Question
Hi! I'm just wondering what to do about my very recent back injury (an hour ago) ... I was walking down a staircase and I missed kind of a half step (didn't see it) and as a result, my lower back hurts, especially the right side. What happened is that it was as though I was walking on air for a split second and then my right foot hit the ground lower than I expected (I think it was my right) and now sitting or standing is really, really painful... I just put ice for 20 mins but I wonder if I should put heat instead? My lower back hurts from just above my butt cheeks to about 4 inches below my natural waistline... So basically, what should I do about it?

Thanks!!!!

Answer
Dear Lisa,

At this point you are doing the right thing, utilizing ice for pain relief and to control local inflammation.  This is probably not anything to worry about. As long as you did not feel any crunching sensation in the low back, and the pain is out to the periphery, it doesn't sound serious.

Monitor your symptoms for a few days, and continue to use ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, every hour if needed, and do not use heat unless it is in the form of a hot shower or bath.  If you do take a hot shower/bath, make sure that you stretch the area of complaint gently afterward, and then place an ice pack over the tissue.

Your pain levels should reduce, and daily functions should not be difficult.  If the pain persists and does not improve over the next 3-5 days, then I would schedule and appointment to have the area of complaint examined.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net