Lower Back Pain Radiating to Hips and Pelvic Area
**Patient Background:** Female, 35 years old, residing in the UK, of White British descent, height 5'2", weight 238 lbs, currently not expecting, smoker, non-drinker, and somewhat inactive. No illegal drug use reported. Has a medical history including OCD, anxiety, and PCOS. Currently on a daily dosage of 100mg Sertraline, which has been ongoing for the past 15 years. **Presenting Symptoms:** To simplify, here’s how everything unfolded: - A week ago, I awoke experiencing mild to moderate discomfort in my lower back. I tried to rest and took some paracetamol. - The following day, while attempting to lift an item, my back went out entirely. - That night was unbearable; I couldn’t sleep, sit, or walk due to intense pain. - The next day, the pain persisted, and I finally managed to drift off for about an hour. However, upon waking, I discovered I couldn’t turn over; my back was completely locked up. - Once I found the strength to move, I encountered severe spasms and cramps in my lower back, which remained tense despite efforts to relax. It took me 45 minutes and assistance from my husband to get to my feet, and I was unable to use the restroom independently. - Subsequently, I visited a GP during out-of-hours, where I was prescribed Diazepam for a few days, providing only marginal relief. - The following days were dreadful, with sitting and lying down being especially painful. I could only shuffle short distances instead of walking. - Though slow walking gradually alleviated some discomfort, I often had to halt again due to pain. A week has now passed, and while the situation has improved, it’s still not ideal: - Mornings are stiff, accompanied by slight cramps when I stand after rising from bed. - The pain, which has shifted to a more dull ache and tightness, is now felt throughout my lower back and has spread to both hips. - Being female, I also experience discomfort in my pelvic area, reminiscent of menstrual cramps. - There’s a tingling sensation in my outer right thigh while standing, though I see no redness or numbness. Is this response typical for someone recuperating from a significant muscle strain? To be frank, I’m worried about the pain extending into my pelvic region. My struggles with OCD and anxiety amplify my fears that this may indicate a deeper issue, despite the abrupt intensity of the initial discomfort suggesting otherwise. I do not have any additional symptoms beyond what I have described—no discoloration, numbness, or loss of bodily functions, etc. Could this be attributed to a muscle strain or is there a possibility of another underlying issue? Thank you.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 4:10:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort and worry, which is completely understandable given the intensity of your pain and the changes you've noted. From what you've described, it appears that your symptoms may be related to a severe muscle strain, perhaps exacerbated by factors such as your weight, activity level, and possibly previous health conditions like PCOS. However, I can understand your concerns regarding pain radiating to your hips and pelvic area.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
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Muscle Strain: The initial back pain and subsequent severe spasms you experienced suggest that you might have strained a muscle or ligament in your lower back. Muscle strains can take time to heal, often manifesting as stiffness, aches, and occasionally radiating discomfort.
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Nerve Impingement: The tingling sensation in your outer right thigh could indicate nerve irritation, possibly due to muscular or structural issues in your lower back.
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Pelvic Discomfort: The pelvic pain that feels akin to menstrual cramps could be related to local muscle tension or irritation stemming from your back pain, especially if the muscles around your hips and lower back are involved.
Next Steps:
Here are some prioritized actions you can take to help manage your symptoms and aid recovery:
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Gentle Movement: Continue with gentle, low-impact activities like walking, as it can help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness. Avoid any heavy lifting or activities that trigger pain.
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Stretching and Strengthening: Consider implementing gentle stretches for your lower back and legs, as well as strengthening exercises for your core muscles. This can help support your back and alleviate tension. Look into physical therapy resources or guided exercises tailored for lower back pain.
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Pain Management: Continue using paracetamol as needed for pain relief. Some patients find relief with heat application (like a warm compress) which can help relax tight muscles. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be beneficial if suitable for you; just ensure to follow the manufacturer's guidance.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation: Given your history with anxiety and OCD, incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness exercises may help manage both your pain perception and anxiety levels.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document any changes or patterns concerning your pain, mobility, and sensations so you can share these insights if you need to seek further medical advice later.
If you experience any worsening of symptoms, new symptoms such as significant numbness, weakness in the legs, or loss of bowel or bladder control, it's crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Your health and peace of mind are important, so continue to monitor your symptoms closely. Reach out for support if your anxiety regarding this situation becomes overwhelming.
Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
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