What Causes Chronic Pain In The Lumbar Region?

Posted on Tue, 25 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 Answered on

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 6'7" powerlifter. I weigh 270 pounds. For the last 3-4 months I have been having pain in my lumbar region. It first appeared when I was squatting heavy 3 days a week. It was a slow onset pain that took a while to show up. I have since stopped squatting as frequently and the pain has gotten better however it still exists when I sit slouched for too long or when I lay on my back and try to bring my legs to my chest. It also hurts when I lean forward with poor posture as far as I can. All of the pain and issues are confinded to my lumbar region. I have been told by different doctors that it is a prolasped disc or annular tear. If so, will it heal naturally over time with conservative treatments?

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It will heal but needs time. Consider physical therapy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HealthcareMagic,
I read your question carefully and I can understand your concern.

What you are describing does not seem like a prolapsed disk or annular tear, because the pain from it generally gets radiated from the back of the legs and gives numbness.

I think that the pain you have is from the repetitive trauma that the muscles and joints in that area are facing. You should protect your back by wearing a belt when you do weight lifting or squats.

Yes, it should heal completely, but it needs at least 6-8 weeks, meanwhile if it won't get hurt again.
Also, the specific muscles that hold the back, need to be strengthened.

These are my recommendations:
- Use a local analgesic cream(eg. Diclofenac), 3-4 times/day to relieve the local inflammation.
- Use Ibuprofen 400mg, 1 tablet every 8 hours for next 2-3 days to help more with relieving the pain and the inflammation.
- Consider seeing a physical therapist. They will access your muscles and joints and advise exercises that will strengthen the muscles that are weak.
- Avoid overusing your back. It is like a wound now that can easily be wounded again. It may lead to permanent damage.

If worse or not better despite this, I would recommend seeing a specialist (Orthopedician).

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (18 minutes later)

Thank you, you have given the most detailed answer, I will take your recommendations.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Glad to be of help

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome.

Glad to be of help.

Feel free to follow up with me in the future about any problem you may have.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee