What Causes Discomfort In Lower Back While Sitting?
I have been diagnosed of a minor disc bulge in mid XXXXXXX 2015 time. I have had a mix of rest and normal routine activity till now. Will upto 2-3 weeks of drugs - anti-inflammatory and nervijen tabs. i have had 15-20 days of physiotherapy sessions ( IFT + Ultrasound therapy ). Now the pain is better than what it was initially. I have started with back strengthing isometric exercises - ( mainly bow pose, press up , bridge, etc ) twice a day
along with oil massage 2 times a day. I can ereally feel the muscles have become really stronger aroung lower and mid back, hips, buttocks .. I am guessing this is a good sign ?? ( IS IT ? ) ...I continue to wear lumbar belt for most part of the day when i am out of house. But still during sitting beyond 20 minutes there is slight discomfort in the lower back left region above the buttocks. Walking movements are perfectly fine.
Current medication :
meconerv tablets every night for 3 weeks
Current concerns :
- slight and mild nagging discomfort in the lower back left above buttock region during continuous sitting beyond 20-30 minutes
- slightly tight calf muscles and muscles behing the knee caps. Thighs are perfectly fine.
- heel and ankle pain on some days when a lot of standing is involved.
Current precautions being taken :
- No 2 wheelers
- Avoiding car travel as much as possible
- mix of walking and sitting .. sometimes i end up sitting beyond 30 minutes due to professional requirementts,. I try to avoid this as much as possible.
- Wearing lumbar belt as much as possible.
- Sometimes i end up standing more than i sit.
Doc, Can you please let me know whether i am on the right track with respect to lifestyle and posture ?? I am keeping my back abs straight when i sit. Are my symptoms of mild pain in back and musclular tightness a temporary one and a consequence of something more severe . I feel 50% better than what i was feeling a month back and i feel strong muscles are the reason. Are my symptoms mild/severe and something that will naturally heal or is there something i need to adjust in my lifestyle.
Please help !!!
You are healing well and are on right track.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You are progressing very well. Slight discomfort on sitting that you have now will also improve with regular exercise.
The mid ankle and calf pain and pain in the heel can be due to muscle strain or low levels of Vitamin D3. You can get the levels evaluated and start with supplements in case the levels are low.
You are on the right track. Once your muscles will become strong and the pain stops then the lumbar belt use can be gradually decreased.
Your symptoms are mild one and will improve with time. Doing a hot compress of the painful muscles will help in proper muscle relaxation.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
2. Also can you suggest any safe way of doing hamstring and calf stretches without forward benging involved and without compromising my back recovery ??
3. Also can you give suggestions on how to reduce my tummy fat , which i believe is essential to back health in future... what about the right diet and abdominal workouts ??
4. Also till when do i keep avoiding forward bending.. Is it going to be this way for the rest of my life ?? Will i not be able to bend forward ever again ?? isnt it going to cause other sort of problems ??
5. Is left right twisting stretches allowable for me at this stage of recovery ??
6. Am i ok with the set of exerciesese i am doing currently or should i add some more exercisee to it ??
7. How and when will i attain full range of flexibility again in my life ??
Details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
1. Continuing the use of Vitamin D3 is not harmful. You can take Tab. D3 must 60K IU once a week.
2. It is best to learn the exercises from a proficient physiotherapist as he can demonstrate you the correct method properly. Calf and hamstring tightening will help.
3. To reduce the abdominal fat you need to have a strict dietary restrictions with a regular exercise regimen. You can get a diet chart planned by a dietitician as per your tastes and level of daily activity.
4. You will have to avoid forward bending for the rest of your life to be in best health. It has no adverse effect.
5. Not until you are using a back brace. It can be painful. Do not overdo things. Always start a new exercise in presence of your physiotherapist.
6. You are doing the right exercises.
7. The disc that has already prolapsed cannot be reversed. You can only stop further progression of the problem. You will be able to lead a normal routine life with the help of medicines and exercise.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Can you please recommend a brand for D3 tablets 60IU once a week ?? Please let me know the duration of the course as well.
Also please let me know whether i need take calcium tablets alongwith or not.
Also When do i stop using the back brace ?? I currently use it while travelling in bus and sitting at work . Should i have them all the time ??
Get Serum D3 levels tested again.
Detailed Answer:
You can take tablets like D-RISE or D3 MUST. But it is best to start with these after getting your serum D3 levels evaluated again. Taking calcium supplements additionally will also help.
You can gradually decrease the use of back brace if you are feeling better. You can decrease the use only after consulting with your treating orthopedician who can directly examine you.
Regards.
Thanks , I will get the d3 levels tested in a couple of weeks. I have few more queries
1. Now that i regularly do the strengthening exercises. I notice that my upper, mid and lower back muscles have become really strong... MY question , if i keep doing that one dimensional stretches involving backward motion, will it impact my flexibility in the forward bend direction over long term.
2. How can gradually include flexibilty in the body .. what kind of stretches should i practice .. By flexibilty i dont mean able to fully bend forward down.. But flexibilty in general. Since back has become really strong .. Over a time if i keep doing onlty these set of exercises, then i would have moulded my body to beyond reversible. ..
At this time , i see the shape of my lower back is gone flat and fully inwards but upper back is stronger and outward...
Though I dont have any high degree of pain unlike earlier, but i just feel that if i keep strengthening my muiscles, i may lose sideways and other flexibilty and make myself prone to other kinds of injuries .. Am i right here ??
My Straight leg raise is about 45-50 degree at this point .. I guess the goal would be reach about 80-85 degree eventually .. What sort of exerciese would you recommend to improve the SLR.. Can you kindly provide me the web link ? So that i can gradually include in the exercise regime ...
Details below.
Detailed Answer:
1. Doing the one dimensional stretches backwards do stretches the abdominal muscles passively. It will not impact the flexibility.
2. The flatter lower back is a part of the normal curvature of the spine. The exercises can be decided only after a physical examination after assessment of strength of various muscles. You can take help of your physiotherapist regarding this. It is not possible to suggest regarding this online.
3. You need side to side flexibility also to maintain the tone of your muscles.
4. No. In a straight leg raise it is best to raise the legs till 45-50 degrees and maintain them there to put full stress on the abdominal muscles.
A physical examination is necessary to individualize the exercise regimen. Following online websites is not recommended.
Regards.