Lower back pain - advice please

[charlaw]

Hi all. A week ago I hurt my lower back stupidly lifting something too heavy. for a few days I could barely haul myself up without some support but it’s now feeling slightly better.

I’m breastfeeding so just taking ibuprofen but a week on and it’s still sore. I can now lift my hefty 12 week old DD whilst sitting down which is progress, but it still feels really sore and I can’t lift her off the floor etc.

I’m worried as although the pain has improved and I’m more mobile, the pain has now moved to my other hip. I feel trapped in the house as I’m worried about going out with the pram in case my back goes. Or will it help ease it up?

I’m planning on a buggy walk tomorrow with DD but I’m worried that this will aggravate it, it doesn’t help that we live at the top of a big hill.

does anyone have any tips/advice please? I’ve read that I shouldn’t take ibuprofen for more than ten days but am struggling a bit with the discomfort. I’m trying to only take the ibuprofen when I need it although I called the doctors and was told it was fine to take.

Thanks for reading and apologies if this is a bit incoherent!

Physio for sure

I did similar a couple of months ago, I might heal more slowly due to age. I'm seeing a chiropractor, started 2 weeks ago and it has really made a difference.

One thing the chiropractor told me was resting is not the best advice, keep moving is the best thing.

I went with the chiropractor as it has worked for me before but also because I tried to get a physio appointment and it was weeks away, chiropractor was aweek.

Ouch, I can sympathise, I've injured my lower back recently too and it's been agony. It must be so hard for you with a baby to look after too.

Can you see a chiropractor/osteopath at all? Think the waiting lists for nhs physio are often long, though would be worth getting on them too.

Thanks all for the advice. I’m finding the worst bit is being stuck on the couch feeding DD and hauling her about! Im going to make an appointment to see someone, am just worried as a week on I can’t comfortably bend down and it’s making me feel a bit down. I hurt my back about a year ago (much worse than this but recovered quicker) and am worried that this will be a recurrent thing for me now :(

It sounds really difficult for you with your little one as lifting/holding them must be unavoidable.

Do you have a partner and family who could support you so you're just doing the bare minimum round the house and with lifting? What about heat pads/hot water bottle, the warmth can help.

I would also check if you could take painkillers regularly to minimise the pain rather than reacting to it getting worse and taking them then, it often seems harder to get on top of it then.

I'm sure you've covered all this yourself already but it can be hard to think of everything when you're in such pain. I hope it eases off for you soon.

Hot water bottle does help against your lower back when sitting down.
If you can get an appointment with your GP he could check just what you've done & if you need physio you’ll get an appointment sooner if recommended through them.