Another lower back pain question - I really need your help?

Question

I've been having lower back pain for about a month since making an awkward movement (lifting a t-top off of a friend's car.) It's been sore since then but the real problem is spasms/seizures. The spasms come with no warning, and no amount of caution seems to prevent them. When seated, I sit on the edge of the chair with my back held artificially straight. When trying to sleep I lay on my side in a tight fetal position, but it still seizes with absolutely no movement on my part. The pain only lasts about 3 seconds, but it is blinding, excruciating etc. If I'm standing when it happens. I'll involuntarily collapse to my knees, or fall completely over. I can only guess that it must be a compromised nerve - does anyone/any doctor out there have any experience or advice?

Answer 1

Go to a chiropractor.... Please.....

Answer 2

Definitely go see a chiropractor. I have been seeing one for going on 20 years. I cannot tell you how much better I feel after an adjustment or treatment. Steer away from the chiropractors that claim they can cure any disease. Also, not all chiropractors use the same techniques. I prefer the type affectionately known as bone crunchers. Another type uses a device to manipulate your spine.

That blinding pain definitely sounds like a pinched nerve, or one that is getting "twanged" by something when a muscle spasms. The chiropractor will be able to tell you quickly what the problem is. If the chiropractor believes that you need medical intervention, he/she will tell you right away. In most cases, the chiropractor will be able to help significantly.

Chiropractors also offer very good treatment for soft tissue injuries such as a pulled muscle. They can use ultrasound, infrared, electrical stimulation, heat, cold, or combinations to help with your situation. The electrical stimulation is not nearly as bad as it sounds. A minor charge passes between some electrodes strategically spaced around the painful area. The machine uses differing patterns gently massaging the muscle. After your very first treatment, you will get off the table feeling like a million bucks. Do NOT think you are cured yet though!! :) LOL I learned the hard way! It may take several treatments to help heal the problem.

Oh, and I usually take some Tylenol or aspirin before I go for a treatment. I've had two chiropractors over the years -because I moved to a different state- and neither discouraged using OTC pain remedies. In fact, both worked closely with my MD when I severely tore a back muscle. The MD wrote the RX for some serious pain medication and, as the chiropractor claims to have done all the "hard" work. LOL

I see my chiropractor once a month whether I need it or not. If I have pain somewhere, I go more often. By the way, chiropractors do not focus only on the spine and neck. They also adjust other joints and help with things like tennis elbow, TMJ, carpal tunnel, just to name a few. Again, neither of my chiropractors ever claimed to cure chronic illnesses, but I have heard a few that make that claim.

While sleeping on your back, place a pillow under your knees. Put a small towel under your neck, but no pillow under your head. When you roll onto your side, place a pillow in front of your bottom thigh, bend your top knee to bring your top thigh onto the pillow. You may use a small pillow under your head. This helps to straighten your spine when lying on your side.

If you can sleep on the floor one night, put the pillow under your knees and a rolled towel under your neck. Before you get ready to go to sleep, take a couple of aspirin or Tylenol, then take a nice long warm shower/bath. After you get on the floor, stay covered. You may wake up the next morning with a lot less pain and stiffness.

My other trick for lower back stiffness and soreness is to have my 7-year-old nephew sit on my lower back with me laying face down on the couch. I then have him move towards my shoulders or more towards my butt, whichever seems like it will feel better, every few minutes. I do not know why this helps, but it does. Unfortunately, he is growing up too fast, so I will be losing his services before too long. Does anyone know where I can pick up a new nephew or niece? :) By the way, my nephew likes to do this because he gets to hear me say, "Oomph!" as he moves up and down. It does not really hurt, but the noises keep him seated long enough to make my back feel better.

Good luck!

Will D
Enterprise, AL

Answer 3

Sounds like you've sprained your lumbar muscles. See your doctor for some anti-inflamitories and muscle relaxers. Also, your doctor may suggest physical therapy as well.

I was in a car accedent recently and I had the exact same problems....I really suggest the above treatments...did wonders for me!! I can move again!!

Answer 4

You need to see a doctor. You have either messed up your psyatic nerve or you have a ruptured disc. I ruptured my L4 and L5 disc and had muscle spasms and pain. I also had pain eventually that went down my butt check and down the back of my leg and down to my calfs. See a doctor.

Answer 5

my brother had that problem u may need to go to the doctor see if u can get some injections in ur back and or possibly get that nerve burn it can help man cause it sounds as if u damage a nerve there

Answer 6

Rest till your back gets better. Any other akward movement can hurt you really bad. If you wonder how bad can it be. It's worst than the pain you feel now. AND I REALLY RECOMMEND YOU TO SEE A DOCTOR!

Answer 7

I'm not a doctor, but have you tried doing "airplanes" to strengthen your back muscles? Also, if you strengthen all your core muscles, then the torn back muscles will not try to bear as much weight.

Answer 8

GO TO THE DOCTOR. You need tests to determine what is wrong with your back. The DR. can prescribe medicine, therapy, or other things to help your back.

Answer 9

Please do the smart thing, see a doctor, before it gets worse & tell the doctor the same thing you told us.