i've done some leg squats, now my back hurts, what should i do?

Question

i've done some leg squats, my back suddenly hurt in the middle of the squats (fyi, i did the squats correctly, i even have my own personal trainer) now my back hurts, what should i do? when would i know if its time to consult a doctor, it really isn't that painful... but it aches everytime i wake up in the morning, sleeping sideways and during some activity in the gym... and bcoz of the back pain, i can't even do jumping rope, coz everytime i jump, my back hurts.... waaaahh!! help, is this back injury really serious, or it would disappear after a week or so...? (its been a week since the incident, and still no progress)

Answer 1

I have done this on numerous occasions. After a week, the pain should go away. You might want to put a heating pad on it.

Here's the thing about your lower back and leg exercises such as squats and leg presses - correct form is important, but, you are putting a lot of stress on the trunk of your body. This stress is borne by your abdominal and lower back muscles.

Problem is, if your abs are weak and are unable to properly support the weight you are pushing, you lower back will suffer as a result.

Once your lower back recovers, you should spend a few weeks strengthening your midsection (abdominal, obliques, and lower back) before returning to squatting and leg presses.

Also, as the other poster suggests, an anti-inflammatory may be useful, but if you are going to take Ibuprofen (and not have a doctor write a script) you will need to take 3-4 ibuprofen at a time (yes, it is ok. each one is 200 mg, so 3 to 4 is 600 - 800 mg of ibuprofen, which is equivalent to a single prescription strength ibuprofen). If you do go to a doctor, he/she will probably tell you that you have a lower back strain and prescribe a muscle relaxant. (yes, as you can see, i've been there and done that - 3 times).

Answer 2

It's probably a pulled muscle. No more exercise until it's healed. Take Ibuprofen for the inflammation.

Answer 3

jump in a hot jacuzzi or a hot tub, then relax and take two Tylenol
and see how it feels in the morning

good luck
smile