Pulled back muscle after brewing. Recommendations?

[ndinh]

In the 3+ years of brewing, I've never had this happen to me. I consider myself in pretty good shape (workout regularly, etc) but yesterday after brewing and lifting various kettles, MLT w/wet grains, and finally the 6g carboy+beer, I pulled my lower back muscle. I had a tough time sleeping and now my back is stiff where I can't even tie my shoes. Has this happen to you guys/gals and if so, is there any thing I can do next time to prevent this. I have a single tier setup with pumps so I don't lift kettles full of water but just carrying stuff around to wash, etc. did it. I don't see how I can lift huge kettles and walking it around without holding it in front of me and putting strain on my lower back. Thanks.

 

[aangel]

There are ways of lifting which reduce the risk to your back. For now, I'd advise seeing a chiropractor or physiotherapist - one should be able to help you recover pretty quickly.

//full disclosure - I'm a chiropractic student.

 

[Chris_Primavera]

Getting old sucks, but it beats the alternative.

Sometimes there is no good way to lift something by yourself without straining your back. Get help or use something to make the lift safer.

The first time I did that, it was over a week before I could stand straight up. I have found that a couple of adhesive heat pads over the course of a day along with ibuprofen helps.

 

[Kuhndog]

Drink a tripel....you're back will stop hurting.

No, seriously....get a heating pad or something for it. Also use some Ibuprofen to help you with the inflammation. Weight on your lower back is just that....it's not like lifting weights within confined motion. You're holding it in a different manner that puts way more stress on your back than you realize. All I can suggest (economically suggestion) is to make sure you have help when brewing....otherwise, you'll need to spend some cash to get a tier system or something like the SABCO system with pumps so you are lifting heavy items.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Been a while since I have brewed but, I got to a point where I would not lift much at all. About the only time I lifted anything was to put filled kegs into the keezer. Otherwise, the kettles were empties. I used a wheeled shop vac to clear spent grain out of the mash tun rather than try to take it down off the rig. And I used a two wheel dolly to move the vacuum out to where I'd dump the grain. I also used furniture dollies to move thing around and save my back.

 

[maierhof]

I broke Lumbar 4 in a skiing accident years ago - I know this pain.
Sorry to hear that you did this - It is NO FUN for sure.

My first basic answer is that your back is spasm-ing and you need a way to stop the tight muscles. Heat packs (good), hot showers, or hot tubs (best) are great for this kind of temporary relief. Do that often and follow this regime too:

During the first 3-5 days - use ALEVE - this is a great anti-inflammatory so it will reduce the pain and give your spasm time to relax. At the same time you can take Tylenol or acetaminophen (Do NOT take Advil or other Ibuprofen drugs at the same take as Aleve) to take out the remaining pain temporarily. This advice comes from my mother in law who is a doctor and I swear by it.

The only problem is that you really shouldn't drink during the time as it will put undo pressure on your liver with both of those drugs in you AND alcohol.

Once you get done with your basic spasm relief- you can stretch it now or go get a good back rub. Don't get back to brewing/cleaning for a few weeks or you could be right back here quickly. Stretch as you can and don't push this - time is your friend here.

EDIT: When I carry heavy items I try not lift them above my hips and that helps with this. I know with a single tier it is tough to do that so I don't lift anything with more than a few gallons in it. I tip it and grab the bottom then let it slowly get the the ground while in front of me directly. If you are turned/turning you body when you lift - this kind of spasm is more likely in my mind. Just be careful when you lift and make sure you are not bending/twisting your back more than you should...

Hope this helps!

 

[j1n]

lift with your legs more to take strain off your back. if you workout regularly like you said then do deadlifts to strengthen your core and lower back.

 

[CA_Mouse]

I did the same thing 2 weeks ago. Cleaning kegs and getting ready to brew my spring beers. Felt a pop as I was lifting a bucket of rinse water. I've been going to a chiropractor for the last week. Heat packs and ice packs alternately and a soak in the tub with Epsom Salt. I would suggest for the future (I will be doing this as well) the lifting belts most warehouse workers wear. It may look odd, but anything to prevent this kind of an injury again is worth it!

