Concerns About Mid and Lower Back Pain in My Mother
Recently, my mother has begun experiencing discomfort in her mid and lower back. She appears quite rigid and leans forward when trying to rise from her chair, taking a considerable amount of time to regain her posture. Moreover, she has been noticeably less steady on her feet. Unfortunately, her condition is not improving. She has been using Tylenol to manage the pain, but there hasn’t been any incident that might explain this new issue, such as a fall. I'm contemplating the appropriate time to seek medical assistance for her, and I'm weighing the best options available: - Our family physician, but scheduling an appointment could take up to a month. - An after-hours clinic, which functions similarly to a regular doctor's office when regular hours end, though it probably won’t be our usual doctor. - Urgent Care, where diagnostic imaging like X-rays or CT scans might be accessible, but they are not open until tomorrow. - The emergency department, which currently has a wait time of six to eight hours; however, I prefer to avoid this unless absolutely necessary. She is in her mid-70s, weighs around 120 pounds, and has a diagnosis of Alzheimer's along with a family history of osteoporosis.
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 9:31:25 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your mother’s back pain, especially given her age and medical background. Given the symptoms you've described—rigidity, difficulty rising from a chair, and unsteadiness—it's important to take a measured approach.
Main Points:
- Your mother's symptoms are concerning due to her age, history of Alzheimer's, and family history of osteoporosis.
- While Tylenol can help with pain relief, the lack of improvement is a worrying sign.
- An evaluation by a healthcare professional is recommended, ideally sooner rather than later.
Explanation:
Back pain can stem from various causes, including muscle strain, conditions like arthritis, or even osteoporosis, especially in older adults. Given that your mother has a family history of osteoporosis and is experiencing significant mobility issues and pain, it’s essential to evaluate whether there might be a more serious underlying problem, such as a fracture or severe musculoskeletal issue.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Consider Immediate Assessment Options:
- Since Urgent Care opens tomorrow and can provide diagnostic imaging, this could be a suitable option if the pain continues or worsens. This will allow for a quick assessment and rule out any fractures or serious conditions that might require immediate intervention.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on her symptoms. If she has any worsening signs such as increasing pain, significant changes in mobility, or if she experiences new symptoms (like numbness, weakness, or severe discomfort), reconsider going to the emergency department even with the wait time.
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Safety Measures:
- Ensure she's safe while moving. Consider using assistive devices, such as a walker, if she struggles with balance, and make her environment slip-proof to prevent falls.
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Document Her Symptoms:
- Keeping a log of her pain levels, mobility, and any incidents can be very helpful for healthcare professionals later on.
Taking these steps will ensure that you're addressing her pain and mobility challenges in a thoughtful and practical manner. Please continue to observe her closely and take action if her condition changes.
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