Seeking Guidance on Persistent Back Pain
Age: 22 Two years ago, I experienced a Strep A infection, which later resulted in debilitating lower back pain that has progressively intensified. I'm uncertain about the next steps to take. An MRI scan didn’t reveal any underlying issues, but those around me are starting to believe my pain might be psychological. However, this situation is significantly impacting my daily life and activities.
Answers (1)
8/5/2025, 8:50:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel frustrated with ongoing back pain, especially when previous medical evaluations haven't provided clarity. While it's good news that an MRI didn't show any serious issues, it's important to remember that persistent pain can have multiple underlying causes, including muscle strain, posture issues, or even stress and anxiety. Your concerns about the pain affecting your daily life are valid, and addressing this situation should be a priority.
Explanation
Persistent back pain, especially after a significant illness like your Strep A infection, can indeed be multifaceted. If an MRI hasn’t revealed any specific structural problems, it may suggest that your pain could be related to muscular or soft tissue issues, which can sometimes arise following illness. Additionally, psychological factors such as stress or stress responses to chronic pain can also play a role, but that does not mean your pain is any less real or valid.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Your Pain: Keep a daily log of your pain (where it's located, its intensity, and what triggers or eases it). This can help clarify patterns and may assist any healthcare provider you choose to see in understanding your symptoms better.
-
Practice Gentle Movement: Engage in light exercises or stretching to improve flexibility and strengthen back muscles. Activities like yoga, swimming, or guided physical therapy can be beneficial. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of movement daily, focusing on gentle stretches.
-
Posture Awareness: Pay attention to your posture throughout the day, whether sitting, standing, or lifting objects. Ergonomically supportive seating and office setup can help reduce strain on your back.
-
Stress Management Techniques: Since your pain is impacting your life, consider practicing mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques that can help you manage any stress or anxiety surrounding your pain.
-
Seek Support: Talk to friends or family about your experience, and seek support from those who can provide understanding. If possible, consider consulting a healthcare provider who specializes in pain management, rehabilitation, or even a psychologist if you feel it could be helpful.
These steps aim to empower you to take control of your situation while allowing for adjustments should your circumstances change. If your pain continues to be intense or worsens, or if you notice new symptoms, it’s crucial to seek further evaluation. Remember, you are not alone in this, and finding the right resources and strategies can significantly improve your quality of life.
Related Questions
Discomfort in Ear After Insect Encounter
Introduction: Female, 25 years old, 5'4" tall, weighs 130 pounds, currently prescribed Breo and Albuterol for asthma; also uses a vape and smokes marijuana occasionally. Issue Description: Over a month ago, I experienced a distressing incident that occurred around 3am when I discovered an insect lodged in my ear. The sensation of it crawling and attempting to burrow was excruciating, especially when it moved. In a desperate attempt to resolve the situation, I poured water into my ear and rushed to the emergency room where the medical team successfully extracted the bug. They observed some inflammation and scratches, leading to a prescription for antibiotic ear drops. Although my ear felt fine for a short period, I have since started to experience some slight discomfort. The pain seems localized to the lower section of my ear and is triggered by pressure on that area or specific jaw movements. I've also noticed a reduction in hearing clarity in the affected ear, making it feel somewhat muffled compared to the other ear. I am scheduled to visit my doctor at the end of the month; however, I would appreciate any insights regarding the nature of this injury, potential risks to my hearing, and whether it might be advisable to seek medical attention sooner. Thank you!
Experiencing Pain During a Cavity Filling: Is It Common?
As a 20-year-old female in good health and a non-smoker, this was my initial experience with dental cavities. Today, I underwent my first filling. The dentist administered a local anesthetic through an injection, assuring me I would only experience pressure. Initially, that seemed to be accurate, but soon I began to feel intense pain. I could sense the drilling, and despite my attempts to express my discomfort, I found it difficult to communicate. I felt my body heat up, and every sensation was amplified. While I understand a degree of discomfort is expected, I was taken aback by the severity of the pain considering I had received anesthesia. Is this something many people experience?