 

[passedpawn]

In the 3+ years of brewing, I've never had this happen to me. I consider myself in pretty good shape (workout regularly, etc) but yesterday after brewing and lifting various kettles, MLT w/wet grains, and finally the 6g carboy+beer, I pulled my lower back muscle. I had a tough time sleeping and now my back is stiff where I can't even tie my shoes. Has this happen to you guys/gals and if so, is there any thing I can do next time to prevent this. I have a single tier setup with pumps so I don't lift kettles full of water but just carrying stuff around to wash, etc. did it. I don't see how I can lift huge kettles and walking it around without holding it in front of me and putting strain on my lower back. Thanks.

I've some back issues (discs). Every now and then I'll do something stupid and I walk around bent over for a few days.

Back braces make a HUGE difference for me when I do that. I have this one, and it's great. There's a pulley system that tightens this thing down and boom you're walking upright again.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JT2P2M/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[Hello]

I actually hurt my back lifting wort as well about 6 weeks ago. The thing about back injuries that are a result of lifting is that there could have been an issue with your back in the first place. That is the case for me. I saw a chiropractor and honestly, I wish I had gone many years ago. I'm only now learning that back health is just as important as oral health and such. I don't think about back health enough because as long as I'm not in pain, I don't think about it. Now I'm thinking about it a lot after seeing my x-rays.

With regards to your situation, obviously there are OTC things you can do, but unless you know if it is definitely a muscle, putting hot or cold on it may be ineffective. You could have a disc that is perhaps calcified or in the beginning stages and now the vertebrae has moved in such a way that there is pressure where there shouldn't be pressure.

I'm not a doctor by any means, but see one. Even for a consult and some x-rays, I think you'll be happy that you did.

I hope you feel better soon.

 

[JB_Brewing2]

Some are recommending heat which has a proper time for a disc which bulges or herniates. However, initially to get the swelling down one should use ice packs to reduce swelling for a day or two then switching to a heating pad to promote circulation. When you lay down, lay on your back with your knees up and a pillow rolled under your neck not supporting your head. When you sleep, sleep on flat on your back. If you sleep on your side, put a pillow between your knees. My back has a disc which bulges from time to time and this is the only way I get relief. A couple brews before bed time also helps. To avoid hurting your back in the future, bend your knees when lifting and keep your back as straight as possible. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[CA_Mouse]

The thing about back injuries that are a result of lifting is that there could have been an issue with your back in the first place. That is the case for me.

I have to agree with this. Mine looks like it was initially caused by an auto accident nearly 21 years ago. Best option is to see a doctor and/or a chiropractor and let them determine the best course of action for you.

 

[djt17]

Back braces make a HUGE difference for me when I do that. I have this one, and it's great. There's a pulley system that tightens this thing down and boom you're walking upright again.

I use a back brace as a preventative measure when I will be doing heavy lifting. (and for recovery when I forget)

 

[Natdavis777]

I have DDD (only 28) and a congenitally fused L5-S1, so Ive dealt with chronic back pain for the last 10 years on a consistent basis. I too, have put myself out of commission lifting full keggles, etc. Here is my best list of recommendations, and this is coming from countless occasions of literally not being able to walk.

1) NSAIDS, 600-800mg do wonders.
2) Heat. A tube sock with rice in the microwave is a great, cheap heat pack
3) Back brace. This really saved me on my last flare up. Had to wear one for a month until I felt human again. Good thing my then 14 mo old could negotiate stairs with my help.
4) Sleep with a pillow between your knees (if on side) or under your knees (if on back)
5) Sh*tload of beer. When in doubt, drop the hammer with some beer.

I did commercial construction for 6 years after high school and in college and threw my back out a bunch. When I finally made it around to an MD, had an MRI and found out how F'd my back is. I go to the gym 4 days a week and am in great shape, but when I tweak my back or when a flare up hits, it puts me down for the count the past 2 years, literally (though I still havent missed a day of work for it)

Hope you feel better soon

 

[Homercidal]

A pump has really helped me avoid a lot of lifting. I didn't buy it for that reason, but it's been very good for moving 5+ gallons of liquid at a time.

 

[OswaldvW]

I would steer clear of chiropractic treatment. I find "high velocity manipulation" concerning and dangerous.

Instead, I have found massage, acupuncture and physical therapy under the observation of a good orthopedic specialist to be the best.

 

[kh54s10]

I had good treatment at a chiropractor. I tweaked my back when skipping a step out my front door, on purpose, age about 35 then. It was not getting better after more than a week. He recommended stretching exercises and ICE. NO HEAT.

My workplace recorded incidences when using back braces and they actually went up when the braces were issued. The conclusion was the braces gave a false sense of security, thus bad lifting practices.

