I hurt my back weight training. Sometimes, even when you are so careful, shit happens.

Anywho, WHO do I see for this? Who is the best type of doctor? Down the bottom of my back, a few inches to the right of my spine, I can feel something slightly protruding. It didn't hurt too bad so I trained yesterday doing straight-leg deadlifts if anyone knows what they are. Then I ran hard. Well, now I am really sore and not in a good way and I'm scared. Any feedback or theories much appreciated. I want to see a doctor ASAP and have tried a few times but now it is crucial. WHAT TYPE should I see??? Thanks all.

Stop what you are doing, first. Do you have insurance? Go to your primary care physician, have them evaluate it. Have them refer you to a physical therapist. I had a very bad pinched nerve that was excruciating. It bunched up and I just knew it was a disc problem. I had never had a bad back, so I didn't know. After a few sessions of heat and some kind of diamond tipped wand thing-y, I got better. But don't just go to a chiro w/o seeing a reg. physician first. I hope you feel better.

I'm obviously not a doctor, but it sounds to me like it's just a spasm since you haven't described any radiation down your legs (sciatica). I say go to your GP to get it checked and maybe get an x-ray to make sure you haven't herniated anything. My money would be that he/she will prescribe ibuprophen or naproxen, ice packs and REST. If it's more severe, you might get muscle relaxers. I know it's a setback, but be patient and don't even think about lifting anything else until it's completely gone. The bad news is that it might take up to a month to completely heal. If you don't already have one in mind, ask some of the long-time lifters at your gym which chiropractor they recommend. I don't think I've ever met a gym rat who didn't have a good one in his/her back pocket. Seems to go with the territory ...

Seeing a PT on Thursday. Thanks for replies.

Hope you feel better soon.

quote:

Originally posted by nonstagemom:
Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by miss stone:
I hurt my back weight training. Sometimes, even when you are so careful, shit happens.

Anywho, WHO do I see for this? Who is the best type of doctor? Down the bottom of my back, a few inches to the right of my spine, I can feel something slightly protruding. It didn't hurt too bad so I trained yesterday doing straight-leg deadlifts if anyone knows what they are. Then I ran hard. Well, now I am really sore and not in a good way and I'm scared. Any feedback or theories much appreciated. I want to see a doctor ASAP and have tried a few times but now it is crucial. WHAT TYPE should I see??? Thanks all.

When I was in high school I used to play a lot of sports, and I hurt my lower back in almost the exact same was as you just described. I hate to say this, but running on it was probably one of the worst things you could have done. It's what I did (used to run cross country), and it turned a relatively minor back pain into a pretty sever injury.

First of all, stop lifting weights. Stop running. Right now you need to let your body heal. See a doctor immediately. Just go to your primary health care provider, and he will probably refer you to a specialist. They will probably have you take some x-rays and have you go see a physical therapist. Physical therapy did wonders for me. Back injuries are very serious, and it took me about 6 months of physical therapy until I was fully recovered. It sucks. I know.

Avoid any kind of strenuous physical activity and avoid lifting anything heavy. If you need something for the pain, I found ibuprofen to be the best pain reliever for this particular injury.

This exact injury is why I stopped lifting weights (especially free weights) and opted for more natural forms of exercise like pullups, pushups, swimming, and situps. Free weights can be very dangerous and I had moronic coaches in high school who pushed me to the point of injuring myself.

Thanks Jon.

My question is then what cardio, if any, can I do now? ANY???????

quote:

Originally posted by miss stone:
Thanks Jon.

My question is then what cardio, if any, can I do now? ANY???????

I would try swimming. The buoyancy of the water will support your back and won't put strain on your spine (unlike running or weight lifting). But as a general rule, if you feel a sharp pain in your back, don't do it.

Good idea.

Hope you're feeling better!!

-edit- Saw your comment in the Halloween thread.

Glad it wasn't something worse!

Wishing you a speedy recovery Keep us updated