Pulled low back muscle

[Shoedog112]

How do you guys handle a low back strain before being able to see a chiropractor? I don’t even know what I did to trigger the muscle, but it is super painful to stand or walk without a limp. I have a heating pad, but the muscle doesn’t feel like it’s relaxing. 

[+ Lucky]

I am having the same problem. Ice seems to help more than heat, but it's not much. I don't think a chiropractor would be much help on a pulled muscle.

[Shoedog112]

I’m going to try ice and hope that works. It may actually be a pinched nerve since it hurts to stand and walk. Seeing a chiropractor this afternoon. 

[SirBillybob]

Do you think it was an identifiable injury from some kind of exertion or that the musculature cluster just basically went into spasm spontaneously, like a mind of its own, releasing chemicals that irritate the nerve group? The latter occurs for me occasionally. Past week I think triggered by tensing up when wearing heavier clunky footwear on icy walkways. Max discomfort tends to be when getting out of bed after a nap or full night’s sleep. 

Things I do: 

Walk it off, trying to keep surrounding muscle groups loose, as opposed to staying immobile.

Tylenol-3, usually max 2 or 3 per episode, cumulatively half a dozen tabs annually, but when taking time to rest as they promote drowsiness. 

Continue more peripheral resistance training at the gym, but not focused core exertion. Sounds counterintuitive but helps. Today I did my full chest & upper back routine. Also stretch, with emphasis on hamstrings, as all muscle groups are implicated in spontaneous sciatic spasm. That said, such activity is based on lack of evidence of the problem having been triggered by exertion such as heavy lifting in a bad position. I feel nerve pain, not muscle discomfort. In other words, I only know the spasm exists due to nerve irritation and body line nude in the mirror is a bit off.

Apply external Thumper Massager which my effective chiropractor of years back, now retired, used on me in treatments, along with a rolling pin (his playbook; I use a foam roller and slide on it under me). He had put little emphasis on conventional adjustment manoeuvres. 

Hot pool water jets directly on the area at Spa Scandinave in Old Montreal. Very effective but the jets must be extremely robust, so that I gently anchor myself as they propel my floating body away from the jet flow. I find it’s the most effective mitigator. 

Edited February 1 by SirBillybob

[Shoedog112]

Thanks for the suggestions. Last night was brutal, I couldn’t sleep because every move made me flinch. I’m pretty sure it’s a pinched nerve. Asked my chiropractor if heat or ice is better for these injuries. He said ice for inflammation which would be nerve related and heat for relaxing muscles. So for me it’s a combo of heat/ice for 20 minutes alternately as many times a day as needed. He also used electrical stimulation which was not pleasant on a tender area like I’m experiencing. Got an adjustment so we will see if the treatment works. I’m taking Tylenol but would prefer something stronger. 

[SirBillybob]

39 minutes ago, Shoedog112 said:

Thanks for the suggestions. Last night was brutal, I couldn’t sleep because every move made me flinch. I’m pretty sure it’s a pinched nerve. Asked my chiropractor if heat or ice is better for these injuries. He said ice for inflammation which would be nerve related and heat for relaxing muscles. So for me it’s a combo of heat/ice for 20 minutes alternately as many times a day as needed. He also used electrical stimulation which was not pleasant on a tender area like I’m experiencing. Got an adjustment so we will see if the treatment works. I’m taking Tylenol but would prefer something stronger. 

Man I’ve been there. Commiserations. Yeah the 30mg of codeine added to acetaminophen (prescription) really makes a difference taken at bedtime, and I am convinced that it plays a major role in returning to zero pain baseline. I have rarely needed it more than two consecutive nights a few times yearly and I take the almost full bottle to my annual medical exam to demonstrate lack of dependency. 

Edited February 2 by SirBillybob

[+ nycman]

8 hours ago, SirBillybob said:

Man I’ve been there. Commiserations. Yeah the 30mg of codeine added to acetaminophen (prescription) really makes a difference taken at bedtime, and I am convinced that it plays a major role in returning to zero pain baseline. I have rarely needed it more than two consecutive nights a few times yearly and I take the almost full bottle to my annual medical exam to demonstrate lack of dependency. 

