Injured back

j99li
j99li Posts: 421 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone,

Last Thursday, I was trying to squat 175lbs and afterwards, something felt really painful in my lower back. Resting over the weekend has not really helped.

When i tried to squat today using a much lower weight (85lbs), I couldnt even bear to feel that weight on my back. Cardio doesn't seem to affect it and make it painful to work out (I.e. elliptical and running).

I am looking for advice...should I just do cardio until the back pain goes away?

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    If the pain has persisted for several days it's worthwhile getting it checked out by a medical professional just to make sure it's nothing serious.

    The fact that you're ok doing cardio is a good sign, your dr will probably refer you to a PT who can treat the problem and show you how to avoid being injured again.
  • navyrigger46
    navyrigger46 Posts: 1,301 Member
    Where specifically is the pain and what does it feel like?

    Rigger
  • bumblebreezy91
    bumblebreezy91 Posts: 520 Member
    You should go to a doctor to make sure it's nothing serious before returning to even a modified exercise routine. Several days resting only to still be unable to lift the 85lbs (when you were lifting over double before the injury) is not good. You could have slipped a disc or something. Plus, the doctor could give you some ideas or refer you to PT for exercises to safely do while recovering from whatever happened with your back.

    My fiance's mom slipped a disc (she runs an organic farm 24/7 almost entirely on her own) and walked around without getting it treated for nearly two weeks (some of this was due to doctor error, some due to the fact that she waited a long time to go in) and she needed to have part of her spine fused. So I'd err on the side of caution with this kind of an injury, even if cardio isn't aggravating your symptoms.
  • j99li
    j99li Posts: 421 Member
    Where specifically is the pain and what does it feel like?

    Rigger

    It is near where my tailbone is and it is a jabbing kind of pain
  • bkw99508
    bkw99508 Posts: 204 Member
    This happened to me about 3 months ago. I ended up having to go to physical therapy as I inflamed some nerves back there. My back feels much better now but now I'm scared to go back to the weighted squats.

    My advice is to go get it checked out.
  • gloriaeffe
    gloriaeffe Posts: 75 Member
    I suffer from lower back pain and it hits me quite often, especially after some workouts where I squat or deadlift too much.
    It started with an injury at my left QL and then it sort of moved around a bit.

    I suggest you to get it checked properly to make sure you're doing the correct thing to fix it.
    What worked for me was: physiotherapy, lots of stretching, foam roller (or a tennis ball pressed between your back against a wall).

    Good luck!
  • steve_mfp
    steve_mfp Posts: 170 Member
    If the pain has persisted for several days it's worthwhile getting it checked out by a medical professional just to make sure it's nothing serious.

    The fact that you're ok doing cardio is a good sign, your dr will probably refer you to a PT who can treat the problem and show you how to avoid being injured again.

    This. It sounds like a vertebrae may be out of place and it's pinching the nerve.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Rest, Ice, NSAIDS and get it checked out if the pain doesn't go away.

    It could take some time to let it get better- I wouldn't do anything questionable for at least 2 weeks. Stick to cardio that's not even a little bit painful.

    When you are able to get back to lifting, I would take the time to analyze and correct your form, and make sure you're following a sensible progression (aka don't add weight too quickly). I would back the weight down probably to 95 lbs (or less even) and PERFECT your form and build back up the weight. If you're not sure what's wrong with your form, film yourself lifting and post the video for critique.
  • psych101
    psych101 Posts: 1,842 Member

    When you are able to get back to lifting, I would take the time to analyze and correct your form, and make sure you're following a sensible progression (aka don't add weight too quickly). I would back the weight down probably to 95 lbs (or less even) and PERFECT your form and build back up the weight. If you're not sure what's wrong with your form, film yourself lifting and post the video for critique.

    ^^ this!
  • vjohn04
    vjohn04 Posts: 2,276 Member
    I'd probably go to the doctor sooner than later if it's bothering you that much. Your back isn't something to mess around with, and it doesn't hurt to have it checked out so they can give you an assessment of what's occurred and what you need to do. Then, I'd go ahead and work on ensuring your form is correct before starting to lift again.

    I am probably more cautious than most when it comes to back injuries, though.
  • dshalbert
    dshalbert Posts: 677 Member
    Please see a Dr. I have a herniated disc and sciatica and tried to work through the pain (before I knew I had these conditions). I really aggravated the condition and was out of action for months followed about 6 weeks of physical therapy.
  • Stripeness
    Stripeness Posts: 511 Member
    Please see a Dr. I have a herniated disc and sciatica and tried to work through the pain (before I knew I had these conditions). I really aggravated the condition and was out of action for months followed about 6 weeks of physical therapy.

    +1
    I held out for a year, trying PT, chiro...ended up needing surgery @ 27. Good news, it worked. Bad news, might not have been needed if I'd taken care of it sooner. Sometimes the "suck it up, buttercup" approach is not the best. Damn, I *still* hate admitting that!

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