Changes to My Daily Routine
As a 20-year-old male, I've been grappling with persistent lower back discomfort and abdominal pain over the last couple of months. Initially, I dismissed the symptoms as merely digestive issues or perhaps a strain from playing soccer and working out. When the pain lingered for a few weeks, I decided it was time to consult a physician. I underwent several diagnostic procedures, including an ultrasound, X-ray, and blood work. The results from the ultrasound and X-ray were unremarkable, while the blood test revealed critically low levels of vitamin D and some elevated white blood cell counts indicating inflammation. Following this, my doctor prescribed vitamin D supplements, to be taken biweekly, along with naproxen for pain management; I've taken around seven doses of the vitamin D (50,000 units each) and used naproxen as needed. Unfortunately, this did not alleviate my symptoms, leading me to the emergency room, where further evaluations suggested I might be experiencing liver complications or kidney stones. However, after weeks of monitoring, the discomfort persisted. Returning to my doctor, a urine test indicated cloudy results, raising concerns about potential kidney stones, and I was advised to schedule a CT scan for more clarity. A week later, following the CT of my abdomen and pelvis, the findings indicated moderate degenerative disc disease at the L5-S1 level, reduction in disc height, marginal osteophytes, and mild endplate irregularities, but no aggressive lesions were identified. Acting on my doctor’s recommendation, I began attending physiotherapy sessions; however, engaging in exercises tends to exacerbate the pain significantly. I’ve also noticed that certain foods trigger my symptoms unpredictably—some days dairy products are well-tolerated, while other days they lead to severe stomach and back discomfort. The pain typically intensifies at night after dinner, which has disrupted my studies. For relief, I resort to heat and cold therapy, though these remedies only provide temporary comfort. Feel free to reach out if you need additional information! Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/10/2026, 9:30:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with a complex mix of symptoms and medical evaluations related to your lower back and abdominal discomfort. The findings of moderate degenerative disc disease combined with fluctuating digestive issues suggest a multifaceted problem, but I can offer some actionable steps to help support your recovery.
Main Points:
- Monitor Your Diet: Identification of food triggers is crucial.
- Manage Back Pain: Explore gentle alternatives to physiotherapy that do not exacerbate your pain.
- Focus on Vitamin D: Continue with your supplementation but ensure you are monitoring your overall health.
Explanation: Your medical journey has indicated that while your back pain stems from degenerative disc disease, your abdominal pain may be linked to diet and possibly inflammation. The intermittent nature of your symptoms, especially after eating, suggests you might be experiencing a food sensitivity or intolerance. This can often provoke abdominal discomfort that may radiate to your back.
Next Steps:
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Dietary Tracking: Start a detailed food diary to track what you eat and document any symptoms that follow. This can help you identify patterns and potential food triggers (like dairy or others). Consider emphasizing anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
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Gentle Exercise: Since physiotherapy has exacerbated your pain, focus on low-impact exercises like gentle stretching, walking, or swimming. Activities like yoga or tai chi may improve flexibility and strengthen your core without putting undue strain on your back. Always listen to your body and stop if pain increases.
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Pain Management: If heat and cold therapy are only temporarily relieving your discomfort, consider consulting with a physical therapist for alternative pain management strategies or techniques specific to degenerative disc disease.
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Vitamin D Monitoring: Continue taking your prescribed vitamin D supplements, but also consult about getting your levels rechecked in the next few months to ensure you are making progress. Low vitamin D can affect overall musculoskeletal health.
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Stay Hydrated and Monitor Kidney Health: Given the concern about kidney stones, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. This will help your kidneys function better and may prevent stones.
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Pain Documentation: Keep a record of your pain levels, triggers, and management strategies. This will not only help you in managing your symptoms but can also be valuable information for your healthcare provider in future consultations.
It's understandable that ongoing discomfort can be frustrating, especially as it impacts your studies. Take each day at a time, listening to your body's needs. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, keep communicating with your healthcare team for guidance and support. Let me know if you need further clarification on any of these points!
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