What could be the reason for the persistent weakness of the left leg after a muscle pull at the back?

Question

Hello doctor,

Two days ago, I recently pulled a muscle in my back while deadlifting in the gym. A couple of hours after my injury, the pain was so immense that I could barely stand upright, let alone walk. I noticed a weakness in my left leg and a dull pain in my right testicle. After a day of rest, I could walk normally, and the pain decreased substantially. Most of the pain I experienced occurred when I bent down or twisted my body. I still notice a very faint, almost unnoticeable weakness in my left leg. Today, it felt like the weakness in my left leg had gotten slightly worse, but only to the point where I could definitively say that my left leg felt weaker than usual (I would say I still had 90 to 95 % strength). I went to the doctor's office yesterday and was told I pulled a muscle in my back and was prescribed 600 mg of Ibuprofen every eight hours. I have complete bowel control. I was wondering if there was possible nerve damage that I should be concerned about.

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for stopping by!

I am here to provide expert opinions on your medical issues. There is a disc bulge impinging your nerve in the spine. Instructions for back pain:

1. Avoid lifting heavy weights.

2. Avoid arching your back; bend your knees to pick up something from the floor.

3. Avoid sitting for long hours.

4. Avoid two-wheeler rides.

5. Improve your posture while sitting.

6. Try to get up from your chair every 20 minutes, take a quick walk around, and then continue working. Always sit on a chair with back support.

7. Do not get up suddenly from a sleeping position. Rather, turn to the side and then get up.

8. Take bed rest if there is severe pain.

9. Do hot fomentations locally over the affected area at least twice daily.

10. Apply Oxalgin (Diclofenac, Methyl salicylate, and Menthol) gel locally, twice daily.

11. Take tablet Pregabalin 75 mg once daily for 15 days before dinner at 7 pm every day.

12. Take tablet Ibuprofen 400 mg twice daily for ten days after food.

13. Tablet Rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily ten days before food.

14. Tablet Shelcal (Calcium and vitamin D3) 500 mg twice daily 30 days before food.

15. Tablet vitamin D 60 thousand units once daily for ten days, then once a month for 11 months.

Take these tablets only if you are not allergic to them, and after consulting your specialist doctor. Do not take these tablets if you have bronchial asthma.

Do physiotherapy:

Mckinsey back extension exercises.
Back core strengthening exercises.
Glute strengthening exercises.
Passive straight leg raising exercises.

These exercises can be done initially under a physiotherapist's supervision or learned at home. Start physiotherapy when the pain reduces. Only regular exercises can give results. After the pain reduces, the following activities are good for you:

Swimming, yoga, and walking are good. Jogging, running, and weight-lifting may aggravate back problems. Follow up after five days.

Hope this helps.

Thank you.