Slipped disc? Can’t bend down or straighten without pain

[Metalhead]

On Saturday, I played some tennis in the morning and my lower back started to feel a bit achy (this has happened before). We then went for a slow walk in the afternoon, and by the end of this I had really bad lower back pain that hasn’t improved at all since then. I can’t bend down or straighten up without pain, walking upstairs or turning over in bed is also very difficult and painful. I’ve been taking ibuprofen and using ibuprofen gel, as well as hot water bottles and doing gentle stretches, but nothing seems to help.

Does this sound like a slipped disc? And if so, does anyone have any suggestions as to what might help?! I’ve phoned the GP and been given an appointment with someone, but not until next week.

I had this in March /April.
It took 5 months for an MRI and then another 6 weeks for the results.
I couldn't even get physio until they knew what the problem was so pain all that time.
Two weeks of targeted exercises and it's already improving.

😯That‘s terrible Mosik! Though I’m glad to hear the exercises seem to be helping now.

There is a simple test for a slipped disc - you lie flat on the floor with your legs straight and get somebody to raise one leg. Have a Google!

Seeing an oestopath might help - it has always helped me.
try using cold gel instead of heat (or an ice pack) as it might be an inflamed or trapped muscle.
drink plenty of water.

Also sleep with a pillow between your knees if you are sleeping on your side or just below your knees under your calves if you are on your back.
back issues are the worst.

Slipped disc causes pain and/or numbness down leg. I have just had offending disc removed and can now walk - hooray!

I've had this a couple of times. Went to see a private physio who diagnosed and gave me some exercises which helped immensely. One exercise was to kneel with head on floor and stretch arms right out in front - took the pain away immediately (bit tough on the old knees after a while!)

When I had a frozen shoulder my GP advised me to go to a private physio instead of him as they would be able to assess and diagnose more thoroughly and provide more immediate advice for muscle-skeletal complaints.

It may be a slipped disc, but also likely to be a pulled muscle. Gentle exercise and painkillers may sort it.

I had this two weeks ago. It lasted a full week. I was doubled over. I took ibuprofen and diazepam and tried to rest when I could. Think it was a pulled muscle or a trapped nerve. It did improve.

If u can afford to u could see as private physio quicker?. I've had back problems for ten yrs plus and all my gp ever did was refer to physiotherapy which does help and you have to keep at the exercises but it doesn't solve the problem. Finally got them to refer me to a osteopath so hoping I'll get some answers soon.

Thanks for all the replies. I Googled the leg raise thing and I can do this without any pain, so I’m hoping it’s not a slipped disc after all!
I have made an appointment with a private physio this afternoon as I was feeling quite desperate yesterday and didn’t think I could wait another week to see someone.

Second an osteopath (over a physio) for this especially if you're still in loads of pain.. I get it a lot unfortunately and the osteo does all the manipulation etc to ease the pain and get more movement, then a physio could help with ongoing recovery if you want to see one but honestly I've found osteopaths so much better.

Update: the physio doesn’t think it’s a slipped disc, just muscle spasms/inflammation. She’s given me some very gentle exercises to loosen up the area, as well as pelvic floor exercises. Fingers crossed these will help!

@Metalhead try heat. Eg hot water bottle tucked into your trousers, electric blanket on your bed.