Presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush

Ask The Docs | Lumbar Strain

Patient Question:  

Last week while playing in my adult hockey league I took a big hit and I have been experiencing pain in my lower back ever since. The pain and back spasms have increased this week, keeping me from participating in normal activities. It feels better when I rest. How long should I stay off the ice?

Dr. Frank Phillips:

It sounds like you may be experiencing pain from a lower back sprain. This is the most common injury among Americans and is second only to the common cold in keeping people home from work. A low back sprain or lumbar sprain occurs when the ligaments or muscles that help stabilize the low back are stretched and become inflamed.

Common symptoms of a lumbar sprain include pain in the lower back that subsides when you rest, pain that extends from the lower back into your buttocks, and low back muscle spasms. Pain radiating all the way down the leg or “sciatica” may suggest a more serious problem.  Some of the common contributing factors for lower back sprains include traumatic movements (a car accident, for example), being overweight or a smoker, and contorting the back in unnatural positions. Some of the movements and physical contact in hockey are not natural, which is why hockey and football players commonly incur back injuries. 

Dull, throbbing back pain can be a warning sign before the disc ruptures. When the disc herniates, the pain becomes more intense and sharp. Usually patients also experience pain running down one leg as the ruptured disc hits a main nerve. Conditions associated with a herniated disc also include tingling and weakness in the buttocks and leg, numbness in the back and legs, and even sharp shooting pains during a cough.

 Treatment: 

The good news is with proper treatment you should be back on the ice in no time from a lumbar sprain. Treatment starts  with a short period of rest. If you believe that you have sprained your back, cease extensive exercise and physical activity until the acute pain subsides. Typically bed-rest is not  required.

To help aid your recovery your licensed orthopaedic physician will probably encourage you to take an anti-inflammatory medication for pain and inflammation and possibly a muscle relaxer to reduce spasms. Your physician may also prescribe specific physical therapy and at-home exercises to regain the mobility and strength of your lower back. The exercise program may be tailored to your skating activities. 

For more information about Dr. Phillips and the Sports Medicine physicians of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, call 877 MD BONES or visit them online at www.rushortho.com

The information contained on this page is intended only for general public education, and is not intended to serve as a substitute for direct medical advice. This information should not replace necessary medical consultations with a qualified orthopaedic physician.

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