Overwhelming Back Pain Experience
Summary: After being shuffled between different medical professionals, I've yet to receive a clear diagnosis or effective treatment for my excruciating back pain. I am reaching out for guidance. I am a 28-year-old woman, standing 5'6" and weighing 220 pounds. I do not smoke. For the past five months, I have been searching for answers without success. To provide some context: approximately 17 months ago, I underwent surgery for a lumbar microdiscectomy. About five months ago, I began experiencing a sensation of numbness in my medial left foot, which has since intensified. As this issue escalated to include significant lumbar and sacroiliac joint pain, I consulted with my neurosurgeon. Following imaging studies, I was told there were no abnormalities and was directed to a pain management specialist. After several more imaging procedures, test injections, and a regimen of prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and pain relief, there has been no alleviation of my symptoms. Subsequently, I was sent to a rheumatologist who conducted additional imaging and tests. The blood analysis indicated heightened inflammation levels and a positive genetic screen for ankylosing spondylitis. However, an MRI failed to show any vertebral fusion, leading the doctor to suggest waiting for another MRI in a year. I am suffering from relentless, debilitating pain that drastically limits my daily activities. Simple tasks such as dressing, shaving, or picking items off the floor require assistance. I often face severe nausea and lack of appetite, and extreme pain can trigger episodes of full-body tremors. I find myself at a loss, feeling desperate for change and not knowing where to seek further help. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 2:21:15 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the overwhelming pain and challenges you've been facing. It sounds like you've been very proactive in seeking help, which is commendable. Your situation is complex, especially with a history of lumbar surgery, recent diagnoses, and ongoing pain.
Key Points:
You have persistent and debilitating back pain, potential indicators of ankylosing spondylitis, and widespread symptoms that severely impact your daily activities. Here’s what you can consider moving forward:
Explanation:
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, leading to pain and potentially reduced mobility. The presence of inflammation and genetic markers supports this possibility, even if there’s no current evidence of fusion on imaging. Your experiences of nausea, tremors, and significant restriction in daily activities could be symptoms of pain intensified by inflammation, which may require tailored approaches to management.
Next Steps:
-
Regular Monitoring and Documentation:
- Keep a detailed journal of your pain levels, symptoms (including frequency of numbness, tremors, and tests), and any triggers. This documentation can be useful for healthcare providers and may help refine treatment options.
-
Adjust Pain Management Strategies:
- Since traditional medications have not alleviated your pain, discuss with your pain management specialist the possibility of adjusting your medication regimen. Sometimes a combination of medications, including muscle relaxants, certain antidepressants, or alternative options like nerve blocks, may be beneficial.
- Consider integrating physical therapy designed for inflammatory back disorders. Gentle, guided movements can help maintain mobility and potentially reduce pain.
-
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Engage in low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, which can help keep your spine flexible without placing excessive strain on it.
- Maintain a balanced diet aimed at reducing inflammation (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish).
-
Holistic Support:
- Explore complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, yoga, or mindfulness techniques, to manage pain and stress levels effectively. These methods won’t replace medical treatment but may enhance your overall well-being.
-
Seek a Multidisciplinary Approach:
- If you haven’t yet, consider consulting with a rheumatologist who specializes in inflammatory conditions or a multidisciplinary pain management center. They can provide a fresh perspective and potentially lead to a better-coordinated treatment plan.
-
Patient Advocacy:
- Sometimes, getting a second opinion or a referral to a specialized clinic for ankylosing spondylitis may be beneficial. This could lead to more targeted treatment strategies.
Emotional Support:
It’s important to prioritize emotional and psychological support during this difficult time. Consider speaking with a counselor or joining support groups for individuals with chronic pain or autoimmune conditions. Connecting with others who face similar challenges can offer encouragement and practical tips.
It can feel daunting, but remember, you are not alone in this journey. Your health is a priority, and seeking the right combination of treatment and support can lead to improvement over time. Please feel free to reach out for further clarification on any of these points or additional support.
Related Questions
Navigating Severe Leg Discomfort: What Are Our Options?
My partner, who is 34 years old and has been experiencing persistent discomfort in their back, legs, and feet for a couple of years, is now facing escalated pain levels. Typically, the discomfort was manageable using over-the-counter medication or cannabis, but in recent weeks, it has escalated to a point where it significantly impacts daily life. Today, he mentioned having difficulty walking due to the intensity of the pain. While I realize this isn’t extensive information, I am reaching out in hopes that someone can offer guidance on the next steps. Should he first consult a general practitioner, or should we consider a rheumatologist? I want to be cautious as he has had adverse experiences with the medical field, and I aim to minimize unnecessary appointments. He is currently on several medications, including quetiapine, hydroxyzine, sertraline, bupropion, atorvastatin, and Vyvanse. His medical history includes ADHD, anxiety, depression, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea, along with being classified as overweight. There have been no recent adjustments to his medication regimes or any variations in his weight or other health concerns. One consideration that I have is that he recently transitioned from a physically intensive job to a more sedentary desk position. Could this change in lifestyle be exacerbating his current condition?
