Tearing Pain Lower Back

[gordiescotland1]

Hi there. I am subject to back pain. Sciatica. It has been fine for a while. I went to physio during lockdown and went back to volunteer work. This afternoon I lifted a bag which didn't think was heavy. I discovered it was I felt I can only describe as a tearing pain in my sciatic nerve near my back and buttock. Never had tearing pain before. Anyway I tripped over a box and i felt the same jarring pain in same place 20 minutes later. I have put deep heat on taken 2 Cocodamol. The pain I always find seems to be worse 1 or 2 or 3 days after I have done something. Any idea what that tearing pain could be ? Could there be trouble ahead?

[jennyjoan]

You will have to wait some time for healing with sciatica

[Sqad]

gordie.....the links to websites will soon follow but until then,here are my thoughts.

The pain that you describe does not sound like sciatic nerve pain, but soft tissue problems. It sounds as though you have ruptured a few fibres of a muscle in your back and buttock.
Deep heat and Cocodamol is as good as anything at this stage.

Don't do any heavy lifting and exercise well in the limits that your pain allows.

I cannot see any problems ahead from what you have described but you may well be looking,ing at a week before any useful improvements.

Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as you may need to adjust your Insulin dosage.

[gordiescotland1]

Thanks sqad

[jourdain2]

I live with sciatica (damaged spinal column) - yours sounds like soft tissue injury. The muscles etc. will probably swell and trap your sciatic nerve, so it'll be bad for a bit. Probably settle down in a week or so.
Meanwhile, as soon as you feel a tug - stop what you are doing. Painkillers and heat are great. Soon you may be able to start gentle stretching.