Someone please tell me what's wrong with my back! Is it a herniated disc?

Question

I asked a question about limited mobility in my back yesterday that has been going on for a while. Today, I went to play golf and by the time I was to the third hole I couldn't swing without pain, putting my hands in front of me to set for golf was painful and bending over was almost impossible. Also noticable was the pain in my hip. Even riding in the cart with the bumps was possibly the most painful thing I've done. I've taken 2 muscle relaxers and 2.5 vicodin in the last 8 hours with virtually no relief. Is this a herniated disc or something else? I'm traveling and can't get to a doctor until tomorrow so I'm curious if I'm going to be worse tomorrow if I lay on my back?

Since we all go to the Internet to freak out before we see our doctor (instant gratification), I was hoping you could tell me what is wrong!

Answer 1

My uncle is a physical therapist and for me i get this back pain occasionally after playing golf.  My issue is my pelvis is not aligned (my swing sometimes throws it out).  He has me do a few stretches i put downward pressure on one leg and upward pressure on the other, then i squeeze my legs together and actually after a few minutes it is back in alignment (although it is easy, you need the view of a professional).  The pain at that point is decreased significantly and the next day everything is back to normal.  He has mentioned to more than 50% of back pain is caused by one's pelvis being out of alignment so you just might want to ask you doctor or physical therapist.  One thing to check at home is if your legs are the same length when you sit up in bed, and if you stand in front of a mirror, put your fingers on the top of your front hip bone on both sides and see if they are an equal height above the ground.  If not, it is likely that your pelvis is out.  Good luck.

Answer 2

You don't say where on your back? I pulled mine out about 3 weeks ago just from bending over to dry my hair. It's the lower part. It also affects my hips and thighs. Went to the doctor and found out I pulled my sacroiliac. Very painful but it will heal on it's own but I had to stop exercising and take it easy and it's just now getting better.

So until you see the doctor, I wouldn't golf. I slept on my back with a pillow propped under my knees and a pillow on each side of me to keep from turning to my side. It will probably turn out to be a pulled muscle but  till then, take it easy.

Yes, that's exactly where mine is, across the lower back but especially the 2 dimple areas on each side. I pulled the same area 2 years ago trying to move furniture (won't do that again)! I went to physical therapy after about 2 weeks rest and it really helped. This time I started the exercises again on my own but also went to a massage therapist and she could actually feel the small mass where it was pulled. Highly recommend a massage and have them mainly work on that area. What a difference!

Don't worry, I'm sure it's that but go see the doctor to make sure. Feel better.