Suggest Treatment For Lower Back And Abdominal Pain

Posted on Fri, 13 Jun 2014

Question: I tried to lift the bottom half of a battery powered wheel chair and I felt and heard a pop in my lower back and now have pain across lower back and area around hip leg abdominal area in front where leg joins torso. Any idea whether I should quickly go to doctor or keep ice on for couple days and rest. I'm 58. I fractured my spine several years ago at T12 and pain isn't that bad. Thanks for info

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Treat the pain and see how you are in 48 hrs

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
At this early stage I suggest you treat the pain with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Continue with cold packs if you find relief. If cold packs don't help, try a warm pack. If possible keep gentle movements going as otherwise you may stiffen up.
If you are no better in 48 hours, I suggest you seek medical attention as you may need codeine or morphine for the pain. You may also need a scan to assess whether there is significant nerve damage.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr L A Pottinger

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar