I think I have F'ed my back up....

[Darin]

So I was shoveling 18" of snow off the driveway. Things were going very well and was feeling pretty good. I thought to myself "Self, you are almost finish without a bad back and/or heart attack to show for it".... and then it happened. I go to sling a big shovelful of snow and "pop,pop". Then the crippling pain. Lower back. I use the shovel as a crutch and go inside. Ugggghhhh.

I took a hot and shower and that briefly helped. I put a Therma wrap on my back. Not much help. I've been taking Tylenol for the pain but it's not helping. If I sit still it's doesn't hurt that much. But if I move at all it hurts....badly. I can barely walk.

I'm going to wait till I get some rest and see how I feel when I wake up. The I'll make a decision on when or if I'll go to the Dr.

So what's the criteria on when you should see a Dr?

[CTR man]

I'd see the doctor anyways just as a precaution if nothing else. You say you're in a lot of pain. Hopefully you haven't slipped a disc or two. It could be just a sprain. This is one of those cases where it pays to be safer than sorry. You just never know with back problems, especially if it is affecting your walking abilities.

Just don't get hooked on prescription pain killers if he gives them to you.

[MacLean]

So what's the criteria on when you should see a Dr?

Oh yay, I have experience here! Go see the doc if:

1. Rest doesn't improve the pain.

2. Pain radiates down one leg or the other.

3. Weakness or numbness occurs in either leg.

4. Pain lasts longer than two weeks.

Hope you feel better man!

[pgg]

Doc? Why would I want to go to the Doc? I have to be dragged along, kicking and screaming

[Xiphos]

Don't mess with your back. If it hurts when you get up go in.

[Ducky]

Try Advil instead of Tylenol, it's an anti-inflammatory and may help more. If rest and a heating pad in combo with the Advil don't help, get your ass to the doc. You're getting older, but you're going to have your back the rest of your life. Take care of it now and you won't be as likely to need a walker in 30 years.

[lewisipso]

What Mac said. Sounds like you may have a sciatic nerve injury.
Sciatica | Sciatic Nerve Pain | Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sciatica

After a nice fight with a fairly large individual I injured myself in a similar fashion. The next day at work I could barely move. I was actually helped to the doctors office by come co workers. I believe Cap may have been one if memory serves me correctly. My doctor fixed me right up. Don't hesitate to go see one.

[Jenna]

No harm in going to the doctor just in case it's something that can be ameliorated with early intervention. Better safe than sorry. Hope you feel better soon.

[jmur5074]

i would probably wait until socialized healthcare is in effect so I don't have to pay for it.

[Jenna]

i would probably wait until socialized healthcare is in effect so I don't have to pay for it.

That might take awhile....

[Xiphos]

After a nice fight with a fairly large individual I injured myself in a similar fashion.

Those 9 year olds are tough huh?

[lewisipso]

Yup. She sure was.

[Buttercup]

I agree with maclean. I hope you're feeling better soon!

[Second Chance]

What Mac said. Sounds like you may have a sciatic nerve injury.
Sciatica | Sciatic Nerve Pain | Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sciatica

After a nice fight with a fairly large individual I injured myself in a similar fashion. The next day at work I could barely move. I was actually helped to the doctors office by come co workers. I believe Cap may have been one if memory serves me correctly. My doctor fixed me right up. Don't hesitate to go see one.

+1.....Been there several times, but haven't had any problems in awhile.............knock on wood...............

Hope it gets better, cause a hurt back is the worst.

[2 Blue 4 U]

Oh yay, I have experience here! Go see the doc if:

1. Rest doesn't improve the pain.

2. Pain radiates down one leg or the other.

3. Weakness or numbness occurs in either leg.

4. Pain lasts longer than two weeks.

Hope you feel better man!

+ 1,

What Mac said. Sounds like you may have a sciatic nerve injury.
Sciatica | Sciatic Nerve Pain | Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sciatica

After a nice fight with a fairly large individual I injured myself in a similar fashion. The next day at work I could barely move. I was actually helped to the doctors office by come co workers. I believe Cap may have been one if memory serves me correctly. My doctor fixed me right up. Don't hesitate to go see one.

I have chronic back issues as well, ate Prescription strength Motrin like candy. Had heavier duty meds but only used then at night, move a certain way while sleeping the pain would wake me and I would swear I saw stars. After going the route of orthopedic, neurologist, PT, nothing really helped, so I broke down and tried a chiropractor and after a few visits I could actually stand straight. I have to be careful with my back, just a certain twist and out it goes.

I go to sling a big shovelful of snow and "pop,pop". Then the crippling pain. Lower back. I use the shovel as a crutch and go inside. Ugggghhhh.

This is something I do not remember happening, except when I broke a bone, so if you do not feel any improvement soon it may not be a bad idea to get it checked out.

Feel Better! Like Ducky said, Advil, Motrin or Ibuprofen, 3 or 4 would be the equivalent of prescription strength of 800mg.

Oh yea, heat or ice, which one is better, since the thermacare did not do much maybe you should go lie down in the snow. Just kidding, get well soon!

[Darin]

Well my wife dragged me to the Dr kicking and screaming.

Diagnosis is a bad strain. It's definitely not a nerve issue thankfully. I was wrried it was a disc since I heard and felt a pop. Dr didn't Xray it. He said he pretty sure it's a muscle problem.

Dr has ordered me off work this week and starting PT tomorrow. I'm at home watching the show Interdiction with a bottle of Vicodin. Now I know why Dr. House is addicted to them.