Back Pain Worsened: Should I Revisit the Doctor?
Original Issue: Several weeks back, I began experiencing a painful sensation in my back, reminiscent of a bruise. After a few nights, I noticed my right hip also felt tender, and I experienced brief, light electric shocks at the top of my spine. Then, I started to encounter sharp, intense pain in my lower back during specific movements: twisting to the left, sitting on the floor, and bending forward. Concerned, I visited a same-day clinic. The physician inspected my back and had me perform various movements. Everything appeared normal until they pressed firmly just to the right of my lower back, where I experienced significant pain. They concluded that I was dealing with sciatic discomfort and recommended that I consult with a physical therapist, which I have already arranged. I’m uncertain how this happened; it could be related to the glute bridges I was practicing a few days earlier, as I didn’t notice any pain until days later. Current Developments: Recently, I've developed a new symptom that has me considering another doctor's visit. I've been feeling frequent sensations of pinching or grinding on the left side, a few inches above and to the left of my lower back. To alleviate the discomfort, I must stretch and manipulate the area until it "clicks" into a more comfortable position; otherwise, it continues to ache. This issue has been recurring multiple times a day over the past few days, particularly while seated at my desk. While the pain is manageable and heat packs provide some relief, I find myself questioning whether I should seek another medical evaluation due to this new symptom. I'm also wondering if this might indicate a more serious injury, or if I can go ahead with physical therapy without additional assessment from a doctor. Personal Details: 35 years old, 5'8", 180 lbs, Caucasian, no alcohol, smoking, or drug use. I have hypermobile joints. Current Medications: I take methylphenidate IR 10mg twice daily, along with cetirizine, and use ibuprofen or Tylenol as needed.
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 10:01:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your new symptoms of pinching or grinding above your lower back, along with your previous discomfort, suggest a need for continued monitoring. Since the pain is manageable and heat therapy helps, it may not be an immediate cause for alarm, but you’re wise to consider re-evaluation, especially given your hypermobility.
Explanation: Back pain, especially in those with hypermobile joints, can sometimes fluctuate due to how your joints and muscles move. The sensations of pinching or grinding could indicate issues such as muscle tightness, joint strain, or even soft tissue irritation. Stretching and finding positions that alleviate pain can be helpful, but it’s crucial to ensure you're not worsening any underlying conditions.
Your recent physical therapy appointment is a positive step, and physical therapists can provide tailored exercises that may ease your symptoms and improve your strength and flexibility. However, if new symptoms arise—especially sharp pain or sensations that seem unusual for your situation—pursuing further medical evaluation can help rule out more serious conditions.
Next Steps:
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Continue with Physical Therapy: Attend your scheduled sessions. Share all your symptoms, including the new sensations, with your therapist so they can adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily record of your pain levels, what activities seem to worsen or improve your symptoms, and any new sensations you feel. This can help your therapist or doctor understand your situation better.
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Use Heat and Gentle Movement: Continue using heat packs and incorporate gentle stretches or movements that have relieved tension. Pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid movements that exacerbate pain.
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Consider a Follow-Up Consultation: If the new pinching or grinding sensations persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms like numbness or difficulty standing, revisit your healthcare provider. They may suggest imaging studies or further examinations to better understand what's happening.
Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution regarding persistent or concerning symptoms. You've already shown great initiative in managing your health, so keep being proactive about your well-being!
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