Tired of being in pain!

[Megminnie7]

Hello,

I'm 20 years old and this past Dec 25th I played the Wii (baseball batting and pitching and tennis) for about 2 hours.  So I was doing the same movement over and over and was getting really into it.  The next day around 5pm I had severe sharp back pain in my lower right back.  It was so bad the next 2 days I had trouble moving and standing up straight.  Then I noticed my whole body was completely crooked.  My hips were completely out of line of my shoulders and you could see it even with clothes on.  I went to the doctor and got diagnosed with a muscle spasm.  I stayed very crooked and in a lot of pain for about a month and also began going to physical therapy once a week.  The pain began to get better or at least I could handle living with it day to day.  Some days were worse than others.  I was still somewhat crooked as well.  Sometimes the pain even went into my leg and foot which led me to think maybe I have a pinched nerve.  My family also has a history of back pain.

It is now March 16th and this past weekend I went go karting (bad idea).  I got in two bad wrecks during it that jolted me pretty hard.  This was Saturday night.  Yesterday and today I have been having horrible back pains again!! I don't know if I got diagnosed wrong and its more severe than just a muscle spasm or if this past weekend I just hurt it worse.  I'm just tired of always being in pain especially this horrible pain that I am in now.

[Megminnie7]

Thank you!  Yes I am definatly going to avoid go-karting I didn't even think oh this might hurt my back before doing it!  I am working on strengthening my back with my physical therapist.  Hopefully things will get better.  

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community.  Members are here to provide assistance and support to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the spine.  Advice given is non-professional and is primarily based on personal experiences.

I am sorry to hear of your continued discomfort.  Pain can be very aggravating and interferes greatly with our daily activities.
Your Wii experience probably did result in muscle sprain/strain producing spasm. Physical therapy was indicated for the acute phase, but a program of back strengthening to prevent further problems would be appropriate.  Avoiding additional trauma (go-karting) is highly recommended!
If your pain persists without relief or your leg pain is unresolved, discuss with your primary physician getting baseline x-rays of your lumbar spine.  The films will determine if there is any vertebral deformity that may be contributing to your persistent pain.
If necessary, an MRI would be needed to assess for any nerve involvement.
Being only 20 yrs old sometimes can make us feel invincible -- back injuries let us know we have limitations.  Getting to the source of your pain is important to prevent any longterm back problems.
Please post again with your progress and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes -----