What Causes Severe Pain In Lower Back After Lifting Heavy Weights?

Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2015

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

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 9 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My boyfriend (49) has a sensitive back--he'll lift something too heavy or stay in bed too long & his lower back will hurt for a day or 2. Last week though, he lifted something too heavy and the pain has been around for way longer than usual. Over a week now. It's much better when he stands, sitting is the worst (chair or couch, legs bent or straight out). He can barely move after sitting for a while. He wakes up sore too. It's mostly his right side, all lower back. (Sharp pain if he moves too quickly...again standing is much more tolerable.) Should he ice? Add heat? At what point should he see a doctor?

Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
May be acute lumbar disc prolapse.

Detailed Answer:

Hi
Thanks for your query

I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar

I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Your friend may be having acute disc prolapse. He may require MRI of lumbar spine. Treatment of it is rest in lateral ( side) position with both hip and knee slightly flexed and analgesic such as ibuprofen for pain relief. Mecobalmine is of help. I think it will be better for him to consult a doctor right now whenever he is comfortable. Ice is not of much use. Heat may give some comfort but mainly treatment is rest and analgesic.

You can discuss with your doctor about it.

Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T