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Suggest Remedy For Severe Lower Back Pain
Question: I started having bad back pain over a month ago, thinking at first I 'threw out' my back at work. After a while I realized it was likely not a muscle issue (no pain in any of the muscles) I have become more worried about what it could be. It feels like it is in the bone itself, lower back in the lumbar region and down. It becomes much worse when I add any weight above my own, long periods of standing, twisting and bending, and when I go from a standing to a sitting position. When I bend past the normal sitting position (chest into lap) the pain is lower down my spine than usual (more the tailbone region). I can not think of anything I did specifically to aggrevate or injure anything just prior to it starting to hurt over a month ago.
The pain, when at its worst (8 of 10), feels like my backbone is in a vice that tightens ever so often with a sharp stabbing pain intermitantly in the middle of the vice.
Shortly after it started to hurt I did three rounds of chiropractic treatment (doctor noted a bad alignment), but even after everything was aligned the pain was not reduced. I also have gotten 2 massages focusing on the lower back, hips and thighs (therapist noted tight hamstrings).
Over the counter pain management has not helped and my job does not allow for any periods of rest.
This is my last ditch effort before having to spend money on a doctor visit that may turn into a referral to a specialist. Thank you for any insight you can provide.
The pain, when at its worst (8 of 10), feels like my backbone is in a vice that tightens ever so often with a sharp stabbing pain intermitantly in the middle of the vice.
Shortly after it started to hurt I did three rounds of chiropractic treatment (doctor noted a bad alignment), but even after everything was aligned the pain was not reduced. I also have gotten 2 massages focusing on the lower back, hips and thighs (therapist noted tight hamstrings).
Over the counter pain management has not helped and my job does not allow for any periods of rest.
This is my last ditch effort before having to spend money on a doctor visit that may turn into a referral to a specialist. Thank you for any insight you can provide.
Brief Answer:
Mechanical low back pain
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for contacting us. I will try to answer your question to the best of my ability.
What you are describing sounds like mechanical low back pain. I presume you don't have any of the so called "red flags"? These “red flags” include a history of trauma, fever, incontinence, unexplained weight loss, a cancer history, long-term steroid use, parenteral drug abuse, and intense localized pain and an inability to get into a comfortable position.
If not, then mechanical low back pain is likely. The cause of the pain is often difficult to pinpoint. A strain of the soft tissues - muscle, ligament, disc - is possible. Sometimes the pain is posture related. It is often very difficult to give patients a specific anatomical diagnosis for low back pain - even with all the hi-tech imaging studies etc.
For the first 6 weeks I treat this type of pain with conservative treatment. This includes stretching, strength exercises, hot and cold therapy, medications and activity modifications. Attention to posture is also important.
If still symptomatic after 6 weeks I will order plain xrays. A scan is NOT needed.
If the xrays are negative I will usually have the patient see a physical therapist for a comprehensive rehab program.
At your age I would not suspect anything serious. Rarely if symptoms persist and don't respond to therapy we will do an MRI scan.
Hang in there- I think you have a good chance that your symptoms will resolve soon. I hope this is useful for you. Please message me back if you have any further questions.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Adrian Rawlinson MD
Mechanical low back pain
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for contacting us. I will try to answer your question to the best of my ability.
What you are describing sounds like mechanical low back pain. I presume you don't have any of the so called "red flags"? These “red flags” include a history of trauma, fever, incontinence, unexplained weight loss, a cancer history, long-term steroid use, parenteral drug abuse, and intense localized pain and an inability to get into a comfortable position.
If not, then mechanical low back pain is likely. The cause of the pain is often difficult to pinpoint. A strain of the soft tissues - muscle, ligament, disc - is possible. Sometimes the pain is posture related. It is often very difficult to give patients a specific anatomical diagnosis for low back pain - even with all the hi-tech imaging studies etc.
For the first 6 weeks I treat this type of pain with conservative treatment. This includes stretching, strength exercises, hot and cold therapy, medications and activity modifications. Attention to posture is also important.
If still symptomatic after 6 weeks I will order plain xrays. A scan is NOT needed.
If the xrays are negative I will usually have the patient see a physical therapist for a comprehensive rehab program.
At your age I would not suspect anything serious. Rarely if symptoms persist and don't respond to therapy we will do an MRI scan.
Hang in there- I think you have a good chance that your symptoms will resolve soon. I hope this is useful for you. Please message me back if you have any further questions.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Adrian Rawlinson MD
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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