Tweaked lower back!!! Uuggggh!

[Grant]

It happened yesterday as I was helping a friend move into a new house. I've done worse but not for a long time. This isstill pretty bad.

I went home and started icing it. I also took some Aleve.

How long should I ice it for and how often? When do I start applying heat?

I was always careful about my lower back in workouts now I'll really have to watch it. Looks like a lot of chest supported rows and pullups / pulldowns - when I get better. Thanks

[Karrie]

Grant,
You can alternate between ice and heat, but heat really is your best option now. Heat opens up the blood vessels and gets the blood and circulation moving. Use the heat as often as you need. You can also use Ibuprofen and take 4-200mg tablets at a time, that is prescription strength, and do that 3 times a day. Rest of course is always helpful. Hope it gets feeling better soon. ;D

[Grant]

Thanks Karrie,
I took your advice and have been applying heat. it has been helping.

Anyone know what the rules are regarding stretching a pulled muscle?

[sicario]

grant said:

Thanks Karrie,
I took your advice and have been applying heat. it has been helping.

Anyone know what the rules are regarding stretching a pulled muscle?

Sure, DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL, wait till it's feeling "normal" or you could re-injure it. Patience is the key when it comes to these things, trust me on that, I've had more injuries that I care to remember, lol, Vin.

[Grant]

Okay, I have been doing good and following all the advice I've been getting. Watching how I lift and such.

Stupid me. Yesterday, I was loading up the pin to do wrist roller. I bent over ( round back) to place a couple of ten pound plates on the roller and POP. Not as bad as before but still made it tender.

Now I'm being very careful now. I'm basically squiatting down to pick up pretty much everything - no matter what it weighs!!!