I recently injured my back and the pain is not going away, when should I be feeling better?

Question:

My doc said about a week because of the muscle strain but it's been over that amount of time and if anything the pain is steady or increasing. I'm having headaches and cannot sit/stand/lie down in one spot for too long. It feels like someone held my feet and head and pushed at once and compressed me. Even if there is no bulging disk or pinched nerve(haven't had an x ray yet)is is possible for your back muscles to be injured long term? Any help would be appreciated because the pain is getting really bad and I'm growing intolerant to the Vicodin.

Answers:
I broke 3 vertebra and a left rib in a car accident, so I can relate! Ask your Dr. about Flexerall...a muscle relaxer. IF you have a pinched nerve or a buldging disc...it only takes time. If you have ruptured discs, sometimes this requires surgery-(not to scare you).
If you are getting bad headaches, go lay in a drak room where there are NO lights or sound. Concentrate on your breathing. You might want to use hot/cold compressions where you feel the pain. Stay off of your feet as much as possible, and REST!

Back pain can last weeks. It's one of the slowest healing areas because it' s such a large group of muscles. I suggest getting seen and xrayed to be sure there isn't damage. Also, you may need a muscle relaxant along with ibuprofen and vicodin. (ibuprofen has an anti-inflammatory action). Moist heat to the area and when laying down, put something under your knees so that all stress is off your back. When you move, move as if you are a log-all at the same time.

I recently injured my back and the pain is not going away, when should I be feeling better?

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