Seeking Temporary Relief for Intense Back Pain While Abroad
I’m a 20-year-old female with a BMI of 23.8, and I've recently undergone an MRI due to persistent lower back pain. Alongside this, I also cope with fibromyalgia and POTS. Currently, I'm in a different time zone and only have access to cannabis and Aleve, which haven't provided any relief. I’ve spent more than 20 hours in bed, likely due to a fatigue episode and possibly a cold, and while I’ve attempted to go for short walks, they leave me utterly exhausted. I have an appointment lined up for physical therapy upon my return, but the pain is so severe that restful sleep feels impossible. Some stretches I’ve attempted, like the snake stretch or the cat-cow position, tend to exacerbate my discomfort. Any suggestions for safe practices or recommended resources would be incredibly helpful, as I've struggled to find consistent advice on managing my pain. **MRI Findings**: - The spinal alignment is normal. - The vertebral bodies are of regular height with no marrow edema or aggressive lesions. - There is mild disc dehydration and slight height reduction at the L5-S1 region, with other disc heights remaining intact. - The spinal cord ends at the L1-2 level. - The surrounding soft tissues and the retroperitoneal area appear normal. - Detailed level examinations have shown no significant abnormalities from T12 to L4-5, while L5-S1 reveals a minor diffuse disc bulge but no significant stenosis in the spinal canal or neural foramina. **Conclusion**: Mild degenerative changes are present at L5-S1, without any significant constriction in the spinal canal or neural pathways.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 9:40:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a challenging situation of intense back pain, fatigue, and underlying conditions like fibromyalgia and POTS. Your MRI results indicate mild degenerative changes but no significant issues that usually require immediate intervention. Let's focus on providing you with some strategies to alleviate your pain temporarily while you await further treatment.
Main Points
- Focus on Gentle Practices: Adjust your current movement to avoid exacerbating pain.
- Utilize Available Resources: Use Aleve appropriately and consider alternative pain management strategies.
- Prioritize Restful Sleep: Implement techniques to improve sleep quality.
Explanation
You have underlying conditions that can complicate your pain management, and it seems the activities you've tried so far may not be suitable given your current state. Since you’re feeling fatigued and experiencing heightened pain, it’s important to modify your approach to movements and rest.
Next Steps
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Modify Movement:
- Gentle Movements: Instead of your current stretches, consider gentle movements like pelvic tilts while lying on your back. This can loosen your lower back without straining it.
- Rest and Reassess: If activities like short walks exacerbate your symptoms, it’s okay to take a break and rest. Avoid forcing yourself to move if your body isn’t ready.
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Pain Management with Aleve:
- Dosage and Frequency: Ensure you take Aleve (naproxen) as directed on the packaging (usually every 8-12 hours, but not exceeding the maximum daily dose). It may help with inflammation and pain.
- Hydration: Make sure you're drinking enough water, as dehydration can worsen fatigue, especially with POTS.
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Improve Sleep Quality:
- Sleep Environment: Ensure your sleeping area is comfortable; consider using pillows to support your knees or lower back when lying down.
- Relaxation Techniques: Prioritize relaxation activities before bedtime, such as deep breathing, guided meditations, or listening to calming music, which may help facilitate better sleep.
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Explore Cannabis Use Carefully:
- If you have access to cannabis, consider using it for pain relief. However, be mindful of its effects on your fatigue and overall state. Choose strains known for pain relief (like indica) and monitor how it affects you.
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Track Your Symptoms:
- Keeping a symptom journal can help you identify patterns and triggers for your pain and fatigue, which may provide valuable insights for your future healthcare providers.
Make sure to listen to your body and adjust as necessary. Focus on what feels comfortable and helps you manage your symptoms best until you can access your physical therapy upon your return. If your pain worsens or you encounter new symptoms, reevaluate your approach or seek assistance. Let me know if you need further strategies!
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