There are many different levels of back pain. If you can manage to get to your computer to type, then although it hurts it's probabaly not too bad as far as back problems go.
It could be that you've torn a muscle, in which case you need to see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist. Don't waste your time going to either your doctor or the hospital as they most likely wont have a clue.
I'd err on the side of caution and say that 20 mins of ice is just a little too long. Max it at 15 mins as you can cause damage if it's longer.
Most people will just put something warm on a muscle injury, but this is not really recommended when the injury is recent. Ice is much better. (RICE - rest, Ice Compression, Elevation).
I have really bad problems with the spinal erector muscles in my lower back. They tear quite easily, despite lots of exercise and sex, which is obviously good for the back.
If it is a disc injury, you should go and see an osteopath. I was once in complete agony for a couple of months because I popped a disc in the base of my neck. I had to live beside the toilet (don't ask - I could barely move let alone have a nice relaxing shit) in constant pain. It was the worst prelonged period of pain I have ever endured and they wouldn't admit me to hospital, which incidently was across the road from my house.
I was seeing a physio from the hospital, but a friend took me to an osteopath and he sorted it out in about 2 minutes. It was like he just turned off the 'pain' switch and I walked out of there like nothing had happened. I felt such a dick for not doing that straight away, but I was young and foolish... as opposed to old and foolish which I am now.
I've popped that disc a few times - sneezing, turning round quickly, brushing my teeth (!) and I've just gone to see the same guy to have it slotted back in.
Hang on... I'll get back to the subject. Basically, if you can move, count yourself lucky but get it seen to ASAP.
There's lots of information on the net.
Start here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency … 003108.htm
Good luck and never underestimate the healing power of sleeping on the floor for a few nights no matter how much your mattress cost. Maybe you need to get a fat chick...
p.s. Lie on your back with your arms outstretched in a crucifix position.
Now tuck your knees up so your torso/thighs are at 90 degrees.
Now gently lower both your legs to the left, then the right, trying to keep your back on the floor.
You should feel that stretching out your back.
p.p.s. I'm not a doctor - if you completely tool your back, don't blame it on me lol!!
It could be that you've torn a muscle, in which case you need to see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist. Don't waste your time going to either your doctor or the hospital as they most likely wont have a clue.
I'd err on the side of caution and say that 20 mins of ice is just a little too long. Max it at 15 mins as you can cause damage if it's longer.
Most people will just put something warm on a muscle injury, but this is not really recommended when the injury is recent. Ice is much better. (RICE - rest, Ice Compression, Elevation).
I have really bad problems with the spinal erector muscles in my lower back. They tear quite easily, despite lots of exercise and sex, which is obviously good for the back.
If it is a disc injury, you should go and see an osteopath. I was once in complete agony for a couple of months because I popped a disc in the base of my neck. I had to live beside the toilet (don't ask - I could barely move let alone have a nice relaxing shit) in constant pain. It was the worst prelonged period of pain I have ever endured and they wouldn't admit me to hospital, which incidently was across the road from my house.
I was seeing a physio from the hospital, but a friend took me to an osteopath and he sorted it out in about 2 minutes. It was like he just turned off the 'pain' switch and I walked out of there like nothing had happened. I felt such a dick for not doing that straight away, but I was young and foolish... as opposed to old and foolish which I am now.
I've popped that disc a few times - sneezing, turning round quickly, brushing my teeth (!) and I've just gone to see the same guy to have it slotted back in.
Hang on... I'll get back to the subject. Basically, if you can move, count yourself lucky but get it seen to ASAP.
There's lots of information on the net.
Start here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency … 003108.htm
Good luck and never underestimate the healing power of sleeping on the floor for a few nights no matter how much your mattress cost. Maybe you need to get a fat chick...
p.s. Lie on your back with your arms outstretched in a crucifix position.
Now tuck your knees up so your torso/thighs are at 90 degrees.
Now gently lower both your legs to the left, then the right, trying to keep your back on the floor.
You should feel that stretching out your back.
p.p.s. I'm not a doctor - if you completely tool your back, don't blame it on me lol!!