The only problem is that, as we’ve recently proven in healthcare (in an epic nationwide failure), many humans don’t have your strength. Or to put it in more politically correct terms, they don’t have the genetic make up that evidently allows you to resist becoming an addict with "just a taste" of narcotic. You’re lucky. For short term severe pain, nothing beats narcotics. Unfortunately, it’s like playing Russian roulette with 5 chambers loaded for many people.

I’m glad you’ve found a solution that works for you. I agree it’s a good one. This is just a PSA for others that it might not be right for them. 

[SirBillybob]

2 hours ago, nycman said:

The only problem is that, as we’ve recently proven in healthcare (in an epic nationwide failure), many humans don’t have your strength. Or to put it in more politically correct terms, they don’t have the genetic make up that evidently allows you to resist becoming an addict with "just a taste" of narcotic. You’re lucky. For short term severe pain, nothing beats narcotics. Unfortunately, it’s like playing Russian roulette with 5 chambers loaded for many people.

I’m glad you’ve found a solution that works for you. I agree it’s a good one. This is just a PSA for others that it might not be right for them. 

😊Likely a mix of values, resolve, the good fortune of non-chronicity, and constitutional hypersensitivity.

First time pot, barf. That was it. First time moderately inebriated drinking far less than peers, barf. Never again. First time Fentanyl-inclusive monitored anaesthesia for hernia repair, barf barf barf 10 seconds after coming to in wheelchair; team rushed in with IM injection. Fortunately surgeon was steps away on lunch break rather than mid-procedure the next patient.

A health care colleague is a renowned pain management psychologist and I would likely seek a referral for non-pharmacological intervention if it came to it, though expensive and non-insured. Or get into a study. I am sure stoicism has its limits and blending that approach with meds a possible eventuality.

But, right, Dopesick is certainly heartbreaking. 

Edited February 2 by SirBillybob

[Njguy2]

https://www.amazon.com/ASPERCREME-Lidocaine-Mess-Applicator-Pack/dp/B06X6GZZQ2/ref=sr_1_5?adgrpid=1346902315608527&hvadid=84181633301185&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=98323&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-84181754315449%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=21634_13321980&keywords=aspercreme+roll-on&qid=1706983903&sr=8-5

 

Depending if you can reach the spot, Aspercreme roll-on has helped with the aches from flair-up’s with sciatica and pulled muscles.  Over-the-counter in the US.

[+ Funguy]

On 1/31/2024 at 10:01 PM, Shoedog112 said:

How do you guys handle a low back strain before being able to see a chiropractor? I don’t even know what I did to trigger the muscle, but it is super painful to stand or walk without a limp. I have a heating pad, but the muscle doesn’t feel like it’s relaxing. 

First ice, then more ice, and more ice.  Be sure not to leave on for more than 20 minutes at a time.  Afterwards a 2 hour very erotic massage from any one of our friends who are listed.

[Rudynate]

On 2/1/2024 at 6:35 PM, Shoedog112 said:

Thanks for the suggestions. Last night was brutal, I couldn’t sleep because every move made me flinch. I’m pretty sure it’s a pinched nerve. Asked my chiropractor if heat or ice is better for these injuries. He said ice for inflammation which would be nerve related and heat for relaxing muscles. So for me it’s a combo of heat/ice for 20 minutes alternately as many times a day as needed. He also used electrical stimulation which was not pleasant on a tender area like I’m experiencing. Got an adjustment so we will see if the treatment works. I’m taking Tylenol but would prefer something stronger. 

Tylenol and NSAID together work pretty well.  

