Needing back pain advice, 400+ Pounds, Slipped disk?

PhatAndy
PhatAndy Posts: 285
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi there,

Im at the point where I'm getting incredibly frustrated. Long story short, 1 month ago almost died, life changing epiphone, decided I want to get healthy. Started going for hour walks, swimming, going to gym eating healthy and all that jazz.

3 days into my "Lifestyle change" I put my back out, now im familiar with this injury, its been happening to me ever since i was 19 years old. but usually its brought on by lifting, and it doesn't show up until the next day. It lasts for 3 weeks and is incredibly painful. Here are the symptoms.

1st week: Can not stand whatsoever, have to crawl on belly, if i do stand I have to stand on a 90 degree angle from the butt up. in order to switch sides, i need to sit down and roll my spine around to the other side, very painful.

2nd week: A lot more mobile, certain days where i feel 100% so ill go out to the pool or go for a walk, then ill come home and feel like crap..

3rd week: Getting a lot stronger, back is usually 95% but can not wander far from my bed, 20 min walks are okay but have to lay down after them... Whats different about this time around is my back has been healing steadily until it hit 90% 6 days ago. its been stuck there...



Now I know the biggest response im going to get is "Go see a doctor" I know, I need to, Its Saturday, I called, they are closed.. and if i go to the walk in clinic they give me muscle relaxants and send me home.. I will set up an appt on monday


My question to you is, Have you ever experienced this injury? Do you know what it sounds like I have? Slipped disk? Pulled muscle? and if you think the time I have been out of commission is accurate for a back injury or if you think it's a lot worse.


I suffer from severe anxiety and today has just been an awful day for me, I keep thinking ill need surgery and it will never heal ETC. Not feeling very optimistic today!.

Replies

  • I twisted 4 vertebra in my back. I had to do core exercises to strengthen my back and stomach muscles. This has helped my back pain. I still get some pain but it is bearable most days. You should definitely go to the doctor when you are able to. Until you get to a healthier weight, it may both you but as you lose the weight it should get better. Do not allow anyone to do surgery on you until you are at a good weight because your weight will influence your healing abilities.
  • twocsmom
    twocsmom Posts: 120 Member
    Definitely sounds like a disc issue-similar to what I went through with a herniated disc. A doctor is a must if you are going to get any relief. Have you seen anyone in the past for this (you did say it's happened before right?)?
  • nikkilou1978
    nikkilou1978 Posts: 146 Member
    My father has had issues with slipped discs for many years. Until he bought an inversion table. When ever he notices that his back is "touchy", he goes and hangs upside down for a few minutes. He has not had any painful back issues since he got it.
  • when I slipped my disc I just did physical therapy. That was ten years ago and will still get back pain once and a while. Isometric flexing helps a lot for me just make sure to breathe when doing it. drink lots of water and make sure keep your back warm. cold muscles don't move. Think of your back as a marshmallow. pull it apart fast out of the bag and it rips. warm it up and it stretches and does not rip Keep moving also as soon as one spot does not want to work the whole thing wants to quit.
    I also went to sitting on theraballs as chairs. that also seemed to help me out also.
  • LindaLouLu
    LindaLouLu Posts: 271 Member
    Question Andy!! Week 1 when you're stuck at a 90 degree angle. Is there ever a tingling or numb feeling in either of your legs or arms?
  • PhatAndy
    PhatAndy Posts: 285
    Thanks for all the feedback guys, Im going to invest in a heatpack for now, ive heard a lot about this. and week one no numbness at all. the back is 95% now feels a lot better tonight and i havent been able to see a doctor in the past because my sister had to put me in the bed of her truck last time and i couldnt get out for a few hours once at the clinic so we just went home.
  • LindaLouLu
    LindaLouLu Posts: 271 Member
    Thanks for the update. Glad it's not a pinched nerve in there with whatever else is going on. I honestly have no clue. I hope you get to the Doctor soon and they have a little magic for you!!
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