Seeking Insight on Recent Back Issues
I’m a 47-year-old woman dealing with persistent discomfort in my lower back. Standing at 5'3" and weighing 175 pounds, I currently manage cervical radiculopathy with gabapentin and address anxiety and depression with Lexapro. My medical history includes two surgeries on my neck due to degenerative disc disease. Recently, I experienced a back strain that triggered severe sciatica symptoms. While it felt manageable initially, I faced challenges returning to work on Monday, where the demands involved significant bending, twisting, and squatting. By Wednesday, I was struggling with numbness and considerable pain in my entire left leg. To address this, I consulted an on-call orthopedic specialist to discuss the possibility of a steroid pack for reducing inflammation. They conducted an X-ray and assured me that the results appeared fine. However, the visit documentation indicated, "X-rays taken today show no acute or chronic abnormalities." I have a follow-up appointment with a different orthopedic surgeon on the 20th to consider new MRI scans, as it has been two years since my last imaging, which only revealed minor arthritis and disc deterioration. I’m eager for someone to review the imaging results and provide clarity on the doctor's remarks, particularly since the doctor stated that the X-rays looked good. Though the flare-up has been adequately managed with prednisone, my curiosity compels me to seek additional insights. I will share the images in the comments for reference.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 11:20:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a complicated situation with your back pain, and I'm here to help clarify what you've shared and offer actionable steps. The orthopedic specialist mentioned that your X-rays showed no acute or chronic abnormalities, which is generally a positive sign. This means there were no obvious problems detected in the images, but it doesn't fully explain your ongoing symptoms.
Explanation: Back pain, especially with radiating symptoms like sciatica, often stems from issues not always visible on X-rays, including soft tissue problems (like muscle strain) or nerve irritation. The discomfort in your lower back, alongside the numbness and pain in your left leg, suggests possible irritation of the nerves in your lower back.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring and Management:
- Continue any prescribed medications (like gabapentin and prednisone) as directed. It may help to keep a daily symptom diary noting your pain levels throughout different activities to identify triggers.
- Use heat or cold therapy on your lower back to alleviate discomfort. Heat can relax tense muscles, while cold can reduce inflammation.
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Activity Modification:
- Avoid activities that worsen your pain, especially bending, twisting, and heavy lifting. When you return to work, ensure that your duties allow for breaks and proper body mechanics to minimize strain.
- Consider gentle stretching or physical therapy exercises if they have been recommended by your healthcare provider. These can strengthen your back and improve flexibility, which may alleviate some discomfort.
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Follow-Up on Imaging and Care:
- Prepare for your upcoming appointment with the orthopedic surgeon by listing specific questions or concerns you have about your condition. Discuss the need for an MRI if your symptoms do not improve, as it can provide deeper insights into the soft tissues and nerve structures.
- Inquire about other modalities if pain persists, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or even a referral to a pain specialist who can explore other pain management strategies.
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Seek Support:
- Consider reaching out to support groups or counseling, especially as you mentioned experiencing anxiety and depression alongside physical issues. Managing mental health can be crucial when dealing with chronic pain.
Your proactive approach to seeking clarity and understanding about your condition is commendable. Take care, and remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone—support is available, both medically and emotionally. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance!
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