Persistent Back Strain: Two Weeks Later Without Recovery
At the age of 21, I stand 5'11'' and weigh 70 kg, residing in the UK, and I'm currently dealing with a back injury that's been bothering me for the past two weeks. I sustained this injury at work while stretching to grab a package, coupled with my regular lifting of heavy items. Despite the time that has passed, my condition has shown no signs of getting better. I consulted both my GP and a physiotherapist for assistance. The physiotherapist recommended specific stretches, yet I haven’t noticed any positive changes in my situation. My GP diagnosed it as a strain, but the inability to bend without severe pain and the continuous discomfort while walking have greatly impacted my daily life. Mornings are particularly tough; I feel worse upon waking. I have been managing the pain with Ibuprofen and using a heat pad, adhering to the physiotherapist’s advice regarding stretches, but unfortunately, there has been no significant relief in these past two weeks. I’m left wondering how long it typically takes for such an injury to heal.
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 3:22:13 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating and painful back strain that hasn't improved over the past two weeks. Given your age and the nature of the injury, it's understandable that you're concerned about healing and recovery. Generally, muscle strains can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to heal, but persistent pain and significant limitations in movement can indicate that additional support might be needed beyond standard management.
Explanation:
A back strain often results from overstretching or overloading the muscles or ligaments in the back, and while many people recover fully within a few weeks, some strains can take longer, especially if they are severe or if there are factors contributing to pain like muscle guarding or inflammation. Morning stiffness is common as your muscles may be tight from rest, and any failure to see improvement could point to underlying issues such as improper healing or ongoing muscle dysfunction.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Pain and Activity:
- Keep a detailed diary noting pain levels throughout the day, activities that exacerbate or relieve pain, and any changes in symptoms. This can help identify patterns or specific triggers.
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Modify Activity Levels:
- Avoid movements that provoke pain, especially lifting heavy items and unnecessary bending. While staying active is important, sometimes rest is necessary to allow healing.
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Continue with Heat and Ibuprofen:
- Continue using the heat pad to relax muscles and apply it for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Ibuprofen can reduce inflammation, so ensure you're using it as directed (consider alternating with paracetamol if pain persists).
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Re-evaluate Physical Therapy:
- If the prescribed stretches aren’t helping, consider discussing alternative stretches or strengthening exercises with your physiotherapist. Sometimes, focusing on gentle core strengthening can help support the back and reduce pain.
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Consider Other Therapies:
- In addition to physical therapy, explore other supportive methods like gentle yoga or pilates, which can improve flexibility and strength while being mindful of your pain levels.
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Engage in Relaxation Techniques:
- Stress can exacerbate muscle tension, so practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle stretching may help manage discomfort.
Further Considerations:
If symptoms do not improve over the next week or worsen, it may be necessary to seek further evaluation. Look out for any new symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in your legs, or loss of bowel or bladder control, which require immediate attention.
Stay optimistic; while recovery can take time, you're taking positive steps by addressing the issue and seeking help. Let me know how you’re doing or if you have other questions!
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