Did Squats Wrong, Pulled Back Muscle

[HNNstyle]

First, I want to say it really hurts. I was only squatting 70 pounds, not including the bar weight and stood in the wrong position lifting pretty fast. Then, I felt a pop in my lower right back. I was in excruciating pain for about 7 hours because I couldn't get up to grab some pain relievers. I went home, slowly took a shower, and went to lay in bed. Then I couldn't get up and I was stuck in agonizing throbbing pain. O gawd did it hurt. When my brother finally got home, I was able to get him to grab me some Aleve.

After doing a few google searches, it told me that I shouldn't stay stationary and it's actually better if I move around. I was wondering if there are any other tips I could do to help with this recovery? Also, how do I tell the severity of the pain. I read that if it is sever then I might need surgery. I really hope that's not the case.

Lastly, I'm only going to do squats with machines from now on. No more free weights for me.

Edit: I was thinking about going back to the gym on Wednesday and doing some cardio. Probably just going to jog instead of sprint, pushups, and work on my arms. How's that sound? I will start sprinting on Thursday. Just wondering what is a good time to start hitting the gym in a normal fashion without injuring myself. Maybe I'll leave working out my back until next week? They say I shouldn't be stationary so should I add some back workouts this week? I was injured Sunday morning at 10am.

 

[tedrodai]

I was wondering if there are any other tips I could do to help with this recovery?

Sorry, someone's gotta say it, so here goes. If you are truly in excrutiating pain, step 1 is to see a doctor. They can hopefully help you determine what type of injury you have and how severe. Rest is the proper treatment. You don't want to hinder your circulation by laying on it all day, but you absolutely don't want to do exercises that stress your injured muscle (if it's indeed a muscle injury) before it has a chance to heal--you'll make it worse.

Lastly, I'm only going to do squats with machines from now on. No more free weights for me.

This probably isn't going to be as helpful as you think it is. You said that you injured your back because you were in the wrong position when you stood with the weight on your back. A machine doesn't magically correct your form and technique. You need to make sure you use smooth, controlled motions and correct form whether you use free-weights or machines. You can injure yourself on machines as well.

 

[MotF Bane]

That badly hurt, go see a doctor.

Don't work out until your doctor says it is okay, and don't go to machines.

 

[episodic]

See doc
On youtube, look up "ripptoe" and "squats" - watch the technique. Hope your back is ok, that sucks.

 

[Baked]

If there's no inflammation, try getting a sports massage from a reputable massage place.

 

[Saint Nick]

I would take a week off and then resume weight lifting. I have pulled muscles in my lower back while deadlifting a couple times. My fault though, trying to do too much weight.

I say reduce weight and resume. Or switch to a leg press, but thats gay.

 

[conorvansmack]

Or switch to a leg press, but thats gay.

LOL!

 

[HNNstyle]

I'm feeling fine now with a little bit of soreness. So I think my original plan to start hitting the gym on Wednesday is fine. I'm just going to mainly do cardio and pushups this week.

 

[conorvansmack]

Start with air squats and watch some technique vidoes. Check out Starting Strength Wiki.