Bad Lower Back

[cadmus]

HI, ive had a bad lower back for about ten weeks now , but ive never had any back pains ever in my 15yrs of lifting weights. i can only narrow the cause of this about nov-dec 07 weni went heavy leg press . all went well that session and felt good . but days later i noticed i was as stiff as a board getting out of bed . this has continued to this day .
the pain is very low back just to the right of spine.it is so painful to bend and try to touch my toes or if i was to get in the incline leg press position and bring my knees towards my chest then BAD BAD PAIN . i warm up thoroughly and flexabillity improves 50% only to later get back to being stiff and sore again. i have carried on squatting very strict with a belt but dont have the confidence in my back anymore.
i left out squatting this week i a view to see i im less stiffer the nex day. i just trained lower back for thirty mins , variations of extentions light and strict
can anyone offer some advice what to do as it realy getting me down and spoiling my weight traing as its the time of the year i try to put a few pounds of muscle on . should i stay of training alltogether or are there exercises or stretches that would benefit me better .
would sincerely appreciate any comments from you guys out there

[BigMikeD]

Drag your ass down to the doc and get it checked out man. Could be just a soft tissue injury but then again... might be something more serious also.

Personally, i would take some time off from lifting. If it is just a soft tissue thing then you are only going to make it worse by trying to train.

First things first though, get into see your doc! if you cant right away, at least take a week or two off of lifting and see how you feel after. The time off isn't going to hurt you're training.

Dont screw around with this, trust me...

[DavidScott77]

Obviously see your physician or chiroprator. They may prescribe Flexeril for you to take at bedtime to help relax the muscle. Majority of back injuries are muscle and not skeletal related. However an x-ray can help to diagnose if there is a issue with your spinal vertebra. If you haven't you can try alternating ibuprofen and tylenol, and well as 20min with a heating pad to your lower back 5 times per day. I wouldn't just lay around though. Thats old thinking. Try to stay active, just watch the amount you do until you've seen your doctor.

[RyanLRams]

1st, I would take it way easy. Keep stretching and go see a doctor before it gets worse. The last thing you need to is agrivate something and make it worse. Lower back injuries are the worst.

2nd, ABS ABS ABS! If you strengthen your abs, that will take a lot of stress off your lower back.

[lee thompson]

definately rest and stop training,you could make it a lot worse if you carry on,just resting maybe all you need.