Lift with the legs. Hold the heavy item as close to the body as possible. Do not twist while holding. If you need to turn do it with your feet, keeping the item straight in front of you.

 

[passedpawn]

My workplace recorded incidences when using back braces and they actually went up when the braces were issued. The conclusion was the braces gave a false sense of security, thus bad lifting practices.

I wear mine AFTER my back starts hurting. It helps a lot.

I'm not sure what they do for you while you're lifting stuff, but I can't imagine they would make things worse, unless (as you said) people start doing stupid things.

 

[adiochiro3]

I would steer clear of chiropractic treatment. I find "high velocity manipulation" concerning and dangerous.

Instead, I have found massage, acupuncture and physical therapy under the observation of a good orthopedic specialist to be the best.

Studies conducted by both chiropractic and medical professionals as well as insurance companies (particularly workers comp companies) consistently demonstrate spinal manipulative therapy to be the safest, most effective, most efficient, and most cost effective approach to low back pain -- period. Nothing else gets a low back patient back to work more quickly, cheaply, and at less risk for recurrence of the original condition.

In addition, studies also show that of all the health professionals providing these services, chiropractors are the best for the job. If you'd like the journal references, let me know and I will provide them once I get to the office.

I understand you may have had a less-than-optimal experience leading you to such conclusions. If that is the case, you are either the exception to the rule or you encountered a sub-par professional. Regardless, what you've stated is simply not supported by the peer-reviewed evidence.

OP, much of the advice you've received in this thread is generally correct and helpful; however, each case is unique and requires a customized approach taylored to your specific situation. Without a thorough history and exam (or reviewing another professional's records), at best I would be guessing as to what is appropriate for your situation. If you wish to provide information privately, I'd be glad to offer more specific advice. PM me if that is the case.

Yours in Health,

James, Doctor of Chiropractic
26 Years Private Practice
13 Years Adjunct Faculty Life College of Chiropractic -- West

 

[rmyurick]

DOn't know if you have the same issue, but I have had problems with a degenerating disk in the past. My ortho's advice was walk 5 miles a day (yeah, right). I got some lumbar supports for when I sit (McKenzie lumbar rolls) and practice yoga at least once a week. Haven't had a problem in almost 20 years.

I would also recommend don't lift a water-full 6 gallon vessel--the water alone is 50 lb. If you do have to lift something heavy, try to keep your legs bent & back straight. Maybe try to wedge something under it to get a good grip. Keep it close to your body.

 

[rmyurick]

Laying in bed is not good for it, but if you need immediate relief, sometimes it helps to lie on the floor for a few with legs up on a chair--takes the pressure off.

 

[RmikeVT]

Im youngish, 33 and in pretty decent shape, I go to the gym on and off again and I am pretty active in general. I have definitely strained my back lifting and twisting and dumping wort and mashtuns etc.

BUY A PUMP!!!! It has changed my life, I don't know why I waited so long.

 

[ittybittykittycommittee]

I'll *whatever number we are on* applying heat. I keep a heat pad in my office for my back. And because my office is about as warm as the tundra.

Also, I'll second deadlifts. You don't have to do them specifically, but any sort of back exercise with good form.

Yes, those two are related, but it isn't an injury, just general soreness.

 

[kombat]

Studies conducted by both chiropractic and medical professionals as well as insurance companies

No actual doctors though, hmm?

Yours in Health,

James, Doctor of Chiropractic
26 Years Private Practice
13 Years Adjunct Faculty Life College of Chiropractic -- West

Seems pretty objective.[/sarcasm]

I have a very negative opinion of chiropractors. They muck around with very sensitive body parts (your spine!) and often do irreversible damage. They also shill a bunch of new age voodoo crap "herbal remedies" and other nonsense do-nothing garbage. My next-door neighbor has permanent nerve damage and walks with a limp because of a chiropractic-related blood clot he suffered as a youth.

If you have a real medical problem, go see a real medical doctor, not some spine-bending quack who couldn't get into med school.

 

[djt17]

No actual doctors though, hmm?



Seems pretty objective.[/sarcasm]

I have a very negative opinion of chiropractors. They muck around with very sensitive body parts (your spine!) and often do irreversible damage. They also shill a bunch of new age voodoo crap "herbal remedies" and other nonsense do-nothing garbage. My next-door neighbor has permanent nerve damage and walks with a limp because of a chiropractic-related blood clot he suffered as a youth.

