Seeking Help for Ongoing Back Pain
I’m a 17-year-old female and I've been struggling with back pain for the past few years. I first became aware of this issue at about 15 years of age. Initially, the discomfort was minimal; whenever I spent too much time lying in bed overnight, I would experience pain in my lower back that would subside after I stood up and moved around. My parents and I thought it might just be growing pains, but there's a catch—I haven’t grown at all since I was 12, remaining at a height of 5'1". Over the years, the situation has worsened. Prolonged sitting, whether in a car or during class, leads to increased discomfort in my lower back, and sometimes the pain radiates toward my buttocks and hips. As a child, I also had ongoing issues with my ankles, and I am currently dealing with anemia. My body stopped effectively absorbing iron last year, which complicates my situation. I often find it challenging to get enough restful sleep; some nights my back pain keeps me awake, forcing me to either take several Advil or get up to alleviate the discomfort. Mornings can be particularly tough, as getting out of bed feels like an ordeal due to the stiffness in my back. At the moment, I am taking Magnesium, Iron pills, and B12 supplements because, despite maintaining a balanced diet, I still find myself lacking essential nutrients. Additionally, I have light sensitivity and sometimes experience eye pain without any clear reason. I am reaching out in hopes of finding some advice or solutions because frustration and anger at my situation are starting to consume me! For added context, I was born prematurely and have a condition known as a splenule, which is an accessory spleen. I also experience blood pressure problems related to my anxiety.
Answers (1)
8/24/2025, 9:31:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging combination of symptoms that are affecting your quality of life. Your back pain has progressed over the years, and I want to help you find some actionable steps to manage it better. Given your unique medical history and ongoing issues, let's focus on a few practical approaches.
Key Points:
- Your back pain is worsening, especially with prolonged sitting and lying down.
- There are underlying factors, such as anemia and past joint issues, that may contribute to your discomfort.
- Managing your symptoms can greatly improve your day-to-day experience.
Explanation:
Back pain in young individuals can stem from various causes, including muscle strain, poor posture, or underlying conditions. Given your history of pain radiating to other areas, along with your growth concerns and anemia, it’s important to adopt strategies that ease your discomfort. Poor posture, especially during long periods of sitting or lying down, can lead to increased pain. Additionally, your anemia can be contributing to fatigue and overall discomfort, making it essential to address both issues.
Next Steps:
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Posture and Ergonomics: Pay attention to your sitting posture. When attending class or sitting for long periods, use a chair that supports your lower back. Consider using a cushion or lumbar roll to help maintain an ergonomic position. Also, take frequent breaks to stand up and stretch.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle stretches into your routine, especially targeting your lower back and hips. Simple stretches like knee-to-chest and child’s pose can help alleviate tension. Strengthening your core and back muscles with exercises like bridges and planks can also provide better support for your spine.
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Warm Compresses: To manage pain, try applying warm compresses to your lower back before bed or whenever you feel discomfort. Heat can help relax tight muscles and reduce pain.
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Sleep Hygiene: Focus on creating a restful sleep environment. Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees or on your back with a pillow under your knees to promote a better spinal position.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and continue focusing on a balanced diet to combat your anemia. Since you mentioned difficulty absorbing iron, consider discussing with a healthcare provider about the best iron sources for you.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation: Given your anxiety, incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness may help manage both your anxiety and its impacts on your pain symptoms.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a journal of your pain levels, activities, and what alleviates or worsens your symptoms. This can help you understand patterns and identify manageable triggers.
It's understandable to feel frustrated with the challenges you've been facing. Remember, small consistent changes can add up to significant improvements over time. If you have further concerns or your symptoms worsen, it would be advisable to reach out to a healthcare provider who can further assess your situation. Take care, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed!
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