Unexpected Intense Pain in Lower Left Back and Difficulty Walking
•Age/Gender: 30 Male •Height/Weight: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), approximately 165 pounds •Medications: None at present •Smoking history: Does not smoke •Previous health concerns: No significant medical history, no records of back injuries •Present Condition: For the past several days, I've primarily been indoors, resting on my couch and avoiding any strenuous activities. However, after taking a bath today, I sat down as usual when a sudden, intense pain struck the lower left region of my back. Now, I am finding it painful to walk, and this discomfort appeared abruptly—there has been no heavy lifting, physical exertion, or signs of strain leading up to this. This incident is completely new for me. Queries: • What could lead to sudden, sharp pain in the lower back without engaging in rigorous activities? • Are there any home remedies I can try to alleviate this discomfort while waiting to consult a physician? • When should I consider this situation as needing immediate medical attention? Thank you.
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 12:02:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a sudden and intense pain in your lower left back, which can indeed be concerning. This type of pain, especially when it comes on suddenly and without a clear cause, can be related to various issues such as muscle strain, a herniated disc, or even a kidney issue. It's good that you're looking into ways to manage this discomfort while waiting to speak with a healthcare provider.
Possible Causes:
- Muscle Strain: Often happens even without significant physical activity due to poor posture or sudden movements.
- Herniated Disc: Can cause sudden pain if the gel-like center of a disc pushes out, pressing on nerves.
- Kidney Problems: Issues like kidney stones can cause pain that radiates to the back.
Next Steps:
-
Rest and Positioning: Continue to rest but try to move gently. Avoid positions that increase pain. Lying on your back with a cushion under your knees or on your side with a cushion between your legs may provide relief.
-
Ice and Heat Therapy: For the first 48 hours, apply ice to the painful area for 15-20 minutes every hour to reduce inflammation. After that, switch to heat (warm towel or heating pad) to help relax tight muscles.
-
Gentle Stretching: If it feels tolerable, try gentle stretching. Simple movements like lying flat and bringing one knee to your chest may help reduce tension.
-
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If desired, consider using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain (ensure you follow the dosing instructions on the label).
-
Monitor Symptoms: Watch for any changes in your symptoms. If the pain worsens, or if you develop other symptoms like fever, leg weakness, difficulty controlling bladder, or changes in bowel habits, seek immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Immediate Help:
- Severe, worsening pain.
- Difficulty walking or balancing.
- Numbness or weakness in your legs.
- Signs of a bladder or bowel control problem.
- Accompanying fever or chills.
These recommendations should help you manage your discomfort in the interim. If symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen significantly, please consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for a more thorough evaluation. Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
Related Questions
28-Year-Old Woman Struggling with Severe Illness Despite Normal CRP Levels
I’m a 28-year-old female dealing with some serious health issues. I have a history of Graves’ disease (currently in remission) and polycystic ovary syndrome, but I do not have asthma. Recently, I have been feeling exceptionally unwell, which is surprising because I've previously survived both COVID-19 and pneumonia. It all began on Wednesday with severe body aches and an uncomfortable sore throat, but I managed to sleep. From Thursday onward, however, sleep became nearly impossible, with only brief intervals lasting 1 to 2 hours, adding up to about 10 hours of rest since then. Thursday also marked the start of a painful cough that aggravated my throat significantly, and I recorded a temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius at night. By Friday, my shortness of breath became intense. Every slight movement or change in position required wheezing and left me sounding like Darth Vader for several minutes while I tried to recuperate. The struggle to sleep continued. Come Saturday, the situation escalated. My breathing issues intensified to the point of feeling as though I was suffocating with even minor movements. Additionally, my upper back and chest began to ache, particularly when I coughed. In light of the worsening condition, I reached out to Denmark's out-of-hours medical service. Upon evaluation, the doctor assessed my back, pulse (which was elevated), and chest, and administered a CRP test. To my astonishment, my CRP level was only 8, leading him to conclude that there was nothing significant to address, suggesting that the illness was on the mend. Although I'm not a medical professional, this interpretation of CRP levels doesn’t align with my understanding. Consequently, I was sent home with no further assistance, and my throat and oxygen levels weren’t examined. Now, on Sunday morning, my condition has deteriorated further. I find myself struggling to breathe even while seated and have a constant sensation of suffocation. Lying down is impossible, as it triggers feelings of choking. My temperature fluctuates, only reaching what is considered “normal” when I take paracetamol; unfortunately, this does not alleviate my pain.
