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What Does Lower Back Pain Indicate Despite Mobility Increasing During Movement?

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Posted on Fri, 13 Oct 2017
Question: About 2 weeks ago, I begun experiencing lower back pain, especially noticeable when I wake up. No significant incident happened, other than picking up carefully, a rather heavy box around that time. I can function normal in every way, within reason, being aged 52, except when bending forward. That's when I feel the pain in my lower back and can only bend by using my legs, keeping my back completely straight, as though I wearing a brace. I feel better temporarily when I stretch that area. It doesn't hurt when I stretch. Pain is gradually lessened as the day goes on. I do have a desk job that requires me to sit for long hours. I generally find myself sitting at the edge of my seat most of the day. What could be the reason for lack of mobility only in my lower back, but that mobility increases as I move around more throughout the day?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
muscle spasm or some types of joint inflammation, improves with movement

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Normally with a muscular spasm or injury, as a person moves about and therefore intentionally or non intentionally moves the muscle, there is a decrease in pain.

This also occurs with osteoarthritis, there is increased pain or stiffness in the morning that improves at least slightly as the day progresses.

Based on the description of moving a heavy object muscle spasm is the most likely cause but it is also possible to have aggravated underlying joint disease such as osteoarthritis.
Arthritis is inflammation and damage to a joint.
Persons may not be aware of the osteoarthritis until it is affected by another event.

You should continue the stretching , yoga and heat pad. Consider seeing your doctor to have an x ray done to assess for any changes to the bones of the back.
The heat pad for 15 to 20 mins, 2 to 3 times a day

An anti inflammatory agent such as ibuprofen or naproxen for a short period of time, combined with a muscle relaxant, would also help.
Eg of a muscle relaxant flexeril, valium, XXXXXXX etc

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Thank you. I will follow up with my physician as you recommend. I prefer not to use medications. Is there another alternative you can recommend?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
the addition of a physiotherapist

Detailed Answer:
HI

The heat therapy, stretches and yoga would be the main non medication therapy.

Physical therapy under the instruction of a physiotherapist may be helpful as well
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Does Lower Back Pain Indicate Despite Mobility Increasing During Movement?

Brief Answer: muscle spasm or some types of joint inflammation, improves with movement Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Normally with a muscular spasm or injury, as a person moves about and therefore intentionally or non intentionally moves the muscle, there is a decrease in pain. This also occurs with osteoarthritis, there is increased pain or stiffness in the morning that improves at least slightly as the day progresses. Based on the description of moving a heavy object muscle spasm is the most likely cause but it is also possible to have aggravated underlying joint disease such as osteoarthritis. Arthritis is inflammation and damage to a joint. Persons may not be aware of the osteoarthritis until it is affected by another event. You should continue the stretching , yoga and heat pad. Consider seeing your doctor to have an x ray done to assess for any changes to the bones of the back. The heat pad for 15 to 20 mins, 2 to 3 times a day An anti inflammatory agent such as ibuprofen or naproxen for a short period of time, combined with a muscle relaxant, would also help. Eg of a muscle relaxant flexeril, valium, XXXXXXX etc I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions