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Hi, I've Been Experiencing Severe Pain In My Lower Back
Question: Hi, I've been experiencing severe pain in my lower back for at least 4 days. Also numbness in my glutes, heels/big toe and pinky fingers (periodically) and then it feels like my legs become jelly.
Brief Answer:
because of the numbness and weakness- need to be seen
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Lower back pain, numbness and weakness are usually related to changes in the back that are affecting the nerves that are present between the vertebra (bones in the back) and supply the gluteal region and lower limb.
If the numbness and weakness were not present then you would be able to consider just taking medications and doing strength training of back at home.
The presence of those symptoms however means that it would be best to be seen as soon as you can because imaging of the back with an initial xray and possibly with an MRI (because this shows the nerves and bones while x rays only show the bones)
The only reason imaging may not be suggested would be if you have previous recent imaging of the back or have a history of back pain with nerve symptoms.
It is possible that the symptoms are due to sciatica which refers to pain that is related to problems with the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is a nerve that is formed from nerves that come out from between the spaces between the bones in the back.
Problems with the sciatic nerve can occur in different situations eg arthritis of the back, spinal stenosis (narrowing of spaces), prolapsed discs etc. Imaging would help determine if any of these or any other issues , are present
Treatment would depend on the findings of the physical examination and imaging of the back.
In many many persons, the condition is not serious and treatment is effective
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
because of the numbness and weakness- need to be seen
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Lower back pain, numbness and weakness are usually related to changes in the back that are affecting the nerves that are present between the vertebra (bones in the back) and supply the gluteal region and lower limb.
If the numbness and weakness were not present then you would be able to consider just taking medications and doing strength training of back at home.
The presence of those symptoms however means that it would be best to be seen as soon as you can because imaging of the back with an initial xray and possibly with an MRI (because this shows the nerves and bones while x rays only show the bones)
The only reason imaging may not be suggested would be if you have previous recent imaging of the back or have a history of back pain with nerve symptoms.
It is possible that the symptoms are due to sciatica which refers to pain that is related to problems with the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is a nerve that is formed from nerves that come out from between the spaces between the bones in the back.
Problems with the sciatic nerve can occur in different situations eg arthritis of the back, spinal stenosis (narrowing of spaces), prolapsed discs etc. Imaging would help determine if any of these or any other issues , are present
Treatment would depend on the findings of the physical examination and imaging of the back.
In many many persons, the condition is not serious and treatment is effective
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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