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How long will a back injury take to heal completely?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Two weeks ago, I hurt my back by deadlifting. The pain was severe, and I believe it was a herniated disc in my sciatic nerve. I started PT immediately with press-ups religiously, and a week later, I bought an inversion table and started using it.

Two weeks later, I am sleeping through the night pain-free, can walk several miles relatively pain-free, not using any Ibuprofen or Tylenol, and have very little nerve pain. Is it possible I am on a fast track to recovery because of the diligent action for recovery? With how I feel now, what is the realistic time frame for this to heal and for me to get back into exercising without worrying about re-injury?

Please advise.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Suman Saurabh

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Suman Saurabh is a skilled Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in orthopedic trauma and advanced arthroplasty, with focused expertise in hand, foot, and ankle surgery. He is adept at treating complex fractures, joint disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries, combining surgical precision with comprehensive patient care. Committed to restoring mobility and improving quality of life, Dr. Saurabh delivers personalized treatment plans that emphasize recovery, function, and long-term orthopedic health.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hello,

Welcome to the icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear about your accident and I am glad that you are recovering well. As you have mentioned that the pain started after lifting weights, so it must be because of disc prolapse or muscular strain of back. I think, as per my experience, you will take two more months to recover and return to activities. Meanwhile you should start gentle back exercises.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you want some help.

Thanks.

The Probable causes

The probable cause is lifting heavy weight.

Investigations to be done

Do MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of LS (lumbar spine).

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis are acute PIVD (prolapsed, herniated, or extruded intervertebral disc) and muscular strain.

Probable diagnosis

The probable diagnosis is acute PIVD.

Treatment plan

Since the patient is recovering well, he has been advised to continue with it. However, he has been asked to start gentle back strengthening exercises.

Preventive measures

Avoid lifting heavy weights.

Regarding follow up

Follow-up after a month.
Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At March 19, 2021
Reviewed At October 22, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Suman Saurabh is a skilled Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in orthopedic trauma and advanced arthroplasty, with focused expertise in hand, foot, and ankle surgery. He is adept at treating complex fractures, joint disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries, combining surgical precision with comprehensive patient care. Committed to restoring mobility and improving quality of life, Dr. Saurabh delivers personalized treatment plans that emphasize recovery, function, and long-term orthopedic health.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Suman Saurabh

Orthopedician and Traumatology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Suman Saurabh is a skilled Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in orthopedic trauma and advanced arthroplasty, with focused expertise in hand, foot, and ankle surgery. He is adept at treating complex fractures, joint disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries, combining surgical precision with comprehensive patient care. Committed to restoring mobility and improving quality of life, Dr. Saurabh delivers personalized treatment plans that emphasize recovery, function, and long-term orthopedic health.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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