If you have a real medical problem, go see a real medical doctor, not some spine-bending quack who couldn't get into med school.

WOW, that's harsh. I have been to a couple different chiropractors, neither one promoted "voodoo herbal crap". They did more for my bad back then several "regular" doctors; who only wanted to prescribe more & more meds & surgery. I take the "spine benders" because they make my back feel better.

 

[BigFloyd]

How about find a strong guy (or gal) in his/her 20's that likes homebrew to do your heavy lifting on brew day?

For acute back muscle spasms, the best relief I've ever experienced was from acupuncture. I was quite skeptical at first, but a colleague had a chiropractor friend who did it as part of his practice. One visit fixed me right up.

 

[adiochiro3]

No actual doctors though, hmm?



Seems pretty objective.[/sarcasm]

I have a very negative opinion of chiropractors. They muck around with very sensitive body parts (your spine!) and often do irreversible damage. They also shill a bunch of new age voodoo crap "herbal remedies" and other nonsense do-nothing garbage. My next-door neighbor has permanent nerve damage and walks with a limp because of a chiropractic-related blood clot he suffered as a youth.

If you have a real medical problem, go see a real medical doctor, not some spine-bending quack who couldn't get into med school.

You emphasize my bias and yet are so prejudiced yourself that you apparently missed the word "medical" in my post regarding peer-reviewed studies. I never claimed objectivity. I offered to provide study references that were.

As for the rest of your post, I'll leave it be; I sense an unproductive exchange ahead, so I'm out. If you ever want to share a beer and have a civil discussion, let me know. I'm buying. Otherwise, have a nice life.

 

[kombat]

you apparently missed the word "medical" in my post

"Medical professionals" could mean everyone from a nurse to the secretary who answers the phone at a walk-in clinic. It doesn't necessarily mean "doctor." Show me an orthopedic surgeon who believes that Chiropractic treatment is equally as effective as actual clinical medical procedures, therapies, and medication.

Here is a much more objective and eloquent explanation of the many criticisms of Chiropractic. I particularly like the part where the founder, Daniel Palmer, believed that you could cure any disease through spinal manipulation. Great stuff. Another quote: "Systematic reviews have not demonstrated that spinal manipulation, the main treatment method employed by chiropractors, was effective for any medical condition, with the possible exception of treatment for back pain."

 

[ArcLight]

1. If the wort is heavy to transfer, split it into two 3 gallon buckets, then carry them to the fermentor and carefully pour them in. I may do that in 10 years, because I have to carry the wort down the basement stairs. Buckets with 3 gallons are easy to rock and aerate, then pour into another bucket to ferment in.

2. A Brew hauler is great for moving carboys and better bottles.

 

[Paradigm]

Brew more often to develop stronger back muscles! Or drink a few beers!

Or, you know, listen to all the excellent actual advice in here.

 

[TheCADJockey]

WOW, that's harsh. I have been to a couple different chiropractors, neither one promoted "voodoo herbal crap". They did more for my bad back then several "regular" doctors; who only wanted to prescribe more & more meds & surgery. I take the "spine benders" because they make my back feel better.

I'm in favor of both chiropractic care and the ignorantly coined "voodoo herbal crap". My chiropractor is one of the few people that has made my life more comfortable; the other being a certified natural health professional. The latter has also helped my grandfather live a happy life to this day, after medical doctors told us he wouldn't live to see Christmas... ten years ago. Just because you don't understand how an herbal remedy or supplement that can be found in nature works, doesn't make it voodoo.

I'm in an office of 80 people who are constantly sick, coughing, dripping and taking days off all while shoving "medicine" down their throats. You can keep that. The "voodoo" has kept our family healthy for a long time and I feel much better knowing I'm ingesting something that I can go outside and find, rather than something I can't even pronounce off the back of a label.

 

[Howhownow]

I feel your pain... in fact, I have posted here about your pain.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=501505

By the way, the beer turned out fantastic.
My back does still hurt a bit, and I actually get a little pang of pain every time I visualize picking up the full kettle of cooled wort.

It will get better, take the advice already given. Heat, then ice (ice helped me the most), with anti-inflamatory medication.

 

[Paradigm]

I never really thought of chiropractors in a good or bad way, but I didn't really think they'd ever be able to help.

