see a physio?

 

[Nostradamus]

Do you sit a lot at work? I recently had a pinched nerve in my lower back from sitting with bad posture for long hours. I felt a tingly feeling in my back through the back of my leg and when I stood up from a sitting position, I couldnt fulling stand up straight until after a minute or so.

I stopped exercising for a month and saw a chiropractor for a few months and my back is fine now.

I do sit for long hours at work with bad posture. but I don't think it is pinched nerve. if it was, shooting pain would go down my butt and legs but I don't have that. my back is very tight and very spasmatic. Once I sit down, I can't get up......

 

[Nostradamus]

I suspect it is also extremely dirty. Get rid of it.

Why do you say it is dirty ??

 

[Nostradamus]

I got a real problem now. Today this is worse and now I hardly can get up after sitting down position or bend down at all. and this is after taking 400mg of Motrin.
I don't want to call in sick tomorrow because of this.

Is there anything I can do today to help this ??

 

[Triskadekaphilia]

That's a baby dose. Take 800.

It takes time. When my back has felt like you describe, it has been at least a week, doing the PT and rest. Some other good suggestions above from the other posters. The old mattress is horrible for your back. When my back is flaring up I sleep on the floor using just a yoga pad, no pillow. Pretty gangster, but it is quite effective.

Don't do any sit-ups now or ever. Crunches and planks are much better for abs and don't strain the lumbar back.

 

[RajS]

Yea, I think when I applied the ICE for 20 minutes yesterday, it felt like it was worse, not sure why ????

Cold just stiffens the muscles, although it also contains the inflammation, and is definitely good immediately after an injury when there is a lot of inflammation. But when the back muscles are just stiff, warmth is better at relaxing them, I've found. A doctor may be able to give a fuller/better explanation.

Regarding the mattress, I also felt mine was too soft... and contributing to back problems. I decided to get a memory mattress topper for it (from Amazon). It felt slightly better, but not much. On an impulse, I got rid of the mattress altogether, and just used the topper over the box spring. It felt a bit hard for a few days, but after I got used to it, it started feeling really good. I think it is helping a lot also. My wife also likes it better... thank goodness... otherwise this would not have been an option for me, lol!

After reading Triskadekaphilia's post, I thought I should also warn you about situps. My "modified" situps are more like crunches. You can look up youtube or consult a therapist to find out the least harmful way of strengthening the abdominal muscles.

All the best!

 

[Nostradamus]

That's a baby dose. Take 800.

It takes time. When my back has felt like you describe, it has been at least a week, doing the PT and rest. Some other good suggestions above from the other posters. The old mattress is horrible for your back. When my back is flaring up I sleep on the floor using just a yoga pad, no pillow. Pretty gangster, but it is quite effective.

Don't do any sit-ups now or ever. Crunches and planks are much better for abs and don't strain the lumbar back.

I dont' do situps. I only do leg presses. 100lbs but I think that leg press machine is broken because it is not smooth at all, it stiffens and resists in middle of press.......

 

[Nostradamus]

Cold just stiffens the muscles, although it also contains the inflammation, and is definitely good immediately after an injury when there is a lot of inflammation. But when the back muscles are just stiff, warmth is better at relaxing them, I've found. A doctor may be able to give a fuller/better explanation.

Regarding the mattress, I also felt mine was too soft... and contributing to back problems. I decided to get a memory mattress topper for it (from Amazon). It felt slightly better, but not much. On an impulse, I got rid of the mattress altogether, and just used the topper over the box spring. It felt a bit hard for a few days, but after I got used to it, it started feeling really good. I think it is helping a lot also. My wife also likes it better... thank goodness... otherwise this would not have been an option for me, lol!

After reading Triskadekaphilia's post, I thought I should also warn you about situps. My "modified" situps are more like crunches. You can look up youtube or consult a therapist to find out the least harmful way of strengthening the abdominal muscles.

All the best!

Box springs is very extreme. I am a softy. I like Soft mattresses, it feels better to me. but now I have to get rid of this 25 year old mattress and buy a new one. What is the best mattress out there ?

 

[Nostradamus]

is there a doctor in here ? please help

 

[gut wax]

Aw, geez. Sorry to see you've joined the club of quiet, yet screaming desperation, on a weekend. If it is any consolation whatsoever, there are a lot of us on this site who have been there, done that. Not fun at all.

Personally, I would get to a friendly, local Chiropractor tomorrow. I've been to four. Beats back surgery, which my Pop and Bro have both had. Be fearless.