Should I Be Worried About This Bruise Behind My Knee?
I’m not a smoker and I’m not on any medications. A bruise appeared on the back of my knee on the 8th; it started as a small red dot and has since changed to a yellowish hue with some purple spots. I’m not sure how it happened, but it’s possible I bumped my calf while exercising. I began a workout routine about a month ago, but since noticing this bruise, I've experienced some discomfort relating to nerve issues in my hip, back, and right leg. It could be a pinched nerve or perhaps sciatica. I have refrained from exercising since I saw the bruise. Currently, I am feeling pain in my leg, but it’s difficult to determine whether it stems from the bruise or the longstanding nerve issues, which have been bothering me for a few years, albeit not typically this intensely. The sensations vary from sharp tingling in different areas of my leg and foot to mild cramps in the calf or thigh area, accompanied by a feeling of tightness that fluctuates. It does not hurt to walk, and while the discomfort is consistently mild, it is still present. There’s no swelling or redness around the bruise. The color of the bruise is a bit more vivid when seen in person. Should I consult a doctor about this? Is it merely a common bruise, or is there a risk it might be something more serious, like a blood clot?
Occasional Discomfort and Cramps in the Left Side of the Abdomen
A 20-year-old female, standing at 5’3" and weighing 93 pounds, shares her recent health experiences: Last Sunday, I experienced the loss of my cat. The following day, I sought urgent care due to frequent urination—only to find out that I didn't have a urinary tract infection, which has been a persistent concern of mine. On Tuesday, I felt fine for most of the day, but after going out for pizza, I began experiencing cramping in my left abdomen. Throughout the day, I had taken two Gas-X pills and two Advil, nothing beyond that. On Wednesday, I had some digestive issues, likely due to overeating the day before. I did go out again, this time for dinner with my mom, but by the end of the day, I was feeling somewhat better. Thursday was particularly rough. I felt off, almost disconnected, and my stomach seemed to be in revolt. I made sure to hydrate thoroughly and took some Pepto-Bismol for relief. By Friday, my stomach had improved, even though I was still feeling anxious about my condition. I consulted my primary care physician, who recommended Pepcid along with a bland diet. Despite the advice, I still felt dizzy and not quite myself. Fortunately, by Saturday, things seemed to normalize, and my stomach felt fine once more. However, from Sunday into Monday, I experienced morning discomfort and a sensation of fullness that made me uneasy. On Monday night, I decided to stop taking Pepcid, which led to a slight improvement in how I felt overall. Throughout this time, I noted a peculiar sensation in my left abdomen—not painful, but more of a dull presence that wouldn’t go away. Last night, I encountered intense menstrual cramps that persisted throughout the day, focusing mainly on the left side. This was unusual for me; I usually take Advil before my period starts, but I had been hesitant to do so this time due to my stomach concerns. However, I did take one pain reliever before the cramping intensified. Is this feeling normal? I was prescribed some anxiety medication, possibly to help me cope with the stress from losing my cat. But the cramping I experienced felt distinctly real and concerning.
Chronic Back Pain Struggles
Summary: I’ve been bounced between healthcare providers without receiving a definitive diagnosis or treatment for my intense back pain. I’m reaching out for guidance. I’m a 28-year-old woman, 5'6" tall, weighing 220 pounds, and I have been experiencing severe issues for the past five months without any answers. To provide some context: I underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy 17 months ago. Five months ago, I first noticed that my left foot was feeling numb. As this sensation persisted and worsened, I began experiencing pain in my lower back and sacroiliac joint, prompting a visit to my neurosurgeon. After conducting imaging tests, the results were normal, and I was referred to a pain management specialist. There, I underwent further imaging, test injections, and was prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers, but regrettably, my symptoms did not improve. Subsequently, I was sent to see a rheumatologist, who ordered additional imaging and tests. My bloodwork revealed elevated inflammation levels and a positive genetic marker indicative of ankylosing spondylitis; however, MRI results did not show any fusion in the vertebrae. Consequently, I was advised to wait another year for a follow-up MRI. At present, I endure constant and incapacitating pain that severely restricts my daily activities. Tasks such as dressing, shaving, and picking items off the floor are now challenging and require assistance. Additionally, I frequently feel nauseated and lack appetite, and I experience full-body tremors during episodes of intense pain. I feel lost and unable to cope with this situation. Any advice or insights would be greatly valued.
Seeking Help for Unexplained Pain
Hello to anyone taking the time to read this. I’m a 30-year-old male and I’m reaching out for some insight. I've undergone physical therapy, X-rays, and a recent MRI, all of which returned normal findings. However, I've been experiencing significant discomfort primarily in my lower left back and the left side of my hip. When I attempt to bend backward, I feel a sharp and intense pain that is quite alarming. Additionally, while performing the "dead bug" exercise, a grinding or popping sensation occurs in my hip and lower back area. It's worth noting that I've only had one back injury in the past, about 16 years ago, but the acute pain I’m feeling now began this past spring. Thank you for your support!