I have lower back pain following quite a lot of heavy lifting today. I find it difficult to move around, and particularly difficult to get up after sitting down. I am wearing my wife s support belt which helps a lot with movement once I am up. I want to know how to manage this problem, the do s and don ts, and because I have so many things that need to be done in the coming weeks, I need to plan ahead. I do gardening for a living, and also am about to begin decorating a house for re-letting. Thank you for any help and advice you can give.
Hi Cornerstone1, Back pain after lifting heavy weights is most likely due to a muscle or ligament tear / sprain. There is a possibility that there may be a disc prolapse also, but if you do not have any pain running down your thighs/ calves or any numbness in any of your legs/ feet, the treatment remains the same in the initial period. Bed rest, heat therapy, light massage, pain medication for 2 - 3 days should relieve pain. Avoid bending forwards, lifting heavy weights, sitting on floor, squatting. Gradual physiotherapy should be started as the pain settles down to train good posture and lifting practices. If the pain persists beyond three days/ pain running down the legs/ numbness or tingling sensation in the legs or feet, it would be wise to see your orthopedic/ spine surgeon. Get well soon.