Experiencing Back Pain
Two days ago, while at the gym, I encountered a back injury during my workout. I had just completed a familiar set of seated cable rows and was preparing for another set after a brief rest. As I twisted to my left and leaned forward to reach for the bar, a sudden, sharp pain shot through my lower back. I managed to shift my legs to the same side of the machine and sit back down, then later attempted to lie down and stretch before making my way home. Later that evening, while trying to use the restroom, I felt a lingering dull ache in my lower back, rated around a 6 out of 10 on the pain scale. As I grasped onto a shelf for stability, the pain worsened, culminating in a powerful muscle spasm that knocked me back onto my bed. I ended up on the floor, lying on a hard surface, and it took me over an hour to get back up after experiencing another spasm. At that point, the persistent pain had migrated just right of the center of my lower back. I attempted to reach the bathroom again but collapsed again due to the same spasm. With assistance, I managed to settle into a chair in the bathroom and decided to call the non-emergency medical line, spending the next five hours on and off the phone. Initially, I was prescribed naproxen (500 mg) and Omeprazole; however, these did not alleviate the pain. I was then given codeine (30 mg) and diazepam (2 mg), which allowed me to sit up, but the discomfort remained. Currently, the pain persists primarily in the center of my lower back and extends towards my tailbone. Additionally, I have experienced intermittent numbness in my right foot, along with sharp pain radiating from my right hip across to my abdomen. I visited the hospital, but their assessment yielded only recommendations for rest. I'm left wondering if my symptoms might indicate a more serious issue or if any further actions should be taken, since the hospital did not conduct a detailed examination. Presently, I am taking 60 mg of codeine and 5 mg of diazepam, but thus far, there has been minimal improvement. Thank you for any advice.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 11:10:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant back pain, along with radiating discomfort and some numbness, following your workout injury. While it's reassuring that the hospital did not find an immediate serious issue, your persistent symptoms warrant further attention. Let's focus on understanding your situation better and discussing immediate, prioritized actions.
Explanation of Your Symptoms:
Your experience suggests you might be dealing with a muscle strain or a potential herniated disc, especially given the radiating pain and numbness. The sharp pain during certain movements and the muscle spasms are common responses to back injuries. The numbness in your right foot could indicate irritation of the nerve roots in your lower back, which may require further evaluation.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Rest and Avoid Aggravating Movements: Minimize activities that worsen your pain, especially twisting or heavy lifting. Gentle movements such as walking can help, but listen to your body and stop if pain increases.
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Ice and Heat Therapy:
- Ice: Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes several times a day during the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation.
- Heat: After the initial period, you might consider applying heat to relax tense muscles.
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Pain Management:
- Follow your prescribed medication: Since you are currently taking codeine and diazepam, ensure you’re following dosing instructions. Keep track of your pain levels and any side effects.
- Consider Over-the-Counter Options: If approved by a healthcare provider, you might take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for additional relief if they're suitable for you.
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Gentle Stretches and Physical Activity: As tolerated, gentle stretching exercises that do not exacerbate your pain can help. Focus on movements that promote flexibility and strength without strain (e.g., knee-to-chest stretch or pelvic tilts).
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your pain levels, activities, and any other symptoms like numbness or changes in bowel/bladder function. This information will be vital if you need further medical support.
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Follow Up with Healthcare Providers: If the pain does not significantly improve within a few days or worsens, it would be wise to follow up with your healthcare provider. You may need a more thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like an MRI, to assess the underlying structure of your back.
When to Seek Immediate Care:
- If you experience loss of bowel or bladder control.
- If there is significant weakness in your leg.
- If the pain becomes intolerable despite prescribed medications.
Conclusion:
I understand how frustrating and concerning this situation is, and it’s important to take measures to support your recovery. Taking the steps outlined above can help manage your pain and aid recovery while keeping an eye on your symptoms. Remember to communicate closely with your healthcare providers about any changes you notice. Take care and prioritize your comfort and healing.
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