Recovering from Shoulder Tendinitis
Greetings! First and foremost, I want to stress that any guidance I receive here should not be considered a replacement for the professional medical advice provided by my doctor. I am fully committed to verifying any suggestions with my healthcare provider before taking action. Thank you in advance for your understanding! I am a 30-year-old male and, aside from this shoulder issue, I'm generally in good health. My profession requires a high level of physical activity. Normally, I engage in weight lifting between three to six times a week, practice jiu jitsu two to three times a week, and train in judo one to two times weekly. Up until now, I have not experienced any significant injuries or surgeries on this shoulder. For the past couple of months, I've been dealing with pain in my right shoulder. I'm uncertain about how the issue began, but I suspect it may be related to overtraining. After the pain started, I promptly consulted with a physical therapist, who diagnosed me with shoulder tendinitis. I immediately ceased my lifting and stopped any jiu jitsu and judo sessions. To aid my recovery, I have been following these steps: - Attending physical therapy sessions one to two times weekly. - Steering clear of heavy lifting and any activities that could strain my shoulder. - Engaging in very light stretching and lifting exercises once or twice a week, strictly adhering to the guidance given by my physical therapist. Around a week ago, I noticed some positive changes; my shoulder felt more stable and I experienced little to no pain when moving my arm without added weight. However, this week, I needed to travel across the country for work and had to carry some luggage weighing approximately 20-30 pounds. Following this, it seems like my shoulder has returned to its previous painful state, akin to where I started. I'm seeking advice on the following: - Given that I am two months into my recovery with only minor improvements so far, should I consider an MRI to eliminate other possible issues and consult with an orthopedic specialist? Can they provide insight into any potential diagnoses beyond tendinitis? - Would a steroid injection be beneficial for my recovery, or would it merely mask the pain and risk re-injury? - Should I utilize ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications? Would they be effective, or would they simply serve to temporarily alleviate my discomfort? - At what stage in the recovery process do medical professionals typically deem surgery necessary? How advanced in the timeline would surgery be recommended? Again, I acknowledge that any advice offered here should not be considered a substitute for the medical expertise of my healthcare practitioners. I welcome any insights or personal experiences relevant to this injury, and I will ensure to discuss them with my doctor and physical therapist. Thank you!
Understanding My Symptoms: Seeking Clarity Beyond Wear and Tear
Today, I received my blood test results from a rheumatologist, who reassured me that everything falls within the normal range. Despite this assurance, I'm feeling anxious and have resorted to online research, which has only heightened my concerns. Here’s a summary of my symptoms: I experience persistent pain in my bones and joints—most notably in my finger joints, wrists, and the tops of my feet. The discomfort tends to be more pronounced after periods of inactivity, and sometimes, when I attempt to move my fingers, I feel resistance in my knuckles. Recently, I have also started to feel discomfort in my knees and shoulders. Additionally, I experience muscle soreness similar to post-exercise fatigue or the onset of the flu. Occasionally, I feel feverish with hot skin and a higher temperature, but I am not actually ill. From my blood tests, I noted that my C3 complement is slightly elevated at 185 mg/dl and the C-reactive protein level was 12. The kappa and lambda free light chains are within normal limits, yet the ratio of kappa to lambda is at 2.43. Furthermore, my vitamin D level is notably low at 12 ng/ml. As a vegan, my B12 and iron levels are healthy, but this vitamin deficiency may contribute to my symptoms. I also have a history of migraines and frequent headaches, though I’m uncertain whether these are related to my current issues. While my doctor attributed my discomfort to typical wear and tear from my physically demanding job, I genuinely feel unwell, and online resources suggest that my symptoms may warrant further investigation. Should I seek a second opinion, or accept that these sensations are just a natural part of aging in my thirties? Thank you for your thoughts!
Ongoing Discomfort: Seeking Answers to Persistent Symptoms
Profile: 25-year-old male, weighing 195 pounds, not on any medications, occasional social drinker, and non-smoker. For quite some time now, I have been suffering from an unyielding discomfort localized around my rectal and buttocks region. This sensation is akin to a persistent obstruction, leading to significant issues with both gas and bowel movements. It feels as though there is a barrier impeding their normal passage, resulting in continuous bouts of constipation and an uncomfortable build-up of gas that seems to exacerbate throughout the day. Typically, the gas only finds an outlet early in the morning once I wake and allow some time to pass. I liken this experience to being a balloon, gradually inflating without the relief of release. Engaging in volleyball twice weekly further intensifies this pressure, particularly after physical exertion. The pain I feel in the buttocks appears to vary in location — at times it’s centered, while on other occasions it shifts more to the sides. The sensations in the rectal region are challenging to articulate but are undeniably abnormal and persistent. Despite undergoing a colonoscopy, a CT scan, and an MRI, all of which returned normal results, I am left puzzled. What might be the underlying cause of these troubling symptoms, and what steps can I take to address this situation effectively?