 

[jaggy]

I have every faith the mattress is dirty

 

[Nevarin]

This is really annoying. Happend to me yesterday aswell. going upstairs and catching someone falling wasnt that good.

Anyway. You basically pulled your back muscles.

Not my first time and i got it off it pretty fast last time, which was way worse.



The first things you do are:
Take antiflam. medicine like voltaren, diclofinac, ibuprofen.
REST your back as much as possible for the first view days. That does not mean lying in bed, since being in one position for a prolonged time usually makes it worse. Know the feeling in the morning when it feels much worse than during daytime? thats the problem i just talked about. Keep a small pillow behind your back while sitting. just google the exact use of that.

Walking helps. Go for a stroll. Go as relaxed as possible. It keeps it flexable and loosen you up without stretching, which wouldbe to harsh at this moment.

This can take from 2 up to 10 days depending on the level of damage.

As soon as you dont feel unsecure in your movement and could basically do after a normal working day (if you are not a pretty physical worker) you can start light stretches and do not use the medicine anymore. It will only keep you from finding the correct amount of stretch that doesnt hurt and they already finished their main job which was the inflammation.

You will probably be pain free pretty soon at this point, BUT do not lift anything or do a leaning over lifting motion. Just dont lift stuff. If you have to bind your shoes, do it carfully and keep your back straight. Use your legs.

I made that mistake and thought i am back to normal as soon as i could do mostly all everyday activities which didnt involve sports. I lifted something, not even heavy. maybe 5kg, but with a slightly wrong form. Caused it to flare up instantly and added another 2 weeks.

After this phase. Try to build up your back slowling and dont go overly crazy with tennis at first. Rotational movement is for this kind of back problem.
Start the first time with just warming up speed. dont run after the ball. just jog. warm up and try to be as relaxed as federer so it basically looks pretty lazy.

If you can do that without a problem, go a bit harder next time.

Make sure your back and legs are loose and dont stiffen up again, cause tight hamstrings and back musles can lead to this injury. That was the cause for me. After this, try to improve flexibility and maintain that. Will keep you from this type of injury alot.

If you do this with discipline and if it wasnt that bad you can be fine in about 3 weeks, maybe 2.

Hope you getting well.

 

[Nostradamus]

^^^^^^^^Thank you so much for your comments. My Calf muscle is SUPER tight like rock hard, that might have contributed as well.

I am also having some problem with Pooing. Is this normal with back injury like mine ?

 

[Nostradamus]

Also Can a Chair cause you to have back problem ? if so, what kind of chair is best for back problems ?

 

[Mr.Lob]

is there a doctor in here ? please help

Not a doctor... but I like to pretend. Does the pain come and go? Primarily in back? Lower abdomen pain? Any other symptoms?

 

[snvplayer]

What do you mean by "Pooing"?

If it's muscle spasm or stiffness, heat would be a better option. Or, even light massage.

But really, you should really go see a medical professional (dr, pt, chiropractor, etc) especially when the symptom is bad enough to affect your daily activities. Also, it sounds like you might have other contributing factors such as tight hamstring and calf; which a professional can help address as well.

TT members can be very resourceful, but similar symptoms do not mean that the problems are similar or can be resolved in a similar manner at all.

 

[gut wax]

I am also having some problem with Pooing. Is this normal with back injury like mine ?

Yes it is - see Chiropractor

To help understand, go to . . .
Google Images: Chiropractic Chart

 

[Underhand]

You popped a disc. Prepare yourself for wheelchair tennis Fedace.

 

[ollinger]

As my own doctor asked me cheerfully when I had a herniated disk 15 years ago, "have you had any incontinence or impotence yet?"

 

[sureshs]

^^^^^^^^Thank you so much for your comments. My Calf muscle is SUPER tight like rock hard, that might have contributed as well.

I am also having some problem with Pooing. Is this normal with back injury like mine ?

I think the body is not exerting much expulsive force out of fear of pain. Try a laxative.

 

[sureshs]

Why do you say it is dirty ??

It has to be, if you have been sleeping on it for 20 years. I am sure you are not diligent about changing bed covers, and the bed bugs have made it a sanctuary.

 

[moonballs]

Bed bugs are gross, you will have bites if you have them. I think dust mites do accumulate in old mattresses. There is no reason to keep using a regular mattess for over 10y.

 

[mad dog1]

^^^^^^^^Thank you so much for your comments. My Calf muscle is SUPER tight like rock hard, that might have contributed as well.

