[21F] With severe lower back pain after lifting a heavy chair

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your lower back pain:

• Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain: Given that your pain started after lifting a heavy chair, it's possible that you have strained a muscle or sprained a ligament in your lower back. This is a common cause of acute lower back pain and can result in sharp, throbbing pain that worsens with movement.

  • Treatment: Rest, ice or heat application, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and gentle stretching exercises can help alleviate symptoms. Physical therapy may also be recommended.

• Herniated Disc: Lifting heavy objects can sometimes cause a disc in your spine to herniate or slip out of place, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain.

  • Treatment: Initial treatment often includes rest, physical therapy, and pain medications. In some cases, more advanced treatments like steroid injections or surgery may be necessary.

• Facet Joint Pain: The facet joints in your spine can become irritated or inflamed due to heavy lifting, leading to localized pain.

  • Treatment: Similar to muscle strain, rest, ice or heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Physical therapy may also be beneficial.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take to help manage your symptoms:

1. Rest: Avoid activities that worsen your pain, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
2. Ice and Heat: Apply ice packs to the affected area for the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation, followed by heat packs to relax the muscles.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle stretching exercises to maintain flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Avoid any movements that cause pain.
5. Posture: Maintain good posture when sitting, standing, and walking to reduce strain on your back.
6. Use MDandMe: You can use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention more urgently if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or worsening pain: If your pain becomes unbearable or continues to worsen despite self-care measures.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness: If you develop these symptoms in your legs, it could indicate nerve involvement.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control: This could be a sign of a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.
• Fever or unexplained weight loss: These could be signs of an underlying infection or other serious condition.

Remember, while these tips can help manage your symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.