i think i sprained my back yesterday. bending to pick up something triggered a jolting pain in my lower back, and for a while i couldnt even stand upright. eventually i got up but now its hard to bend, sit down, and stand up from a sitting position. it hurts when i twist my body side to side also. the area of the pain is from my tailbone to about eight inches upwards.

what can i do to best recover from this? are there any exercises to strengthen this area? please help me... i feel like im living in slow motion now to not put stress on the area.

If this is indeed a strain or a sprain; the best thing you can do for yourself is lay on your back with your knees bent with pillows under your knees (this takes pressure off the spine. Also put heat on your back for 20 mins - 30 mins intervals. Ice may be helpful, too. But I would start with just heat. You may find Ibuprophen liquid gels are great .. because they are A LOT faster acting then regular ibuprophen capsules. I take them for my back pain and I find them more effective then vicoden (WITHOUT the goofy feeling). Try to just REALLY rest for the next couple days (normal back strains will improve pretty quickly). However, I am not a Doctor (just well experienced with back problems :eek: ), so you may want to call your Doctor and let them know what is going on and find out what they suggest as well. You are in my thoughts, keep us posted on how you are doing!! :angel:

-Jo :wave: