Lower back lumbar strain

DarraghR

For the past couple of months I have been suffering from what my GP calls lumbar strain. I injured myself in work lifting a printer incorrectly.

I have tried prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and gel. Also used over the counter stuff like ibuprofen. paracetamol and codeine.

Soaking in a hot bath with Radox and epsom salts has given it some relief but upon returning to work the pains come back quite rapidly. Im starting to guess that this might be due to standing all day as I work in an electronics shop and would only sit during my lunch.

At this stage a physio or chiropractor may be needed unless someone can suggest another option? Maybe a massage or home exercises.

Would a Medical Card with GP referral cover any expenses with a back specialist?

From doing some research this could turn into a slipped disc so I am quite Hagar to get this sorted as soon as possible.

Reading through my work hand book I could not find any information on sick leave due to injury but if I am on a permanent contract shouldn't I be covered?

Deshi Basara

Not a medical expert or anything, but from my own experience with similar problems and people I've worked with;

If you strain returns immediately, it may be a posture issue. Check shoulder aren't rounded, head isn't in a forward posture and that you're taking load on your abdominal wall aswell as erector spinae.

As for medical card; you can see physiotherapists through the MC, but there is a waiting list. There are great private physios, but they do cost a decent sum (from 50 to 95 euro per session).

Fair play for looking into it and not just settling for the pain meds; you'll be thankful in the long run once it's begin addressed.

LincolnHawk

You need a proper assessment. Start with a good physio

dastardly00

I would definitely advocate going to see a physio. They will have a better idea of what might be causing your lumbar strain and will give you exercises on how to resolve it.

After a few visits to a physio, if the pain isn't going away, it might be worthwhile getting an MRI scan to see if there is any damage to your intervertebral discs. Your physio might recommend this anyway.

I don't know what the story is with medical cards and MRI scans though.

DarraghR

My posture is actually not the best. Trying to be conscious of it in work since I got this injury. I am 6'2 so tall people are more likely to have back issues.

As the irritation is coming back once I am standing in work I might try Sketchers or gel souls.

My girlfriend gave me a massage the other night which did give me noticeable relief.

If it was a slipped disc then I would be in extreme pain. This is more irritating than anything.

Something I may not have mentioned is that the pain or discomfort is sometimes higher up in my back like mid level on the left side.

I will definitely look into a physiotherapists and see which one is the best value in my area.

slavedave

Don't forget that your employer should have risk assessed your working practices and environment. If it highlights that there are some ergonomic/ manual handling issues involved then they should be providing training and putting in place measures to eliminate / reduce the risk. Is there something about your workstation that needs to be changed to make your posture more conducive to a healthy back. Are you provided with the right work equipment to provide a safe working environment (remember safe includes general health and wellbeing, not just protection from accidents).
Just a different angle to take into account with the above comments. All the best!