I hurt my lower back on Tuesday and have some questions...?

Question

First off, I went to the ER and they took X-Rays and told me nothing was broken and that I just severely strained my back. I fell down the stairs and hit my lower left side on the center of the stair. They said I should be feeling better in a few days but the first 72 hours were the worst. Well, It's Sunday now and it still hurst just like it did on Thur/Fri/Sat I still can't sleep for long/comfortably because of the pain, still can't sit right, standing up straight, and trying to do certain things. Shouldn't it have improved by now? What kind of timeline am I looking at possibly? And also, how would I know if I hurt my disk or anything? They said only an MRI would show that and they normally don't do those in the ER and if I was still hurting I might need one because of a nerve or my disk. If anyone could offer some advice and tips, it would be greatly appreciated. I just need a little bit to go off of so I can get a timeline and if I should be worried about disk/nerve damage? Thanks

Answer 1

You need to rest and let your back heal, no lifting, no straining, if you need to bend down, use your legs, not your back. That doesn't mean retire to the bed or couch, but just take it easy. It's going to take longer than 72 hours for a fall like that, plan on a couple of weeks. If you're still experiencing pain after 2 weeks, get to the neurologist and get an MRI. If a disc herniation goes unchecked, nerve root compression and bone spurs can develop, causing spinal chord problems, so keep it in check. I feel your pain. Sure hope you feel better soon, bless your heart.

Answer 2

The problem with back problems are that you can't see them, so until you have an MRI you don't know what it is. Have you been icing the area? The first week or so you should be applying ice to the area for about ten minutes ever four hours. After that switch the ice for heat. When you are laying down keep a pillow under your knees if you are on your back, if you are on your side keep the pillow between your knees. This will help to keep your spine in line. As for a time limit, there is none. It depends on the extent of your injury. I was in a car accident over 3 months ago, my doctor and physio therapist said I would be better in 4-6 weeks, I am still a long way from better and am now waiting to get an MRI to find out the full extent of my injuries. Go for the MRI and see a specialist, they will know a lot more than ER doctors. Good luck.

Answer 3

Well I think an mri would be a good idea.Anytime you fall concerning your back, there could always be disk damage or nerve damage.If you arent feeling any better you should definately go have some further testing or xrays, sometimes hair line fractures dont always show on xrays until 3 or 4 days later when the bone starts to seperate.

Answer 4

If there's no bone problems, you probably did just strain a muscle. Alternate ice and heat.

I personally love my Chiropractor for all my back problems. I have had many injuries (auto, play, horses) and wear 15-20 lbs of lead everyday (I work in x-ray). I had horrible headaches and took way too much Tylenol and/or Advil. I also had pains shooting down one leg. My Chiro stopped all the pain so now I take nothing and rarely have pain. If you find a good Chiro, they can really help you.

Answer 5

I have no idea how to answer the questions, but i do know some comfort tips. First try your hardest to find a comfortable possition. If you lay on the couch and put your feet on the top, its really comfortable. If you have a hot tub or can get to one, do so and stay there for a while, it really helps your back.

Answer 6

You really shouldnt be doing squats and dead lifts at 13. You shouldnt be in pain after doing them. I suggest if youre serious about wight training, to get a personal trainer to show you proper technique, or postpone your weight training for at least a year.

Answer 7

its probably just muscle/tendon pain and takes weeks to heal, but if you have sharp shooting pains and/or numbness in your legs or feet, it could be nerve damage and you would need an MRI....