I sprained the muscles in my back (I think) from carrying heavy grocery shopping bags, 4 days ago (I am female). I felt mild pain initially afterwards both in my upper arms and mid-upper back. Since then although the pain in my arms has gone, the back pain is worse than ever - it is continuous and gets worse when I stretch or move. Even the pressure of sitting against the back of a chair or lying on my back is excruciating. I can't get away from the pain either through moving or resting. It is also very stiff that becomes worse throughout the day. I have tried ice, heat and sleeping on my side but nothing helps. The logical part of me says that it will heal and the pain and stiffness will disappear but I am so scared that it won't as it is so painful. My doctor couldn't find anything abnormal examining me. Does anyone have any idea how long it will take before it stops being painful? Please help. I am only 21.
Back Pain - Really scared that my muscles won't heal?
Question posted by Newbie91 on 11 April 2012
Last updated on 28 March 2017 by tracmh
9 Answers
Everyone on this thread needs to go see someone who practices MAT - muscle activation technique. It's relatively new in areas other than California, but you can get on their website and find someone in your state. I have two herniated bulging discs in my neck/back, and was in excruciating pain for almost 3 years. I suffered from nerve pain down both legs, low back, and couldn't sit on any surface other than a hard, flat one. You can forget getting comfortable in bed! MAT changed my life. There are no needles, no pain involved. The doctor reactivated the injured muscles, which a lot of times get injured along with a disc. When you have an injured muscle, other muscles around it begin to over compensate and work harder to make up for the injured one. Over time this leads to a lot of pain.
The best part about MAT - it can have immediate relief! I had 11 muscles all over my body treated and 2 weeks later I realized, after having no more pain for so long, that I had found a miracle. My next step was surgery, I was so desperate. So please everyone, look up MAT! I'm not a doctor, I am not selling it, I just want to get the word out that it WORKS! Drop all the pain meds and before you think about surgery, just give this a shot. You have nothing to lose.
Maybe you can help. I hurt my back about six weeks ago. I haul the mail for FedEx. To put our double trailers together we have to pick a big dolly up off the ground. I've been doing this every morning for about eight years. It does hurt my back, but it was manageable. On November 8th I hurt my back good enough to know that it really is hurt this time.
I've gone to the chiro. She says she doesn't think a disc is slipped but rather that the muscles were strained. Its been six weeks and they still hurt.
I've been taking Bayer which has helped, but I can't get these muscles calmed down. They seem to be getting better, but if I walk out to the car to get the mail, or go grocery shopping, lo an behold, the next day my lower back starts hurting really bad again. I think if I could just sit for a couple of weeks and keep my movement to a minimum, this pain may go away, but I can't, I still have to go to work.
Any suggestions?
Try reading john sarno MD "Mind Over Back Pain"
It will give you a new perspective on your back pain
I am 21 and it sounds like what I am going through is very similar to what you are. I noticed that you posted this comment two years ago, did your back heal? Please give me all details about your recovery, or process to recovery. I am terrified as well.
I have been living with this injury for two years, and though at times it seems I am better I quickly slip back into month long lasting pain with the slightest movements; and often this will result with new symptoms. Recently my feet have been tingling. Have you gone through this as well?
I have been having severe back pain for almost a year,i left one job to a easier job,now I have missed a couple days,in danger of loosing new job.This back pain is controlling my life.I just want to know will it get better,Dr. said damaged muscle may take a year,is this correct? Would like to hear from someone dealing with the same situation or anyone with answers
Hi I recently jerked my back just by picking something up off top of the stairs and my back muscles went into spasm, I can't take anti inflammatory tablets as I get a sore stomach, my GP gave me some pills called Nefopam and these do take the edge off it although I tried to go back to work yesterday and couldn't operate the equipment as I work in a hospice looking after terminally Ill patients, it's been 6 days and my back is still not right! Not sure on the time scale on how long the healing process is?? Anybody else know??
Hi thanks for that,
So do you buy those from the health shop? If so il get myself to Holland and Barrett. I know it's just muscle related don't think i have done any damage..
I certainly will, thanks
I pulled my back 4 days ago I'm 27 and going on a plane for the 1st time on Friday I'm really worried I'm going to be in agony on the flight also whilst on my holiday getting really fed up and with stuck in the house for 4 days and having 2 kids I thought it was healing but it's back just as painful I've been advised to use that ibuprofen cream not got it yet though...
You will heal. Back pain is tough. Your best right now is to rest as much as possible. Tylenol help? Aleve? Lay low for now. Slow stretching before you get out of bed or get up from laying down will help. How many days since you saw the doc? Maybe see him again before you head back to the U. Let him know what you gotta face on campus.
I know it is nerdy but you could use a small suitcase or back pack on wheels until you are feeling better to haul your books and stuff. hang in there. Get your friends to help when you are back at school. You will be fine at some point.
It is just so frightening, the thought that it might not heal. I know those of you who have kindly responded so far say to think positive but it is incredibly difficult to do. I waken up every morning with positive thoughts that today might be the day that things take a turn for the better but within 30 minutes the pain is unbearable, I am now on day 5. I find it frustrating as well looking on the internet for back exercises as most seem to be geared towards the lower back whereas it is the mid-upper back that is painful/stiff in me.
I reckon that my biggest fear is that I start back uni next week as the easter holidays are drawing to a close. At the moment I can't even wear a lightly filled backpack without it being very painful. This is going to be a huge problem if it continues.
Most back pain does go away on its own even bad injuries like disc problems get better over time. you are still very early in your injury. Are you using any anti-inflammatories like Aleve? You could try taking some Aleve for a few days to see if it helps-just follow directions on the bottle. It is available OTC and works really well. You might also think about seeing a chiropractor. Sometimes a vertbrae can sublux or get moved out of its proper position and this can be quite painful because it causes all the muscles to spasm. A chiropractor can manipulate you back into place letting you heal much quicker than without manipulation. I would keep up the ice and heat and walk a little as much as you can along with some very gentle stretching. If you go the the chiropractor he/she can show you what exercises to do.
We have back pain that runs rampant through my family and my 21 y/o son just hurt his back lifting and he is getting ready togo in the Army so he is really worried too but after taking Aleve and going to the chiro a couple times he is much better. Back pain is scary but it will usually heal well on its own. Web MD has some good info on what to do for back pain.
I am not using any anti-inflammatories at the moment as I cannot tolerate them, vomiting them back up within 30 minutes even if I take with food. I have bought some ibuprofen gel that you can rub into the back. I haven't used it yet as I am not sure how big an area to apply it to. Do you know how successful these gels are that contain NSAIDs?
The main problem with this sort of injury is the back is involved in just about everything we do. I would not have you stretching right now as you may cause further injury. You are young and will no doubt heal, you have to take it easy and avoid further injury through more lifting. Some say heat, some say ice it, some say alternate between the two every 20 minutes. If your Dr, finds nothing wrong you have to take it easy and give it time. Drink a lot of water, it really helps the muscles but mostly stop freaking yourself out with thoughts of it never healing. It will, it just is no fun in the mean time. 4 days ago is recent, it could take 2-3 weeks depending on other factors. Be patient and think positive!
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