Dealing with Back Pain
At the age of 15, I received a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease along with a herniated disc located at L-5. Now, at 21 years old, I stand 5’7 and weigh 170 pounds. Over the years, I have undergone various treatments including physical therapy, steroid injections, and have taken Flexeril to alleviate my back issues. Unfortunately, I've never consulted a spine specialist because I hadn’t been referred to one. Just last Friday, I experienced severe back pain, prompting me to visit urgent care as the discomfort became unbearable. They administered a pain-relief injection along with Flexeril, but I have yet to experience any significant improvement. My entire upper back feels numb and tingly, accompanied by sharp, shooting pains throughout my body. Given this situation, do you think I should head to the emergency room, or should I allow more time for the injection and medication to take effect? Thank you for any advice you can provide!
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 7:10:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation of severe back pain and associated symptoms like numbness and tingling. Given your history of degenerative disc disease and a herniated disc, it's important to carefully consider your next steps.
Main Points:
- Severity of Symptoms: Your numbness, tingling, and sharp shooting pains are concerning and warrant attention.
- Current Treatment: While medications and injections can take time to work, the severity of your current symptoms suggests the need for prompt evaluation.
Explanation:
Degenerative disc disease and herniated discs can lead to nerve compression, which might explain your symptoms of numbness and tingling, as well as sharp pains. The lack of significant improvement following your recent visit to urgent care indicates that your situation might need more immediate assessment, especially considering your notable discomfort.
Next Steps:
- Evaluate Symptoms: If you experience any worsening of your symptoms, such as increased numbness, difficulty walking, loss of bowel or bladder control, or new symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
- Emergency Room Decision: Given the severity of your upper back numbness and associated shooting pains, it may be reasonable to go to the emergency room now, especially if the pain relief from your recent treatment isn't sufficient.
- Documentation: Keep a record of your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and any activities that worsen or improve them. This can help healthcare professionals understand your situation better.
Trust your instincts regarding your pain. It's crucial to ensure you are safe and to prevent any potential complications related to your back condition. Take care and seek the right help.
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