Possible Causes for My Discomfort
Hello everyone, I understand that what I’m about to ask may seem trivial, especially since I realize that an accurate diagnosis requires imaging tests or a face-to-face consultation. However, I am simply seeking some insight. I am experiencing discomfort in a specific spot that I have indicated in a previous image. This sensation has been lingering at a mild level for quite some time, particularly intensifying following sexual activity. However, after a recent mishap while skiing, the pain has escalated significantly. Now, it becomes particularly bothersome when I walk. I do have a doctor's appointment scheduled for Tuesday, but I am eager to gather some preliminary thoughts on what might be causing this issue. Thank you for your assistance!
Experiencing Sinus Issues
I’m a 17-year-old male, weighing around 130 pounds and standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. Recently, I caught a cold which led to a sinus infection. Right now, I'm dealing with several issues, including dizziness that has been quite bothersome. There were a few instances early on where I even vomited, and I still have lingering cold symptoms. Currently, I’m on medication, but I’m eager to hear from a healthcare professional about how long it might take for the dizziness to subside and for me to feel like myself again. At the moment, I’m taking flu medication, steroids, and some antibiotics to help manage my condition. This constant dizziness is frustrating; I find it nearly impossible to do anything without needing to take a seat because of how off-balance I feel.
Assessing This Situation: Home Care or Emergency Visit?
What could this be, and is it manageable at home? My husband mentioned this issue arose yesterday. While I’ve had hemorrhoids in the past, I’ve never experienced one this size, nor have I felt such intense discomfort – my husband seems to be struggling more than I did. It's difficult for him to walk, and rising from bed is quite painful. He’s 35 years old and spends extended periods in the bathroom without any issues with constipation or straining. I’m seeking clarity on whether this condition is typical or if it necessitates seeking urgent medical help. Right now, we’re applying Doctor Butler's and Dermoplast for relief.
Increasing Pain in the Sternal Area
A 26-year-old female, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds, is seeking insights into her health condition. **Current Medications:** birth control and Allegra. **Past Medical History:** includes irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome that required surgical intervention at ages 17 and 18, and minor kyphosis. For the past year, she has experienced considerable stiffness, along with clicking and popping sensations, accompanied by mild discomfort located at the costosternal junction, particularly around the second to fourth ribs, with greater intensity on the left side. Recently, during the last three days, she noticed a notable increase in pain on the left, to the extent that it occasionally causes a sharp sensation that temporarily immobilizes her. However, once she changes her position, the pain becomes more bearable. Notably, she is not experiencing any shortness of breath. The pain appears to be triggered by movement and can be replicated, leading her to believe that cardiac or pulmonary issues are unlikely. Attempts to alleviate the discomfort with a lidocaine patch have been largely ineffective, although she has found some slight relief with ibuprofen. This situation appears to align with typical presentations of costochondritis; nonetheless, she acknowledges that such symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks, while hers have persisted for an entire year. She has encountered information suggesting that chronic costochondritis might point to rheumatoid disorders, and she is uncertain about the validity of this claim. Given her earlier struggles with ulnar nerve entrapment, which occurred during her teenage years, she is contemplating whether this pain warrants further medical evaluation. Currently, she lacks comprehensive health insurance, and she wishes to avoid any extensive diagnostic processes if they are unlikely to yield actionable results. However, if there is a possibility that her symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, she is prepared to follow through with recommended evaluations. Thank you for your assistance!