Muscle Endurance Issues and Back Pain After Injury

Q: Muscle Endurance Issues and Back Pain After Injury

Hello Sir： Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions： 1. Further examination, such as an MRI, can be performed to check for any herniated discs, which commonly cause sharp pain and numbness. 2.

Poor muscular endurance?

Hello, Doctor.
I previously experienced a sharp pain in my back after bending for too long, so I visited a rehabilitation specialist.
(I had a minor compression fracture from a car accident at the end of last year.) The doctor took several X-rays, both frontal and lateral views, and compared them with the X-rays taken during the car accident, finding no significant differences.
I also asked the doctor if there was any indication of scoliosis, and the doctor replied that everything looked fine.
The doctor concluded that my condition was primarily due to poor muscle endurance and arranged for me to undergo electrical stimulation therapy.
Additionally, I was given a list of exercises to help maintain proper posture (such as wall slides and lying flat to strengthen my lower back).
I was advised to focus on maintaining correct posture and training my muscle endurance.
However, I still occasionally experience sharp pain when my posture is incorrect.
(I wonder if this is related to my neglect of the rehabilitation exercises.) Although the pain is not severe and does not significantly affect my daily life, I would like to ask the doctor for further advice.
If the X-rays show no abnormalities, should I request additional tests? Is it possible that simply having poor muscle endurance could cause this sharp pain when bending for too long or maintaining poor posture? Are there any other aspects I should be aware of?

C, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/10/27

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation

Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry.
I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions:
1.
Further examination, such as an MRI, can be performed to check for any herniated discs, which commonly cause sharp pain and numbness.

2.
For scoliosis, a full-length X-ray from the cervical to the lumbar spine should be taken to measure the curvature angle.

3.
Muscle weakness and poor posture can lead to soreness and tightness, with less frequent sharp pain, and should be further evaluated.

4.
It is advisable to obtain copies of your X-rays or burn them onto a disc to seek a second opinion, as X-rays only show bone structure and cartilage space, and cannot reveal any compression of the cartilage or nerves.

Finally, I wish you peace and happiness!

Reply Date: 2008/10/27

More Info

It sounds like you are dealing with a complex situation involving muscle endurance issues and back pain following a previous injury. Given your history of a minor compression fracture from a car accident, it's understandable that you're experiencing discomfort, especially when bending for extended periods.
From what you've described, your doctor has assessed that your primary issue is related to poor muscle endurance rather than any significant structural abnormalities in your spine, as indicated by the X-rays. This is a common scenario for individuals who have had injuries that affect their mobility and strength. When the muscles that support the spine and maintain good posture are weak, it can lead to discomfort and pain, particularly when engaging in activities that put stress on those muscles, such as bending over for long periods.

Muscle Endurance and Back Pain
Muscle endurance refers to the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to perform repeated contractions over time without fatigue. When muscle endurance is low, even normal activities can lead to discomfort or pain, especially if the body is not properly aligned. In your case, poor muscle endurance in the back and core muscles can result in strain when you maintain certain positions, like bending forward. This strain can manifest as sharp or stabbing pain, particularly if the muscles are overworked or if there is any underlying tension.

Importance of Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation exercises prescribed by your doctor, such as wall slides and pelvic tilts, are crucial for improving your muscle endurance and overall posture. Consistency in performing these exercises is key. If you find that you are not adhering to the rehabilitation program, it could explain the persistence of your symptoms. Regular practice of these exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support your spine, potentially alleviating the pain you experience when bending or maintaining poor posture.

When to Seek Further Evaluation
Since your X-rays did not reveal any significant issues, it may not be necessary to pursue additional imaging unless your symptoms worsen or change significantly. However, if you continue to experience pain despite adhering to your rehabilitation program, or if you notice new symptoms (such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs), it would be prudent to consult your healthcare provider again. They may consider further evaluations, such as an MRI, to assess soft tissue structures like discs or ligaments that X-rays cannot visualize.

Additional Considerations
1. Posture Awareness: Being mindful of your posture throughout the day can help reduce strain on your back. Try to maintain a neutral spine position, especially when sitting or standing for long periods.

2. Activity Modification: If certain activities exacerbate your pain, consider modifying them or taking breaks to avoid prolonged strain on your back.

3. Strengthening Exercises: In addition to the prescribed exercises, consider incorporating other forms of strength training that focus on the core and back muscles. Activities like Pilates or yoga can also be beneficial for improving flexibility and strength.

4. Pain Management: If you experience acute pain, consider using ice or heat therapy as needed. Over-the-counter pain relief medications may also help, but consult your doctor before starting any new medication.

5. Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider or physical therapist can help monitor your progress and adjust your rehabilitation plan as necessary.

In summary, while your current symptoms may be linked to muscle endurance issues, maintaining a consistent rehabilitation routine and being mindful of your posture can significantly improve your condition. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation. Your proactive approach to understanding and managing your pain is commendable, and with the right strategies, you can work towards recovery and improved function.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Muscle Inflammation Issues

Hello Dr. Chen: For the past year or two, I have been experiencing more frequent lower back discomfort. Additionally, after sitting or standing for extended periods, or after light exercise, I sometimes feel soreness in the inner thigh muscles and tendons. This discomfort usually...

Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ryan: Regarding the issue you mentioned, experiencing lower back pain and muscle soreness after prolonged standing, sitting, or exercising is often recurrent. This involves several factors, including the nature of your work, the type of exercise you engage in, your usual si...

Understanding Back Pain and Thigh Issues After Sports Injury: A Guide

Hello, doctor. I previously had scoliosis but did not pay much attention to it as there were no special issues. However, two weeks ago, on Saturday, after playing basketball, I started experiencing severe pain in the lower part of my spine the day after, which has continued until...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Based on your description, my personal judgment is that the most common issue is likely a herniated lumbar disc compressing the nerves. The lumbar disc is initially injured, causing back pain, but if the disc gradually bulges out due to pressure, it may compress nearby nerves, le...

Understanding Lower Back Pain After Injury: Recovery and Stretching Tips

A month ago, I experienced lower back pain due to a car accident. Initially, an X-ray taken in the emergency room indicated compression fractures of the first to third lumbar vertebrae. However, after five days of rest, a follow-up appointment revealed that the bones were not sig...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. The diagnosis you received in the emergency room differs significantly from the diagnosis made five days later. If there are three consecutive compression fractures, you should still experience p...

Understanding Neck and Back Pain After Weightlifting: A Rehab Perspective

Hello, I regularly exercise, specifically using weightlifting equipment at the gym. I'm not sure if my injuries are related to my workouts, but I've been experiencing a tight sensation in my neck and a painful feeling in the nerves of my back, especially near the lower ...

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation
I apologize! I was away for a course last week, so I missed your question! If you have been exercising for a long time, it should not be related to exercise unless there have been recent changes in your workout routine or intensity! Many everyday situations can also cause the sym...