OpenHealth Q&A

It's good to hear that you're experiencing improvement in your back pain after using Diclofenac and Tiger Balm. However, given the sudden onset of intense pain and the symptoms you're describing, it's important to approach this situation with care.

Main Points:

1. Your symptoms indicate a potential strain or sprain in your lower back, which can be common after lifting heavy objects.
2. Although you are feeling better, persistent symptoms like pain radiating down your legs may warrant further evaluation.

Explanation: When you lifted a heavy suitcase, you may have strained the muscles or ligaments in your lower back, which can lead to intense pain. The dull ache radiating into your legs suggests that the pain could involve nerve irritation or muscle tension. The fact that you are seeing improvement is encouraging, but it's crucial to monitor your symptoms.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Self-Care: Keep using Diclofenac as directed and continue applying Tiger Balm for pain relief. Staying active within your comfort level is also important.

2. Practice Gentle Movement: Avoid heavy lifting and repetitive twisting of the back for the next few days. Instead, engage in gentle stretching exercises or activities like walking, which can promote healing.

3. Use Ice/Heat Therapy: Apply ice packs to the affected area for the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation (15-20 minutes every hour). After that, you can switch to applying heat (like a warm towel or heating pad) to relax the muscles.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your pain levels and any new symptoms. If you experience increased leg pain, weakness, bowel or bladder changes, or if your pain worsens rather than improves over a few days, these could be signs to seek medical attention.

While your current improvement is positive, if the pain does not resolve in a week or worsens, consulting a healthcare professional would be wise to rule out any serious injuries, such as a herniated disc or nerve impingement.