Re: I strained my back - OUCH

On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:52:18 -0500, "MiamiCuse"
<nmbexcuse@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I was doing a bunch of landscaping in my back yard yesterday. Digging,
trenching, fixing sprinkler lines, back filling. When I was doing it I did
not feel a thing, it was during the end of the day when I was basically on
my knee trying to wrestle with a really stubborn leak for a long time when I
tried to stand up to turn on the pump to test it I had a hard time standing
up!

My lower back hurts like hell.

I don't know if it's a strain, or I pulled something. The pain is in the
lower back. It's real painful when I try to get up, or sit down, or lay
down, or lean over to reach something low. Once I am in a fixed position
there is no pain, it's when I try to change position.

I wonder if it may be the wheel barrow? I shoveled a lot of soil into it and
moved it to a pile, a few times it's so heavy the wheel barrow tilted and I
have to right it.

I got some BENGAY and applied that to my back last night, no improvements.

So I went to bed early last night and this morning when I woke up the pain
is still there when I tried to get up, although not as intense. I remember
having muscle ache before when I did hard physical work, but usually the
next day when I woke up I am ok. Not this time. I still have trouble
getting up and sitting down, or bend over my upper body to wash my face or
brush my teeth.

I am wondering if it's possible to tell whether I over strained my muscles
or pulled something. If I need to go see a doctor what kind should I go see?

Also will any medication help with this? I already tried BENGAY and that
gave me some mild cooling sensation and did not really do anything
constructive.

Should I lay down and let it heal or is there something I can do to help it
along? Should I stretch a little?

I know this is not a medical group but I thought this may be a common
occurrence with DIYers I might ask here for practical information.

Thanks for any information you may have to share..



Back problems not not unusual. Usually it will heal slowly, maybe a
month. You can use moist heating pads to help reduce the muscle
tension. Do back exercises, but stop when it hurts. You range of
motion will get better with each day of stretching. Doctors will
only take your money. Good Luck.
.

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