How to correct back pain due to lifting heavy boxes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I injured my back at work after lifting, pushing, and pulling boxes. The boxes weighed up to 75 lbs. I was diagnosed with a sprain or strain of the lower lumbar spine. The pain varies from time to time. It happened a month ago, and I have had physical therapy for three weeks. The pain goes from the lower spine to the right lower part of the back, the abdomen, the groin, and the leg. At first, the pain shot halfway between the hip and the knee. It got to the point of the knee, and then tonight I felt it go down to my ankle.

At first, neither standing nor sitting helped, now sitting helps better. I have had three muscle relaxer injections and two steroid injections since this happened. I was on Ibuprofen 800 mg, thrice for three weeks. I was on Tramadol and Cyclobenzaprine for a week. I was also prescribed Metaxalone 800 mg, three times a day.

For a week, I was prescribed to take it two times a day. I have been prescribed to take extra-strength Tylenol and Gabapentin. I have been using ice and heat as directed since this happened and placed on lifting no more than 30 lbs, pushing or pulling no more than 60 lbs, and sitting 50 percent. The pain is still present today, so I took my first dose of Gabapentin and Prednisolone. I need a second opinion.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your question. I am sorry you are experiencing low back pain. In fact, nearly 80 percent of people experience back pain at some point in their life. In your question, you said you were pushing and pulling boxes that weighed up to 75 lbs. Since then, you have been in pain and tried several medications with no relief. When you say you have been diagnosed with a sprain or strain in the lumbar spine, I assume you mean a medical doctor diagnosed this since you are taking prescription medication to treat it and have received several injections.

I also assume this same doctor prescribed the physical therapy. Even though your x-rays and CT (computed tomography) scan have turned out well, I suspect you are most likely suffering from a disc bulge or herniation. Based on your description of the pain that went halfway between the hip and the knee and now down to the ankle, I believe this is indicative of a disc issue. If this is the case, none of the medications you are taking are truly addressing the root cause. If this is indeed what I think it is, I do not think medications will solve your problem, and I would highly recommend that you see a chiropractor.

Since I am unable to do a chiropractic exam on you, I cannot say for sure what you are experiencing. That is why, it is in my professional opinion, that I recommend that you go see a local chiropractor for a proper examination. If they believe you are a candidate for chiropractic care, they will most likely recommend a trial of care to determine how you will respond to treatment. You may also need an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), though your chiropractor may elect for a trial of care first. It is important to note that if you experience any changes or difficulty with your bowel or bladder function, especially the loss of bowel or bladder function, you go to the ER. These symptoms could be a sign of a medical emergency.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.