[Rod Hagen]

 

Here you go, a solid playlist of 9 videos of Lower Back Exercises.  Everybody loves Bob and Brad, me too!, but Physiotutors are my first go to for home exercises to assist with injuries.  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/@Physiotutors

For most injuries ice is only helpful for the first 48 hours, then heat is fine.  I'm a big fan of mobic (rx only) over OTC NSAIDS, but that's just me. 

Even though I'm a masseur, or I was before my stupid Tennis Elbow, I suggest waiting longer than most people suggest before getting a massage, even from a non-erotic professional.  Massage is best when the injury is no longer super acute. 

Anti-inflammatory pills, as tolerated, for a week or so, Ice for a couple days, then heat, gentle, proven, stretches after day two maybe.   Once it's quite improved, then maybe a gentle massage.  Then a deeper massage.  If Hot tubs work at all, they are best for chronic, not acute, injuries.  Feel better!  

Edited February 10 by Rod Hagen

[+ sniper]

On 2/2/2024 at 6:30 AM, nycman said:

The only problem is that, as we’ve recently proven in healthcare (in an epic nationwide failure), many humans don’t have your strength. Or to put it in more politically correct terms, they don’t have the genetic make up that evidently allows you to resist becoming an addict with "just a taste" of narcotic. You’re lucky. For short term severe pain, nothing beats narcotics. Unfortunately, it’s like playing Russian roulette with 5 chambers loaded for many people.

I’m glad you’ve found a solution that works for you. I agree it’s a good one. This is just a PSA for others that it might not be right for them. 

I don't buy the narrative and think the government has actually made the problem worse with the crackdown(note deaths have soared since the restrictions). I come from a family with addictive tendencies and didn't get hooked. The people I grew up with who wound up getting hooked were pretty universally the kind of kids who eagerly looked forward to getting their wisdom teeth out because they'd be getting pills to use recreationally. Those people arw still finding their pills while bedbound people in unremitting nerve pain are being told to take Tylenol. I have a relative with a Stage 4 bedsore and they're being miserly with the narcotics because of these stupid state mandates that only affect the helpless people who aren't addicted and even if they were are in no position to cause other problems because of it. 

[+ Funguy]

A legitimate pain management specialist would recommend Buprenorphine which is a mild narcotic which is often used for weaning patients off of stronger narcotics such as percocet and norco or in place of.  It is also used when a narcotic is necessary but the situation suggests chronic narcotic usage will eventually not work or lead to addiction or there is evidence of withdrawal. It is often the pharmacy who is the roadblock.  About 5 -6 years ago I was given a prescription for 30 Norco tablets for a legitimate injury pain management and the pharmacy I went to said they only had 2.  If I wanted them I would then have to get another prescription for the other 28 tablets.  I went to another pharmacy and filled it without a problem but the pharmacist also said that government interference was becoming a big issue.

Another issue of govt crackdown involved a legitimate issue where a man had been struck by lightening, survived but was left with tremendous painful headaches which incapacitated him.  The only thing that helped was Fentanyl, legitimately prescribed by pain management specialists.  Every time he filled a prescription the DEA shut down the Pain Manager until he went all over the country trying to get the medication.  Finally, after SEVERAL HUNDRED (!) pain doctors could not give hime the medication because of threats from the government re: fentanyl, he and his wife committed murder-suicide.  

So, yes, the government is is a bigger threat than the physicians who are not trying to be so miserly.  There is a government website where all restricted substance prescriptions from all physicians are recorded and the DEA or Medical Boards just have to pop on it and see the MD's who write these prescriptions, how many pills, and how often.  

This often leads to investigations of the MD's, rightly or wrongly, and they stop prescribing!

[+ nycman]

On 2/14/2024 at 1:46 PM, Funguy said:

Finally, after SEVERAL HUNDRED (!) pain doctors

Do you have a reference for this?

I’m not saying it’s entirely false, but it seems a tad unbelievable that any one could see "SEVERAL HUNDRED (!)" doctors.

[Rudynate]

A couple years ago, I took cymbalta prior to a hip replacement because opioids are an absolute no-no before joint replacement surgery.  I was surprised at how well it worked - norco would have been much better, but since it wasn't an option, I made do with the cymbalta.

