Ow, my back.

[Flarecobra]

Or waiting could result in you getting messed up even worse. I can speak from personal experance.

Broken ankle, after thinking that I just sprained it... and I didn't bother getting it looked at, and now it's turned arthretic, snaps and pops when I walk, and needs surgery to fix.

So yeah, getting it looked at could be worth it in the long run.

[Azisien]

Really it depends how much it hurts and for how long.

Going to the doctor or clinic or hospital for every little thing just wastes everyone's time. If over-the-counter drugs in normal amounts do nothing to dull the pain and it persists then go see someone. If simplistic remedies work and it starts getting better, you're probably fine.

On the other hand, I understand the paranoia behind something like your back hurting. Even so, it is probably unwarranted fear, especially if its just a muscle.

[rpgdemon]

Well, I can tell with almost certainty that it's the muscle, not my back, so I'm not too worried about a spinal column problem. I've had my back hurt simmilarly before, and it went away after I quit being a jerk to it, so I'm just gonna take things easy and see how it goes.

I was more hoping for something like, "Oh! There's this crazy back stretch that will take care of all of your problems, and give you twenty bucks!", than ACTUAL things to do. :P

[Sky Warrior Bob]

Originally Posted by rpgdemon

Well, it's a muscle problem, not something with the spinal column, I think. Otherwise, definately would see a doctor. I've been trying to stretch it out, but can't figure out how.

Well depending on how your back is, you could try walking with your knees bent. Of course, hobbling around looking like you're sitting on an invisible chair might not be the best thing right now. I just know its an exercise they had me do in physical therapy to help correct my own back issues.

Stretching your calves is also something good to do. Stand with the front portion of your feet on the stairs, and then for 30 seconds, hold them up from the stair. Then for 30 seconds hold them below the stair. (You'll likely want to hold onto the handrail for this.)

Another stretch, cross your arms & press them into a wall. Keep one leg straight & bend the opposite.

A chiropractic visit and/or a full body massage couldn't hurt.

In my case, I used to get frequent back pain because I wasn't using the correct muscles when standing/sitting/walking. You might be getting the same kind of thing.

Kevin

[rpgdemon]

Originally Posted by Sky Warrior Bob

Some stuff

Kevin

...Your name ISN'T Bob?

[Sky Warrior Bob]

Originally Posted by rpgdemon

...Your name ISN'T Bob?

No, but I like using the name Bob as my internet handle & occasionally I have been known to use my *gasp* real name.

[Hanuman]

Originally Posted by rpgdemon

Well, I can tell with almost certainty that it's the muscle, not my back, so I'm not too worried about a spinal column problem. I've had my back hurt simmilarly before, and it went away after I quit being a jerk to it, so I'm just gonna take things easy and see how it goes.

I was more hoping for something like, "Oh! There's this crazy back stretch that will take care of all of your problems, and give you twenty bucks!", than ACTUAL things to do. :P

Back stretches rarely actually relieve the pressure on that part of your back safely, chiropractors work on non-intelligent release of muscle tension, but you don't necessarily want to cause a release in the lower back musculoskeletal system. Instead, try standing up and letting your head hang down and stretch gently (don't rotate in circles, its very very bad for you), and sure enough your back will release-- (a metal rigidity line in chinese medicine).

[rpgdemon]

Status report: After one day, I've healed moderately well, with some motrin and Tev's stretches. Should be gone in another 2-3 days or so, at this rate.