I’m moving and picking up more boxes than I care to count. I’m stupid and bend at the waist and lift. While negotiating the basement stairs I stumbled and skipped a step carrying a box full of the wife’s shoes. When I planted my foot I got some serious shooting pain up my back and down my legs, complete with tingling numb feet. It was like an on/off switch. I cannot straighten my back and have to walk bent over at a 30 degree angle. Anyone else had this happen? This is not muscular, the problem is with movement, not muscular soreness, I’m not sore anywhere to the touch, no matter how firm. Whats the quick fix and the heal time? I’m hoping to move Thursday-Saturday and race Sunday, any chance drug will make it go away? Chriopratic?
SuperDave, man, the quick fix is going to take a few weeks for complete healing. Drugs aren’t going to do it. Sounds like you “slipped” a disc…a bad term that means one of your lumbar vertebra slid forward further than it is supposed to, pinched a nerve for a moment, and may or may not have returned to the proper alignment. I’ve had very good results with Chiropractic care when I’ve done something similar…but, it’s not going to be a quick fix like you’re looking for. Sorry to hear this happened to you. I’m sure there will be others to give different advice…it’s up to you to choose which route to try.
If you have a GOOD one, try your chiropractor. That should get the ball rolling on possibly relieving your problem.
But, get total back rest before your event. If you continue moving boxes (you being the one who does some of the lifting) you are asking for major trouble. I have had this happen to me and I was a moron and chose to ignore it–a very big mistake on my part.
I’ve found that a little traction makes my herniated disc feel better. What I do sometimes is stand between two counters, hold my legs off the ground and let my lower back “relax.” Kinda hard to describe… This might help the disc magically slip back…? Otherwise, wait for cerveloguy’s reply, which will probably be—>go see a doc or a chiro. Good luck.
The old standby of lying flat on your back and pulling your knees to your chest and just holding that position may help some. If it makes it hurt worse, simply don’t do it. The next step is to lie on your back with your heels next to your rearend and, using your stomach muscles…flatten your lower back to the ground. Next step, keep this same position and pull one knee to your chest. Alternate. I think these, and others, are referred to as “Cox” exercises. They CAN make you hurt worse if your body isn’t ready to be exercised yet. BUT, they CAN make you feel better quicker, depending upon whatever things have gone wrong.
Is it any better today? I hope you have stopped the box trotting.
It is very difficult to say anything more precise here about stretches, etc., given the highly unknown source/cause of the pain. Do go to a decent chiro and have him look over the back thoroughly. That is the best bet.