[+ Funguy]

4 hours ago, nycman said:

Do you have a reference for this?

I’m not saying it’s entirely false, but it seems a tad unbelievable that any one could see "SEVERAL HUNDRED (!)" doctors.

I can't give you the exact source other than it was from my pain management physician who was very upset at the time because it was his friend and colleague who the DEA and Medical Board went after for prescribing the fentanyl - ON A ONE TIME prescription.   The patient lived on the East coast and started his trek from there - every pain doc he received a prescription from was threatened by DEA so he went from doc to doc to doc, making his way across the country.  With the DEA CURES site the gov can see as soon as a prescription is filled for any controlled substance immediately.  Fentanyl seems to have an alarm triggering effect.

The last time I checked it was only approved for the worst cancer-related pain situations.  This guy had horrendous incapacitating pain after documented lightening strike but did not qualify for use!

[Rudynate]

On 2/14/2024 at 12:46 PM, Funguy said:

I was given a prescription for 30 Norco tablets for a legitimate injury pain management and the pharmacy I went to said they only had 2.

Not long ago, my PC doc gave me a script for 90 Norco.  The pharmacy didn't have it on hand and I had to wait a couple days for it.

[+ Funguy]

1 hour ago, Rudynate said:

Not long ago, my PC doc gave me a script for 90 Norco.  The pharmacy didn't have it on hand and I had to wait a couple days for it.

Just for your information - a prescription for 90 Norco will trigger an alarm for the doctor and the pharmacy now days.  Norco is infinitely easier to get than fentanyl.

[Rudynate]

1 hour ago, Funguy said:

Just for your information - a prescription for 90 Norco will trigger an alarm for the doctor and the pharmacy now days.  Norco is infinitely easier to get than fentanyl.

I don't think it will - this is Kaiser, and they know exactly what they are doing WRT prescribing opiates.  The 90 Norco were to cover my last couple of weeks preceding a surgery and then pain control post-op.  All their policies are spelled out in black and white.  

[Shoedog112]

The chiropractic session I had which I hoped would have released the nerve/muscle did not. Now the pain is traveling to the front of hip. When I take a step, my back feels stiff and then a nerve pain shoots from my hip/front pelvis down my leg. 

Edited February 18 by Shoedog112

[+ FreshFluff]

On 2/17/2024 at 10:19 PM, Shoedog112 said:

The chiropractic session I had which I hoped would have released the nerve/muscle did not. Now the pain is traveling to the front of hip. When I take a step, my back feels stiff and then a nerve pain shoots from my hip/front pelvis down my leg. 

How are you feeling? I'm really sorry you're in pain and that the chiro visit didn't help. I had a multi-level extrusion (burst disc) and protrusion on my neck, and I had horrible pain that radiated down my arm.

See if you can get a referral to a pain medicine doctor, preferably one trained in anesthesia.  They can give you an epidural steroid injection which will help for a few weeks. PT will help too though it's hard at first. It will get better though .

Edited February 26 by FreshFluff

[Shoedog112]

On 2/26/2024 at 1:48 AM, FreshFluff said:

How are you feeling? I'm really sorry you're in pain and that the chiro visit didn't help. I had a multi-level extrusion (burst disc) and protrusion on my neck, and I had horrible pain that radiated down my arm.

See if you can get a referral to a pain medicine doctor, preferably one trained in anesthesia.  They can give you an epidural steroid injection which will help for a few weeks. PT will help too though it's hard at first. It will get better though .

Thank you for asking - I am feeling a whole lot better. I went to another chiropractic treatment and my low back pain/leg pain has settled down quite a bit. I’m supposed to return for an X-Ray to determine the cause of the nerve root pain, but I think I will wait it out. I think I need to stretch and get some movement in my low back and legs so it doesn’t get too tight. I’m in the car about 3 hours a day for my commute to/from work and that’s been the cause for alot of my physical discomfort