Back injury

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elopez1998
elopez1998 Posts: 40 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Strained my back doing my last set of 25 lbs of dead lifts. I've been to the chiropractor twice. He suggested staying away for a week. If you've had a back injury how long did you stay away from the gym and how long were you in pain?

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  • zilkah
    zilkah Posts: 207 Member
    edited March 2017
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    A solid week at least away from gym (for weights) , usually about 2-3 days of aches and pains and then I go back to cardio . I have a bad back so I have to be careful using too much weight in dead lifts and form form form is so crucial .
  • cathhyam
    cathhyam Posts: 5 Member
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    I too have done my back - not at gym but picking up super heavy metal box of files. This was on top of pulling muscle at gym. Also, I work for spinal surgeon so should have known better. Long story short, have been advised by boss not to go back to gym for 6 weeks!!! Am devastated. Have done a bit more than pull a muscle this time however ☹️
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,811 Member
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    Depends on the severity, location and nature of the injury.

    Time off from exercise varied from days to months.
    Pain lasted from days to years.
  • comptonelizabeth
    comptonelizabeth Posts: 1,701 Member
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    I've had to stop deadlifting altogether,but I'm (probably ) much older than you and have longstanding back problems.
    I agree about getting your form checked. And I wouldn't do any deadlifting until you're no longer in pain- trust me;long term back pain is no picnic!
  • kellysmith410
    kellysmith410 Posts: 58 Member
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    elopez1998 wrote: »
    Strained my back doing my last set of 25 lbs of dead lifts. I've been to the chiropractor twice. He suggested staying away for a week. If you've had a back injury how long did you stay away from the gym and how long were you in pain?

    This happened to me but on a much heavier deadlift and I took a break from deadlifting and squatting for a month before I was fine.
    No disc issues, all muscular but was in a lot of pain.

    I would take off as much time as you need from deadlifting and avoid exercises where you're hinging at the hip or rotating at all. But you can still do anything else!
    I saw a sports medicine physician and he advised me I could continue lifting and gauge things based on my pain.

    Rest, ice & heat, and anti inflammatories.

    I also found that I started working with a trainer who corrected my form and I have not had a back injury since, even on very heavy deadlifts.
    I would suggest seeing what might be off with your form if you are seeing injuries.

    Good luck and feel better!
  • kellysmith410
    kellysmith410 Posts: 58 Member
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    kellysmith410 wrote: »
    elopez1998 wrote: »
    Strained my back doing my last set of 25 lbs of dead lifts. I've been to the chiropractor twice. He suggested staying away for a week. If you've had a back injury how long did you stay away from the gym and how long were you in pain?

    This happened to me but on a much heavier deadlift and I took a break from deadlifting and squatting for a month before I was fine.
    No disc issues, all muscular but was in a lot of pain.

    I would take off as much time as you need from deadlifting and avoid exercises where you're hinging at the hip or rotating at all. But you can still do anything else!
    I saw a sports medicine physician and he advised me I could continue lifting and gauge things based on my pain.

    Rest, ice & heat, and anti inflammatories.

    I also found that I started working with a trainer who corrected my form and I have not had a back injury since, even on very heavy deadlifts.
    I would suggest seeing what might be off with your form if you are seeing injuries.

    Good luck and feel better!

    Also work on building up some core strength, as this will help protect you and your spine from back injuries on deadlifts - make sure your abs are always fully engaged & are breathing& bracing in your belly to stabilize yourself.
  • bpotts44
    bpotts44 Posts: 1,066 Member
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    Do whatever your doctor says.
  • BaddS4
    BaddS4 Posts: 302 Member
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    I have 3 degenerated discs in my back.. I go easy on the weights and if I start to feel a pinch I stop.. I still weight train but it's not heavy. I do lots of cardio and incorporate yoga into my fitness routine.. It has helped me as well as dropping 90 pounds as well, but I lived with severe back pain for many years.. Still to this day but now it's more manageable.
    Just go easy and listen to what your body is telling you.. If you're in pain do not go lifting and stay away from dead lifting period!!! You'll just make it worse..
  • Iwannabfit76
    Iwannabfit76 Posts: 101 Member
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    If I were you I'd have an MRI done just to make sure. Back injury left untreated (I love my chiropractor but he can only do so much) turns into degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and even wheelchair bound. This happened to me jumping rope at the gym of all things. I ruptured my disc and thought I could just treat it with a few adjustments. I waited a year til it was to the point of excruciating and then i re-ruptured the disc again and severed my nerves becaus my L5 disc had been pressing for 11 years on those nerves. Long story short, a ruptured disc is pain, severed nerves is on the pain charts of 50+ passing out pain, emergency surgery, losing feeling below the waist but still in pain.
    Don't let it get that far. Please have it checked by someone who is a specialist. I'm still one injury away from a wheelchair my surgeon said but I'm thankful for a good doctor. My best to you!

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