Chiropractor or physiotherapist?

[Georgios]

I recently hurt my lower back and am in sever pain. I need help getting up from the couch etc. So my question is who do I go see? It is a recurring injury. I'm thinking of getting appointments with both tomorrow. What are your thoughts?

Also do I use ice packs or deep heat cream for the affected area?

 

[OrbitalDawn]

Physio.

 

[Stevi]

Also look to treat the cause and not just the symptoms.
If the injury is more than a few days old use heat rather than ice

 

[Bulldog_imported]

From my experience with an injury exactly the same as yours I went to see a chiropractor and he explained what the cause of the problem was, he remedied it with back manipulation and massage and he gave me exercises to do to strengthen my core. I never thought I would ever be able to do some of the things I do today that puts massive load on the lower back such as deadlifts and squats. If I ever see that chiropractor again I'll give that man a Bells!

 

[Georgios]

Okay thanks I'll use heat then. What would the cause be though?

 

[Georgios]

From my experience with an injury exactly the same as yours I went to see a chiropractor and he explained what the cause of the problem was, he remedied it with back manipulation and massage and he gave me exercises to do to strengthen my core. I never thought I would ever be able to do some of the things I do today that puts massive load on the lower back such as deadlifts and squats. If I ever see that chiropractor again I'll give that man a Bells!

Many years ago I was at the chiro and received stretches to do. That's what I have been busy with the last few days. It just has not been getting better.

 

[Georgios]

Also look to treat the cause and not just the symptoms.
If the injury is more than a few days old use heat rather than ice

Okay thanks I'll use heat then. What would the cause be though?

 

[seanyp00h]

Skip the expensive massage and go to a bio.

 

[hellfire]

I recently hurt my lower back and am in sever pain. I need help getting up from the couch etc. So my question is who do I go see? It is a recurring injury. I'm thinking of getting appointments with both tomorrow. What are your thoughts?

Also do I use ice packs or deep heat cream for the affected area?

Depends if it's muscular or skeletal.
I get muscle spasms in my back but the root cause is more skeletal where my spine meets my pelvis.
Chiro is the only therapist that has been able to sort this out for me. Once I was 'okay', I started with a biokineticist to help me strengthen my core and prevent future spasms. Great success.

If/when you pick a chiro, I'd suggest going for a slightly younger one. Older chiros were trained almost exclusively to manipulate, which can exacerbate issues. Younger chiros often do heat therapy, deep tissue massage, needling and other treatments before manipulating - almost like having a physio session before everything gets popped back into place.

 

[Amino]

get an x-ray first, then you can decide which way to go

 

[Stevi]

Okay thanks I'll use heat then. What would the cause be though?

Could be anything at this point.
Best plan of action is to go to a chiro where he can assess and send you for X-rays if he feels the need. Then once he has determined the underlying cause and done some treatment, see a biokineticist who can strengthen what needs to be strengthened

 

[Georgios]

Thanks very much for all the information and gen. I have been to see the chiro a couple times. He has been manipulating me. As painful as it is, it has been improving. I had to have a voltaran injection because of the pain. He mentioned I pinched a nerve as I am unable to move my right leg fully. Will take time to heal. The doc also says I can see a physio from next week. I'll also look into a biokineticist.

I need to try sort this out asap as it is affecting my work.