Question: Dr,
Last summer I had moderate/severe lower back pain that continued for one to two months. During this time, I began having lower back spasms, mostly when lying in a supine position. The spasms are very strong in the lower back and hip area that give my body a very strong single jerk. This can repeat seconds later. The jerks change when I am in different postures, Although the back pain has been gone for more than four or five months, the spasms(?) still happen every single day. My neck spasms as well causing my head to wobble for several seconds. Sometimes my head jerks/turns to the side suddenly.
I am 29, female, caucasian, good health, 5'10", 128 lbs, nonsmoker, no history of illegal drugs, have a drink or two about once a month. No history of seizures or other neurological disorders. Have worked as a dental hygienist for 7 years, a concern is that I may have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus. Several years ago I went to a chiropractor. She told me that my spine is extremely flat and does not curve.
Could the jerking be a side effect of medications (taking 6 prescriptions), a muscular reaction from the back pain and could be treated with muscle relaxers, injury to my spine, signs of a neurological disorder like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Lyme disease? No history of MS or Parkinson's in my family.
Do these sounds like spasms or tremors? What, if any, diagnostic tests should I discuss with my physician first? I understand there are many possibilities and you can't diagnose me over the internet but I would like to know which are the first line scenarios to focus on first with my physician.
Thank you.