pulled my back... need some advice!

[madeofflesh777]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum...
So I was being a complete idiot, and on Saturday March 8th and I pulled my back doing some simple bicep curls. I hadn't gone to the gym in over a week from having a the flu so I was really pumped up to get back into it. I got excited and felt a sharp pull in my lower back.
Since then I've been recovering slowly... I have bad mobility if I sit for an extended period of time. When I get momentum going while walking my back hurts less. I've been doing stretching exercises to ease the tension from my lower back, and it helps me be more mobile. This is my fourth day of dealing with it, and I'm alot more mobile and I can tell that things are improving but this morning I noticed some slight swelling on my lower back which has me concerned. I've been taking Ibuprofen for pain.
How long should I hold out until I go back to at least do some cardio? Is there anything I should be mindful of besides possibly going to a doctor about this?
I need a second or third opinion.
Thanks guys.

[ironwill2008]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum...
So I was being a complete idiot, and on Saturday March 8th and I pulled my back doing some simple bicep curls. I hadn't gone to the gym in over a week from having a the flu so I was really pumped up to get back into it. I got excited and felt a sharp pull in my lower back.
Since then I've been recovering slowly... I have bad mobility if I sit for an extended period of time. When I get momentum going while walking my back hurts less. I've been doing stretching exercises to ease the tension from my lower back, and it helps me be more mobile. This is my fourth day of dealing with it, and I'm alot more mobile and I can tell that things are improving but this morning I noticed some slight swelling on my lower back which has me concerned. I've been taking Ibuprofen for pain.
How long should I hold out until I go back to at least do some cardio? Is there anything I should be mindful of besides possibly going to a doctor about this?
I need a second or third opinion.
Thanks guys.

It would probably be best to see a doctor, especially if you can see swelling. If you try to work around this, it could get worse, and turn into a chronic problem. Of course, it's your decision.

[madeofflesh777]

It would probably be best to see a doctor, especially if you can see swelling. If you try to work around this, it could get worse, and turn into a chronic problem. Of course, it's your decision.

Not that I'm disagreeing with you, but its more of like a skin discoloration exactly like a bruise looks like, its not really swollen. Sorry I worded that incorrectly.

But thank you, I appreciate the advice.