Seeking Advice for Recent Back Pain
I’m a 30-year-old individual standing at 5'5" tall and weighing 350 pounds. I have a history of smoking, as I currently vape. My medication regimen includes priadel, aripiprazole, paroxetine, and lamotrigine. I am living with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from a car accident. Additionally, I have previously dealt with soft tissue damage. As for the back pain, it has been persistent for just two days. About two days ago, I finished my shower and while bending down, a jarring pain struck my lower back, radiating down both legs. It was so intense that I nearly collapsed. It’s worth mentioning that three years prior, I was in a car accident that left me with soft tissue injuries in the same region of my lower left back, but I never received any scans to determine further complications. After enduring that pain for approximately six months, I experienced some relief, although I’ve faced about five flare-ups since then. What worries me even more occurred just about ten minutes ago. I woke up with an urgent need to use the bathroom but as I sat up, the pain intensified. I lingered in place, anticipating stiffness after a night of sleep. Gradually, I managed to pull myself up and leaned against the window sill, noticing my legs trembling. I cautiously moved out of the room, using the chest of drawers, walls, and door frames for support, as walking unassisted felt impossible and standing was difficult. Upon reaching the bathroom, sitting on the toilet proved to be excruciating. Following that, I began to feel nauseous and broke out in a sweat. I asked my husband to bring me a drink which alleviated the nausea slightly. Suddenly, my leg started to twitch uncontrollably. I had to put the drink in the sink, and my sweating intensified; my stomach ached and I then lost consciousness. I contemplate seeking medical assistance, but I worry that my weight might cause my concerns to be dismissed. While I’ve successfully lost two stone so far and am pursuing further weight loss, I am still classified as obese. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has guidance or suggestions on managing this situation. Thank you very much for any help!
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 2:52:30 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're experiencing significant back pain accompanied by symptoms like leg trembling and nausea, which can be quite concerning. This acute pain, especially after a bending movement, could be related to previous injuries or new issues, and it's important to address both your pain and any potential underlying factors comprehensively.
Explanation
Your description suggests a possible muscle strain or nerve involvement given the pain radiating down your legs. The history of soft tissue injury from your car accident might also contribute to this episode. Symptoms like trembling, nausea, and fainting can indicate responses to severe pain or strain, not uncommon after an acute injury or muscle spasm.
Next Steps
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Immediate Rest: Start by avoiding any activities that exacerbate the pain. Find a comfortable position with support (like pillows) and try to limit movements that cause discomfort.
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Cold Therapy: Apply a cold pack to the painful area for 15-20 minutes every hour as needed for the first 48 hours. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
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Hydration: Continue to drink fluids, particularly water, to stay hydrated, especially if you've been sweating and feeling nauseous.
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Pain Relief: If you have access to over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, consider taking these as per the recommended dosage to help manage your pain.
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Gentle Movement: After the first couple of days, start with gentle stretches or movements as tolerated. Moving slowly can help prevent stiffness, but only do this if you feel able.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If you experience worsening pain, difficulty moving your legs, loss of bowel or bladder control, or if the nausea persists, it becomes crucial to seek medical assistance.
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Evaluate Your Medications: Consult with a pharmacist if you're unsure of potential interactions between your current medications and over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Future Consultation: Given your history and the recent severity of your symptoms, I encourage you to consider seeking medical advice, ideally from a healthcare provider who understands weight management and your mental health background. You should not feel dismissed based on your weight; your health concerns are valid, and they deserve appropriate attention.
Stay strong, and take care of yourself. I’m here if you need more information.
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