Until one day, I really hurt my back and I went in. The chiropractor is this tiny little woman, about half my size. I thought, "Yeah right." She had to basically jump on me to do it, but there way this one point when my back went crack and it was the best feeling ever.

 

[kombat]

She had to basically jump on me to do it

Sounds like a legit medical procedure.

You guys can believe what you want, but I'm a scientist, and I believe in evidence, statistics, and the Scientific Method, not anecdotes. I hope we can all still get along.

 

[stpug]

Sounds like a legit medical procedure.

You guys can believe what you want, but I'm a scientist, and I believe in evidence, statistics, and the Scientific Method, not anecdotes. I hope we can all still get along.

You ride that pony! Giddy-up!

 

[Paradigm]

Sounds like a legit medical procedure.

You guys can believe what you want, but I'm a scientist, and I believe in evidence, statistics, and the Scientific Method, not anecdotes. I hope we can all still get along.

The disagreement is fine, the hostility in which you purvey it, however, is interesting. You're pretty kombative in your posts.

I don't believe it cures diseases, but they can, and do, fix small spine issues. I had a slipped disk and they popped it into place. No voodoo, just pressure at the right place.

But I'm here to brew beer, not argue.

 

[Warthaug]

I usually stay out of these things, but as a life-long backpain sufferer (life-long = since mid-20's; close enough for government work) I just want to point out a few things.

The efficacy of chiropractic adjustments is well established - it's pretty poor: no evidence of benefit for any disease, although it can offer temporary and mild relief of back-pain.

However, there are a number of confirmed cases where chiropractors have killed or seriously injured patients during these manipulations, through tearing the carotid or vertebrobasilar arteries (example). There's also a growing body of evidence showing that a certain type of rare stroke appears to be greatly increased following chiropractic adjustments (example), meaning that these kinds of injuries may not be 1-off cases of malpractice, and rather a real risk of common chiropractic practice.

If you suffer from backpain/injury, get your MD to refer you to a quality physiotherapist or rehabilitation therapist. A few days of treatment and training (training = mix of lifting techniques & strengthening) will do far more to treat - and prevent occurrence - of back-pain. I made the mistake of seeing a chiropractor for my back - he actually did more harm than good. Three visits to a physiotherapist (which consisted mostly of training on proper lifting techniques and strengthening exercises) took my backpain from a chronic issue that frequently interfered with daily life to a rare issue that only crops up a few times per year - and usually after I do something stupid.

Bryan

PS: To the OP: a $10 back-brace (sometimes sold as "lifting braces") can save you a lot of pain.

 

[cannman]

From someone who has a chronic back issue and cash-credit at the chiropracter's office for exceeding my yearly co-pay responsibility, I have implemented:
1: Back Brace
2: Brew Haulers
3: Hot wort pump (leave the kettle where they boil, the pump will take the wort to the carboys etc)
4: Co2 transferring to secondary and bottling bucket and or KEG.

I haven't had a brew related back issue since! Now from work... different story...

Play safe!

 

[Natdavis777]

However, there are a number of confirmed cases where chiropractors have killed or seriously injured patients during these manipulations, through tearing the carotid or vertebrobasilar arteries (example). There's also a growing body of evidence showing that a certain type of rare stroke appears to be greatly increased following chiropractic adjustments (example), meaning that these kinds of injuries may not be 1-off cases of malpractice, and rather a real risk of common chiropractic practice.

My ex-girlfriend's older sister (early 30s) was rushed to our ED a few years back after a chiropractic session after experiencing stroke-like symptoms. He dissected her right vertebral during a manipulation. After speaking with one of our neurorads about it, he said he sees a few cases annually of this exact incident, induced from a chiropractor.

I too, suffer from chronic back pain, and once sought chiropractic help. Didnt do much help, but I dont hold that against them. What threw me off was how one of them claimed chiropractic saved her life. She was going on and on of the ancillary benefits (not just back pain relief) like blood pressure regulation, immune system benefits, etc. It was like she was pitching a sale to me. Not saying all of them act this way, but Ive heard of chiropractors making similar claims from other people.

 

[kombat]

My ex-girlfriend's older sister (early 30s) was rushed to our ED a few years back after a chiropractic session after experiencing stroke-like symptoms. He dissected her right vertebral during a manipulation.

But hey, you know, you can't judge, right? Some people choose naturopathy to treat their cancer, others might choose chemo and radiation (we call those ones "cancer survivors"). Different strokes for different folks. It's all equally valid, right?