It’s Been 3 Weeks With Lower Back Pain: Should I See a Doctor?
My lower back has been sore ever since I lifted something heavy, and it hasn’t gotten better for 3 weeks. My legs don’t feel numb, and sitting down makes it a bit better.
Should I just go to an orthopedic clinic? Or would a Korean medicine clinic be better?
3 answers
If it's been 3 weeks, just go. I did the same, kept holding out, and went when it reached 6 weeks—and in the end, early on, physical therapy was the only option. The right order is to go to an orthopedic clinic first and at least get an X-ray. If there's no leg numbness, it's probably not urgent, but 3 weeks is a bit long.
If the back stiffness started after you lifted something heavy, it's probably muscular, but the fact that sitting makes it better actually gives me pause. Pain easing when you sit is also a common pattern in early disc issues... isn't that an old wives' tale? The saying that it's fine if you don't have leg numbness is dangerous too, since numbness often shows up later. If it hurts more when you walk or stand, go to an orthopedic clinic and get their opinion; it's not too late to go to a Korean medicine clinic after getting a diagnosis first.
Just go to an orthopedic clinic. Telling someone to go to a Korean medicine clinic first is a bit off lol. Getting acupuncture before you've even been diagnosed is just the wrong order, isn't it?