I am also having some problem with Pooing. Is this normal with back injury like mine ?

yes, it's normal. as you can imagine, the lower back being the center of your core controls alot of functions and motions. lower back pain is incredibly debilitating.

 

[snvplayer]

yes, it's normal. as you can imagine, the lower back being the center of your core controls alot of functions and motions. lower back pain is incredibly debilitating.

Just want to add that the bowel movement issue with lower back trouble means the high chance of nerve involvement. It does not mean this is "normal" and can be left untreated.

 

[mad dog1]

Just want to add that the bowel movement issue with lower back trouble means the high chance of nerve involvement. It does not mean this is "normal" and can be left untreated.

when there's pain, there's always nerves involved since nerves are the mechanism that allows the body to feel pain.

 

[speedysteve]

I had similar to what you describe off and on during my office career.
Extremely debilitating and taking a few days to recover from.
What worked for me was doing the very basic PT exercises the physio gave me when I first got there after referral.

Even daily PT and strengthening / preventative exercises never really fixed it as I had lived.

Now, I am office free and have gone from strength to strength over the course of a year.

It's a life style problem. We are not designed to be still for so long, muscles etc get de-oxygenated and then are asked to do too much work (sometimes seems like hardly anything at all) and ping, defence is to spasm.

If I still had problems, I think I would explore ultrasound therapy.

The tens machine that has been good for my medial epicondilitus never did any good on my back.

Mobility is the only thing for it. As soon as you can be up and pottering about. Get blood flow back to those affected areas in as pain free way as you can - there's no quick fix.

Hope yours goes away soon.

 

[ollinger]

^^ "muscles get de-oxygenated" because "we are not designed to be still for so long"??? Here comes the voodoo science! No, muscles don't get deoxygenated from being still. If anything, they might become deoxygenated from being too active, a condition sometimes called oxygen debt.

 

[gut wax]

Only certainty is it's been 18 hours since Nostradamus posted an update.

 

[speedysteve]

^^ "muscles get de-oxygenated" because "we are not designed to be still for so long"??? Here comes the voodoo science! No, muscles don't get deoxygenated from being still. If anything, they might become deoxygenated from being too active, a condition sometimes called oxygen debt.

That's what my doctor & physio told me when I asked.

Guess they dumb it down for lay people.

Anyway it's not important.

All I know is a more active life works.

 

[Nostradamus]

Just want to add that the bowel movement issue with lower back trouble means the high chance of nerve involvement. It does not mean this is "normal" and can be left untreated.

I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow. but what I meant by trouble pooing is that it hurts when I poo. and it was just Saturday and sunday when I hurt it. I didn't have this problem before that. trying to strain to poo was hurting by back, so I am not sure really if any nerve is involved here......

I am hoping against hope, I can play this Saturday, I have USTA match Saturday, sure hate to think I will miss that. but as of today, it still hurts, though it is better than how it was Saturday.......

and I also have more gas, I am not sure if this is related or what ?

 

[shindemac]

Are you sure you aren't wiping too hard? Maybe extra-curricular activities?

 

[Sirius Black]

I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow. but what I meant by trouble pooing is that it hurts when I poo. and it was just Saturday and sunday when I hurt it. I didn't have this problem before that. trying to strain to poo was hurting by back, so I am not sure really if any nerve is involved here......

I am hoping against hope, I can play this Saturday, I have USTA match Saturday, sure hate to think I will miss that. but as of today, it still hurts, though it is better than how it was Saturday.......

and I also have more gas, I am not sure if this is related or what ?

Don't play. Err on the side of caution.

 

[snvplayer]

^^ "muscles get de-oxygenated" because "we are not designed to be still for so long"??? Here comes the voodoo science! No, muscles don't get deoxygenated from being still. If anything, they might become deoxygenated from being too active, a condition sometimes called oxygen debt.

Just curious: does blood flow decrease when a muscle group hasn't been moved for a prolonged time?

 

[sureshs]

I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow. but what I meant by trouble pooing is that it hurts when I poo. and it was just Saturday and sunday when I hurt it. I didn't have this problem before that. trying to strain to poo was hurting by back, so I am not sure really if any nerve is involved here......

I am hoping against hope, I can play this Saturday, I have USTA match Saturday, sure hate to think I will miss that. but as of today, it still hurts, though it is better than how it was Saturday.......

and I also have more gas, I am not sure if this is related or what ?

More gas is due to the bacterial decomposition of your accumulated faecal matter