OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Chronic Pain After Extended Sitting: A 21-Year-Old's Journey

Hello everyone, I wanted to share my experience in hopes of finding others who might relate or offer insight for discussions with my healthcare provider. As a 21-year-old, I often find myself temporarily incapacitated, experiencing episodes lasting anywhere from two to five days. This unfortunate pattern has led me to acquire various mobility aids, mainly affecting my hips and lower back, with diverse movements triggering these episodes. My journey began at the age of 13 when I sought medical help for persistent lower back pain. Following X-rays, the doctors noted a slight spinal tilt of less than one degree and recommended physical therapy. My life has since been marked by chronic lower back discomfort, ongoing therapy sessions, and muscle relaxants. While I may enjoy relatively pain-free periods, it’s not uncommon for me to experience sudden, overwhelming pain that makes it impossible to move my legs or walk. Recently, an episode struck after I sat in a plastic chair for three hours – something out of the ordinary for me, as I typically prefer more comfortable seating. I initially felt stiff upon standing, but within three hours, I found myself unable to move effectively. Climbing the stairs felt more like an obstacle course, as I had to hoist myself with my arms, dragging my legs behind – picture a scene straight out of a horror movie. This type of situation has recurred frequently, and every time, I’m directed back to physical therapy. I’ve completed PT programs successfully more than twenty times now, but imaging studies have been deemed unnecessary since I’ve not experienced a “significant injury.” To add some context, my mother was recently diagnosed with hypermobility. During my childhood, I faced challenges with urinary incontinence, wetting the bed regularly until about the age of 16 or 17. Additionally, I have never felt any stimulation from clitoral pressure, and there seems to be inadequate blood flow in that region. I remember a time in my early childhood when such experimentation felt pleasurable, but that changed when my back pain intensified, and I have not experienced it since. Numerous consultations with various doctors have yielded inconclusive results, even after hormone levels and pelvic exams. No one seems to understand what’s happening. I have a follow-up appointment on Monday after a recent flare-up, during which my doctor prescribed additional muscle relaxants and suggested more physical therapy. However, I find myself exhausted by this never-ending cycle. It shouldn’t be normal for a 21-year-old to struggle to sit in a chair, and I am confident it’s not just a matter of weakness. There’s something more substantial occurring. In summary: I’ve been battling lower back pain since childhood, experiencing temporary loss of lower body function after specific movements or prolonged sitting. I also deal with chronic urinary incontinence, inadequate blood flow to my genital area, and a complete lack of healthy sexual response. I suspect a pinched sacral nerve or some disc issue may have been compressing nerves for a decade, but this has yet to be adequately addressed. How can I articulate these concerns to my doctor in order to move away from the continual prescriptions for muscle relaxants and physical therapy? I’ve attended PT over twenty times in my life, with three visits just this year alone.

Answers (1)

8/16/2025, 9:31:13 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging and frustrating situation with your chronic pain and related symptoms. Communicating your concerns effectively to your doctor can help you pursue more targeted solutions. Here’s a plan to help you articulate your situation and advocate for yourself.

Main Points

1. Describe the impact of your symptoms: Focus on how pain affects your daily life and mobility.
2. Highlight previous treatments and outcomes: Emphasize that physical therapy has not provided lasting relief.
3. Express your concerns about possible underlying conditions: Share your suspicions about nerve involvement or structural issues.

Explanation

Chronic pain, especially in the lower back and hips, can significantly affect your quality of life. It’s clear that traditional treatments like physical therapy and muscle relaxants haven’t resolved your issues, and you deserve a deeper investigation into your symptoms. Conditions like hypermobility, potential nerve compression, or other underlying issues are valid concerns that should be considered. Your struggles with related symptoms, such as urinary incontinence and sexual response, are important to mention as they could provide insights into your overall condition.

Next Steps

1. Prepare a Symptom Journal: Document specific episodes, including triggers, duration, and impact on your mobility. Include details about your urinary symptoms and sexual health concerns. This will help your doctor understand patterns and severity.

2. List Your Goals for the Appointment:

   • State that you want a thorough evaluation to explore underlying conditions, possibly including imaging studies such as an MRI to assess nerve health.
   • Discuss your overall health, including the impact of pain on your mental well-being and daily activities.

3. Ask Direct Questions:

   • Request investigations for potential hypermobility or nerve issues.
   • Ask if there are alternative treatment options beyond physical therapy and muscle relaxants, such as seeing a pain specialist or exploring other therapies (like cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain management).

4. Advocate for a Second Opinion: If you feel that your concerns are not being addressed, it’s reasonable to seek a second opinion from a specialist, particularly in pain management or sports medicine, who may have more experience with complex musculoskeletal issues.

5. Express Your Frustrations Constructively: Let your doctor know that you feel stuck in a cycle of treatment without resolution and that you are looking for a different approach.

By taking these steps, you can create a more productive dialogue with your doctor and move towards finding a more effective management plan. Good luck with your appointment, and remember that you deserve to have your concerns validated!