back pain with swelling of wrist and hands

Thank you for using Ask a Doctor Service through Doctor Spring.

I can understand your problem and will try to help you the best possible.

The back pain that you have now is probably linked to the jiujitsuaccident that happened few years ago. It is quite common for back pain to show up even after years of injury. At this stage you probably need more help from Physical therapist along with medical therapy with NSAIDs or muscle relaxant such as flexeril. Specific and regular exercise under the guidance of a trained professional is very important for reducing back pain and improving function. Medically, for people with long term back problem physical therapy is strongly advised and it is proven to help in relief of pain. I would like to suggest you certain exercises for strengthening your back, and prevent back pain.

1. Low Impact Aerobic Exercises: Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as swimming, bicycling, and walking can strengthen muscles in the abdomen and back without over-straining the back.

1. Spine Stabilization and Strength Training: Exercises called lumbar extension strength training are proving to be effective. Generally, these exercises attempt to strengthen the abdomen, improve lower back mobility, strength, and endurance, and enhance flexibility in the hip, the hamstring muscles, and the tendons at the back of the thigh. You could take help from your physical therapist to learn and practise this exercise.

1. Yoga with low-impact physical movements and meditation may be very helpful. They are designed to achieve a physical and mental balance and can be very helpful in preventing recurrences of low back pain.

1. Application of heat, ice, ultrasound and electrical stimulation in physical therapy can also help.

I would recommend physical therapy for few weeks to 3 months; I’m sure you will feel better and get relief from back pain. However, if the condition doesn’t improve, then you might have to consult with GP/ orthopaedic consultant as they might be able to help you further.

Regarding the pain and swelling in your hands, it is not related to the injury/ accident that you had, so it requires certain investigation to find out the underlying cause for such pain in hands. To rule out arthritis and other inflammatory conditions in the hands, you will need to do blood tests which will include CBC, ESR, CRP, RA factor. And you will need to consult with a rheumatologist if possible with the reports of the blood tests done to assess this condition further. You could take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to get relief from pain and swelling in your hands as when required.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have further queries. Thank you.