Seeking Assistance for My Back Pain
I’m a 33-year-old female experiencing persistent discomfort in my lower back for quite some time. Over the past six months to a year, this pain has intensified, radiating towards my hip area, almost as if there’s an issue within the bone itself. Additionally, the discomfort has recently extended down the backside of my right leg. I frequently deal with numbness and tingling sensations in my buttocks, legs, and feet. Furthermore, I've encountered difficulty with bowel movements. I underwent an MRI, but my healthcare provider only addressed the disc problems in my spine. When I inquired about the specific area causing my pain, they seemed unaware and hadn’t examined the imaging properly, having only read the findings reported. I’m reaching out in hopes that someone can shed light on this situation; I’m feeling quite anxious and would like some clarity. Also, just for context, it has now been three years since my last childbirth.
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 2:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort and a range of symptoms that are understandably concerning, especially given how they've developed over time. Your lower back pain radiating to your hip and leg, combined with numbness and difficulties with bowel movements, suggests a possibility of nerve involvement or another underlying condition.
Explanation:
Persistent lower back pain that radiates and includes neurological symptoms (like numbness and tingling) can often be related to nerve compression, possibly from herniated discs or spinal stenosis. The bowel movement issues could indicate that the nerves affecting your lower body and bowel are under pressure. It’s important to consider that these symptoms warrant careful evaluation because they can affect quality of life significantly.
Next Steps:
-
Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a diary of your symptoms, including their intensity, frequency, and any activities that worsen or improve them. Also, note any bowel movement changes.
-
Physical Activity Adjustments: Engage in gentle stretching and low-impact exercises like walking or yoga to help ease tension in the back. Avoid any activities that exacerbate your pain.
-
Heat and Cold Therapy: Apply heat to your lower back for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce muscle tension. Additionally, use cold packs for inflammation if you experience swelling.
-
Consultation Follow-Up: Since your current healthcare provider has not fully addressed your concerns, consider seeking a second opinion from a specialist such as a neurologist or an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on spinal issues. Bring your MRI images and questions about the disc problems and their relation to your pain.
-
Pain Management Techniques: Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can be helpful for managing pain. However, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting these, especially considering the chronic nature of your symptoms.
-
Focus on Stress Management: Anxiety about your symptoms is normal; consider techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle social activities to help manage this aspect as well.
Should your symptoms worsen or if you develop any new symptoms such as bladder dysfunction or severe weakness, seek immediate medical attention, as these may require urgent evaluation.
Please remember that you are not alone in this, and it’s important to continue advocating for your health and well-being until you receive the clarity and relief you need.
Related Questions
Seeking Advice on Managing Hepatitis A
At the age of 23, I was diagnosed with hepatitis A three months ago. Recently, I underwent a liver function test, and my results indicated that both my GGT levels at 64 and ALT/SGPT levels at 76 are still somewhat above the normal range. Additionally, I have been experiencing frequent gas for the past couple of months. What steps can I take to normalize my enzyme levels and alleviate the bloating?
Medications to Consider for Overcoming Addiction
Hello everyone, I am a 45-year-old male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds, residing on the East Coast. To provide some context, I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 2. My psychiatrist is a nurse practitioner, and she is relatively new to this practice, primarily assisting me with the management of my medication regimen that was initially prescribed a decade ago. Currently, I'm on a daily dosage of 5mg of Lexapro and 2mg of Abilify. I choose to keep these doses minimal to alleviate any potential side effects, and I also incorporate practices such as yoga, meditation, guided breathing exercises, and mindful lifestyle choices to support my mental health. The issue I face is that in the past, I used marijuana as a way to cope with my struggles; however, this has led to a 15-year battle with addiction. Although I attempt to stop using marijuana from time to time, I find myself repeatedly returning to it, and my situation seems to deteriorate further with each cycle. I would like to inquire about potential alternatives. Previously, I found some benefit from using Vraylar as an adjunct medication, but it brought about severe depressive episodes, even when taken at the lowest dosage every three days. The depression was so intense that I struggled with basic self-care, such as showering. Despite that experience, I managed to stay off the substance, which felt like a miracle at the time, but ultimately it wasn’t a sustainable solution. Are there other medications available that might have efficacy targeting the D3 dopamine receptor that I could explore? Thank you for your input!
Experiencing a Sense of Disconnection
M18 At times, it feels as though I’m missing experiences as they unfold. For instance, when someone tosses me a ball and I pivot to strike it, the movement lacks continuity. It’s as if I jump over segments of the action, and then I find myself abruptly in the following moment. This phenomenon often occurs, particularly during episodes of migraine.
Improving Sexual Stamina: Seeking Solutions
At 29, I’ve been grappling with severe depression, sleep apnea, and a late diagnosis of ADHD. Over the past three years, my sexual stamina has drastically declined alongside my mental wellness. In the early days of my relationship, I could engage for hours, but now I find myself fortunate to last even five minutes. From discussions with my therapist, I've come to realize that my ongoing mental struggles put me in a state of constant stress, which might cause my body to rush through intimacy as a means of self-preservation. As I work on my mental health, I’m curious if there are strategies I can employ to enhance my sexual endurance. My partner has expressed that she doesn’t mind using toys or foreplay to reach climax, but I genuinely miss the moments when we could achieve that fulfillment together at the same time. I’m looking for ways to reclaim that connection and improve our experiences together.
Intense Lower Back Pain After Lifting a Heavy Suitcase
Greetings, I am a 29-year-old male who does not smoke or consume alcohol. Currently, I am using Diclofenac and applying Tiger Balm for relief. Yesterday, while attempting to lift a suitcase, I experienced a sudden and excruciating pain in my lower back. The discomfort became more pronounced with specific movements, making it nearly unbearable to rise from a seated position. Sneezing added to the agony I was already feeling. Additionally, I noticed a persistent, dull ache radiating down into my legs. After taking Diclofenac and using Tiger Balm, I have seen marked improvement today; I can now walk, bend forward, and rise from a seat with relative ease. Although some pain lingers, it is significantly more tolerable than before. Should I be concerned about the severity of my injury? Is it advisable for me to consult a medical professional?