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What Causes Chronic Pain In The Lumbar Region?
Question: I am a 6'7" powerlifter. I weigh 270 pounds. For the last 3-4 months I have been having pain in my lumbar region. It first appeared when I was squatting heavy 3 days a week. It was a slow onset pain that took a while to show up. I have since stopped squatting as frequently and the pain has gotten better however it still exists when I sit slouched for too long or when I lay on my back and try to bring my legs to my chest. It also hurts when I lean forward with poor posture as far as I can. All of the pain and issues are confinded to my lumbar region. I have been told by different doctors that it is a prolasped disc or annular tear. If so, will it heal naturally over time with conservative treatments?
Brief Answer:
It will heal but needs time. Consider physical therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HealthcareMagic,
I read your question carefully and I can understand your concern.
What you are describing does not seem like a prolapsed disk or annular tear, because the pain from it generally gets radiated from the back of the legs and gives numbness.
I think that the pain you have is from the repetitive trauma that the muscles and joints in that area are facing. You should protect your back by wearing a belt when you do weight lifting or squats.
Yes, it should heal completely, but it needs at least 6-8 weeks, meanwhile if it won't get hurt again.
Also, the specific muscles that hold the back, need to be strengthened.
These are my recommendations:
- Use a local analgesic cream(eg. Diclofenac), 3-4 times/day to relieve the local inflammation.
- Use Ibuprofen 400mg, 1 tablet every 8 hours for next 2-3 days to help more with relieving the pain and the inflammation.
- Consider seeing a physical therapist. They will access your muscles and joints and advise exercises that will strengthen the muscles that are weak.
- Avoid overusing your back. It is like a wound now that can easily be wounded again. It may lead to permanent damage.
If worse or not better despite this, I would recommend seeing a specialist (Orthopedician).
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
It will heal but needs time. Consider physical therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HealthcareMagic,
I read your question carefully and I can understand your concern.
What you are describing does not seem like a prolapsed disk or annular tear, because the pain from it generally gets radiated from the back of the legs and gives numbness.
I think that the pain you have is from the repetitive trauma that the muscles and joints in that area are facing. You should protect your back by wearing a belt when you do weight lifting or squats.
Yes, it should heal completely, but it needs at least 6-8 weeks, meanwhile if it won't get hurt again.
Also, the specific muscles that hold the back, need to be strengthened.
These are my recommendations:
- Use a local analgesic cream(eg. Diclofenac), 3-4 times/day to relieve the local inflammation.
- Use Ibuprofen 400mg, 1 tablet every 8 hours for next 2-3 days to help more with relieving the pain and the inflammation.
- Consider seeing a physical therapist. They will access your muscles and joints and advise exercises that will strengthen the muscles that are weak.
- Avoid overusing your back. It is like a wound now that can easily be wounded again. It may lead to permanent damage.
If worse or not better despite this, I would recommend seeing a specialist (Orthopedician).
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you, you have given the most detailed answer, I will take your recommendations.
Brief Answer:
Glad to be of help
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome.
Glad to be of help.
Feel free to follow up with me in the future about any problem you may have.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Glad to be of help
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome.
Glad to be of help.
Feel free to follow up with me in the future about any problem you may have.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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