What Causes Extreme Pain On Left Side Of Back After Lifting Heavy Weights?

Posted on Wed, 26 Nov 2014

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

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have experienced pain in left kidney area after throwing two extremely heavy suitcases into a cab of a truck. Fifth day in extreme pain. Knife jabbing pain.. Since then I went to the er, and they scanned me for kidney stones. They found nothing. I am in more pain when I try to lay down. I think this could be a lower subluxated rib. Should I get an X-ray to see if this could be the cause of my extreme pain? They said I could call a nephrologist, but I feel it could be a twisted rib since we found no signs of stones. What do you suggest for the next step.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Common muscle spasm could be the cause
Need details

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Based on the symptoms and history it could be the common muscle spasm of lower back. To confirm that please tell me-
1.Is there any difficulty in bending forward and to look side ways?
2.Do you any radiation of pain in legs?
Meanwhile you may take hot water fomentation, along with ibuprofen and muscle relaxant drug like thiocolchicoside which is a prescribed medication.

Looking forward to your reply.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (39 hours later)

I tried the ibupropin. Had second scan this time w XXXXXXX they did see a few small cysts but said they would not cause the kind of pain that i am having. I can only sleep sitting in a chair. I think my ribs split in between.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Add muscle relaxant drug and physiotherapy

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It’s good to see you
I have gone through your reply carefully and would strongly recommend you to have muscle relaxant drug thiocolchicoside prescribed from your local doctor. Physiotherapy in form of short wave diathermy and TENS therapy helps in early recovery.
Getting a chest X-ray done is highly recommended to rule out fracture of the rib. Please revert with the report.
Get well soon
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (13 hours later)

Thank you. I feel you have nailed it. I feel it is a rib. I was a wrestler, and it feels similar. I have gotten the muscle relaxant as you suggested. I still have to sleep sitting in a chair because of the pain. I will request an X-ray of ribs. Thank you kindly. I will keep you abreast of my diagnosis.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rib belt will be helpful

Detailed Answer:
Hi
You are welcome
I have gone through your reply and would recommend wearing a rib belt along with the muscle relaxant drug.
Get well soon
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

We were not expecting the fast replies. I was back to the ER two times, and have only been referred to a nephrologist. I will try the rib belt. The muscle relaxant is allowing for some comfort.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hi
You are welcome. This type of injury takes time to heal but you will get over it. Please revert with X-ray report.

God bless you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (24 hours later)

I was on pain killer and muscle relaxant for Thursday and Friday. I had to sit up most of the time, and I could sleep in a recliner. Today I did not take anything. I feel that I am getting better. I tried tonight to go to sleep in my bed, and I will need to spend another night in the recliner. I do feel this is a problem with the tissue between my ribs. If i can't sleep in my bed by tomorrow night, I will get an X-ray. Thank you kindly.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I am happy for you

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You may continue with the treatment as discussed.I am sure you will get over it.
God bless you
Regards
Profile link http://bit.ly/drmchugh

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D