hi Everyone...

I am new to back pain... yes I have had some soreness, but never like this. I am a Dog groomer, and 3 weeks ago I had 1. A golden jump off of my table and I caught her then 2. I had a Newfoundland do the same a few days later. I went to the Dr and he seems to think that this is some kind of a muscle strain, and prescribed me Diclofenac and methocarbamol. He also asked if I can take anytime off of work, at this time this is a no can do. I own the shop, and holidays are my hoppin time of year. I am starting to think that it isn't just a strain. The pain has been intense!!! It is going down my left leg and standing is kiling me. Today we had some snow in CT and I am more pain than ever!!! anyone know what else this could be or what kind of other Dr I can see for this ( I went to my general Dr) like I said I have never had this problem before, and I am 34 yrs old. Any help would be wonderful!!

Thanks
Dee

Sounds like an impingement of the sciatic nerve if you are getting leg pain.

Have you done a straight leg raise test? Lie down and try lifting right leg straight and then left. If you can barely raise one (or both) it's a sure sign that the sciatic nerve is being impinged. You might also feel a pinch in your back.

To me it sounds like it could be a bulging disc (or worse ruptured like I had - but less likely). No need to worry too much if this is your first incident though. You really need to rest and take it easy. Most disc problems resolve themselves within six weeks. The key is no bending, twisting or lifting for a while and then if you do get better, take measures to strengthen your back and your core (swimming etc). For now though just rest it off and in most cases your body will heal itself, so don't worry too much! I did much the same in 2001 and my disc healed itself within a couple of months and I never worried about it for another five years. See this as a warning sign of a weakness in your body.

However, if you are really concerned get a scan (MRI) and see what's going on. Don't panic too much though and you certainly don't need to consider surgery yet. That has to be the last resort!

Good luck and don't worry too much as it will make the pain worse.

Btw I always found ice was a great pain reliever and a good healer.