My Dr diagnosed me as having a lumbar strain.?

Question

I have a heaviness sensation occuring in my lower back. Has anyone else had this problem with a lumbar strain?

Answer 1

I have a real beef with the diagnosis of lumbar strain. It's way over used and equivalent to saying stomach ache - gives no real information. I mean, it makes as much sense as saying "I have a leg strain". Which Muscle is strained? Why is it strained? is there something other than just a muscle porblem? These need to be answered in order to persue the most appropriate course of treatment. You wouldn't treat every stomach ache with pepto-bismal would you? The vast majority of people I see with Lumbar strain diagnosed by their GP's have somthing else entirely. I am not claiming to be a Doctor, or that Dr's are useless, but keep in mind that they are General Practitioners and know a little about alot of things. Go to someone who specialises in backs and in treatment. This could be your chiropractor, physiotherapist, or if you're lucky enough, orthopeadic specialist (althought the only treatment they do involves a knife).

Answer 2

It is a valid diagnosis. I am sure your doctor examined you thoroughly before he gave this diagnosis? At any rate, if you do not have any neurological deficits, then the diagnosis is fine. Lumbar strains will respond to rest, NSAIDS, plus a muscle relaxant if the pain is too much. These should settle in 1-2 weeks. If you are not any better, there might be something else.

Answer 3

I was just told that physical therapy with acupuncture and med is marvellous. Accupuncture works really good since fda recognize the benefits of acupuncture.

Answer 4

Yes, it is very painful. I hope your doctor gave you some meds for the pain and inflamation as well as physical therapy.

Answer 5

You don't look like a lumber jack.