Another hurt back

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I hurt my back last Sunday while turning a pt. I work Friday's and the weekend so I was off afterwards. It was getting better, so Wed I was messing around in the yard a little, nothing crazy just washing the leaves off my boat. When I was done I noticed it was hurting a little more. Played pool later that night and still noticed it had gotten a little worse. Well Thu about mid day it got real tight and I couldn't walk because of the pain. Never had any numbness or tingling. So I went to work and filled out a report and went to employee health and saw a FNP. She said it was classic lumbar region strain, gave me some meds and an ice pack. Sent me on my way and told me to go to work the next day on light duty. I couldn't work Fri, it was difficult to get off the couch so I stayed home. Well I went in today (Sat) and made it until noon, my pain was getting worse and I couldn't do any pt care. We had someone on call so they came in for me. I have a follow up apt with an MD Tue at employee health. I've never hurt my back like this before. I can't bend or turn, it hurts to get up and down. Has anyone had a strain like this? It seems to be just a little left of my spine. When it was at its worst it felt like a tight muscle. Should I request an x-ray? Just curious if anyone has had a similar injury. If so how long did it take to get better? Thanks Brandon

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

I'm sorry your back hurts. Follow up with your doctor as soon as you can. We cannot give medical advice.

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

yes, I had something similiar years ago. If memory serves me, it took about 3 weeks for full recovery.

That does not mean I stayed out of work that long, nor did I go onto light duty. I was home for the worst which was about 3 working days.

After that.It just meant I accepted it hurt. I watched what I did at work using the best body mechancics I could muster. Took nsaid's while at work. Narcotics on my days off for about the first two weeks.

I forgot to mention I saw a doctor who ordered physcial therapy and the medications. He also later on agreed seeing a chiropractor would not do harm. I recognize they are not necessarily comfortable with them.

I did have some physcial therapy. Did excercises in my pool. alternated ice and heat to my back. Finally saw a chiropractor... I now end up seeing him about once a year for what I call a tune up visit. and all remains well.

That is not to say I advocate Chriopractor's for everyone, but when it works it works.

Little further trouble since. I remain mindful of how I do things. Good body mechanics, not enough good can be said about it. I request help when needed, use diligent equipment at work when able.

good luck, one can never protect their back enough.

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Thanks lpn. I havn't ever been to a chriopractor but a friend reccomended a good one. She's had a very simlar issue also.

I'll never turn a pt alone again. You never realize how important your back is until it's hurt. Take my advice and be extra careful. I always get asked to help, which I don't mind at all, just from now on I'll grab another person on the way. Just getting home and getting some ice on it has helped. A few days taking it easy and I think I'll be fine. Thnaks Brandon

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

Check with your doctor first before seeing a chiropractor. Then make your own decision based on what your doctor tells you, number one on whether it could possible to more harm or not. Only your physcian can tell you that.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

As per terms of service we can not offer medical advice. The best thing to do is see your PCP and get reviewed. Hope you feel better soon

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