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What Causes Lower Back Pain?

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Posted on Sat, 3 Jan 2015
Question: Been having lower back pain for 7 weeks. Saw an orthopedic and was given muscle relaxers and pain medication. Sent for an x-ray and an MRI which I believe are mostly normal. I have started physical therapy 2x week to help. What can this pain be from and how do I get it to stop hurting so badly. Could I have sprained my back and if so why would the pain last so long?Could there also be nerve damage or would that have shown up on MRI?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Sprained back is a possibility.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
From x-Ray and MRI reports doesn't result a decent cause for your symptoms.
Mild back pain could be justified from fascet arthrosis on x-ray, but moderate to severe pain is not justified.
Overstretching of back muscles could be a possibility of your back pain.
It should started subsiding after drug treatment and physical therapy.
I suggest to continue treatment with pain medications and physical therapy for another two weeks.
You can apply warm procedures to your back too.
If symptoms persist, other causes of your concern should be evaluated.
Nerve damage usually gives symptoms in one or both legs too, besides the back.
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (20 minutes later)
I am sorry I forgot to mention I do have pain going down from left side of my back to my back of my left thigh but not past the knee. Would trigger point injections be of some help in healing and getting rid of pain.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Injections help in selected cases.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again. In that case there is need to evaluate which damaged nerve causes your symptoms.

This can be done with clinical evaluation and nerve conduction test (ENMG).

After that there is created the possibility to inject cortisonics locally where the nerve is pinched. ( if it is pinched).

Hope this helps. Wishing you good health.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Brief Answer: Sprained back is a possibility. Detailed Answer: Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. From x-Ray and MRI reports doesn't result a decent cause for your symptoms. Mild back pain could be justified from fascet arthrosis on x-ray, but moderate to severe pain is not justified. Overstretching of back muscles could be a possibility of your back pain. It should started subsiding after drug treatment and physical therapy. I suggest to continue treatment with pain medications and physical therapy for another two weeks. You can apply warm procedures to your back too. If symptoms persist, other causes of your concern should be evaluated. Nerve damage usually gives symptoms in one or both legs too, besides the back. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have further questions. Wishing you good health.