Experiencing Back Pain and Night Sweats
Greetings to all. I’m a 30-year-old woman standing at 5'3" and weighing 135 pounds. Since I was 16, I’ve struggled with back problems for which I have no clear diagnosis. I don’t participate in sports nor have I suffered any accidents that could explain my discomfort. I suspect I herniated a disc at the L5/S1 level and opted for a natural healing approach. Fast forward 14 months, and an MRI has revealed that I have two herniated discs. My background includes working as an aide in a medical environment, which involves frequent movements and adjustments. Approximately 14 months ago, coinciding with my disc herniation, I began experiencing night sweats. Despite undergoing numerous tests, my doctor found no underlying causes, and while those symptoms subsided for a time, they have recently returned. Along with the night sweats, I have been dealing with joint pain, hair loss, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), as well as anxiety and depression. Additionally, I’ve been diagnosed with new arthritis in my back and advanced degenerative disc disease (DDD). Could all these health issues be interrelated? I find myself at a loss for answers, and the resurgence of night sweats particularly worries me. I would appreciate any recommendations for tests or insights. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 3:01:19 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex set of health issues, and your concerns regarding persistent back pain and night sweats are understandably distressing. It's important to recognize that multiple health conditions can occur simultaneously, and they may be interrelated.
Explanation
Night sweats can be caused by various factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, hormonal changes, and certain medications. Given your history of herniated discs, arthritis, and degenerative disc disease, it’s possible that inflammation or pain can also contribute to changes in your body, including night sweats. Furthermore, joint pain, hair loss, and IBS can indicate underlying issues such as autoimmune disorders, which would require thorough investigation.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary over the next few weeks. Note when night sweats occur, their intensity, and any triggers or associated symptoms (like joint pain or IBS flare-ups). This can help in identifying patterns and providing valuable information to your healthcare provider.
-
Consider a Comprehensive Evaluation: Since you have multiple symptoms, particularly with the resurgence of night sweats, it might be sensible to discuss further evaluations with your doctor:
- Blood tests to check for autoimmune markers (like ANA, rheumatoid factor) or any signs of infection.
- Imaging tests such as a more thorough MRI of your spine and possibly thoracic spine if warranted.
-
Lifestyle Modifications: Engage in gentle exercises, such as stretching or low-impact activities like walking, to maintain mobility in your back. Also, consider mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help manage anxiety and depression.
-
Follow Up on Medications: Review any current medications or supplements with your doctor to rule out potential side effects that could contribute to night sweats or other symptoms.
-
Specialist Referrals: You might benefit from seeing specialists such as a rheumatologist for joint-related issues and potentially an endocrinologist to investigate hormonal contributors to your night sweats.
Support and Assurance
It's clear this has been a challenging time for you, and seeking clarity about your health is a positive step. Allow yourself to address one thing at a time; pinpointing the cause of each symptom will help in finding effective relief. If you ever feel overwhelmed, take time to practice self-care and seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. You're not alone in this, and answers are out there for you.
Related Questions
Seeking Direction on Medical Guidance
I am reaching out for counsel regarding which healthcare professional I should prioritize as I seek answers. I've found myself shuffled among various specialists, and I’m feeling quite lost regarding where my focus should lie. Ever since my heart surgery, I have been feeling unwell. I am a 34-year-old woman who underwent mitral valve repair in 2023. Since that procedure, I have faced numerous health challenges that remain unexplained, and no one has been able to clarify my situation. These issues include: - Persistent fatigue - Sleepless nights with frequent awakenings - Skin rashes triggered by sun exposure - Raynaud’s phenomenon - Difficulty regulating body temperature - Frequent low-grade fevers - Recurring episodes of pericarditis - Inappropriate sinus tachycardia - Fluttering sensations and tightness in the chest - Discomfort and bloating in the abdomen - Pain in the neck and back - Intermittent wheezing during deep breaths - Folliculitis - General muscle soreness - Episodes of night sweats I've been referred to cardiology, rheumatology, gynecology, and gastrointestinal specialists. While the cardiology team suspects an autoimmune issue, the rheumatologist disagrees. The common response I hear is, "Your lab results are normal." However, my pericarditis was only detected through an MRI. At this point, I am uncertain about my next steps. Which type of specialist should I focus on for further evaluation? I truly need guidance as I continue to struggle with these persistent symptoms on a daily basis.
Concern for My Mother's Sudden Falling Episodes Linked to Arm Pain
I am deeply anxious about my mother’s health. Recently, she has been experiencing an excruciating pain in her arm that seems to make her dizzy and on the verge of fainting. The first incident occurred yesterday morning. In the second event, she felt a severe pain and bent over, only to stand up again, yet became unsteady and ultimately collapsed, hitting her head slightly in the process. Remarkably, she sustained only a small cut on her forehead despite the fall not being very forceful. I reviewed two recordings from our Ring Camera that captured a similar occurrence. It appears that the discomfort began as she extended her left arm downwards to reach for something, and she reacted with a loud scream followed by moans of agony. **Background Information:** - She has been suffering persistent shoulder pain for approximately 1 to 2.5 months, and it has progressively worsened. - Previously, she would go to sleep with her phone propped up in her left hand and used that arm while driving. After I suggested these habits might be problematic, she stopped, but her condition has not improved. She has also started using a weight near her elbow without any positive effects. - For many years, she has dealt with intermittent light to moderate wrist pain. - She experiences significant vertigo when bending down. Interestingly, the episodes of pain happened around 5 to 10 minutes after taking her nightly dose of Zolpidem. However, it's unclear if her faint feelings are directly related to her pain. - A few weeks ago, she consulted a neurologist due to increasing tingling sensations in her fingers and toes; she was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy and is now on a supplement, which shows gradual improvement. - Additionally, she was recently diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome. My mother’s job involves physical labor, including driving and frequently navigating stairs, which adds to my concern. I fear that if she collapses again, she could severely injure herself or, worse, suffer a fatal accident. It’s frustrating that neither of my parents seems to fully appreciate the severity of the situation, which aggravates my feelings of sadness and anger. I apologize for not being able to share videos here. In another recording, she did not fall but bent over due to intense pain after performing nearly the same movement as before while reaching for the sink. I would appreciate any insights or advice regarding this troubling matter. Thank you for your consideration.
Persistent Cough Following Illness with Bronchiectasis
Age: Female Height: 5’3 Weight: Overweight Overall Health: Generally well Condition: Mild Bronchiectasis Lifestyle: No smoking, no alcohol, and not taking any medications On January 12th, I contracted the flu, experiencing fever, chills, and a distressingly relentless cough, reminiscent of a classic flu presentation. I can only blame myself for skipping the flu vaccine. Fast forward nearly a month later, after being prescribed antibiotics, using salbutamol, taking steroids, and consistently utilizing a nebulizer with saline, and despite a clear chest X-ray and normal blood work, the cough remains. Let me be clear: this isn't just a minor nuisance. My partner playfully likens my coughing fits to that of a T-Rex from Jurassic Park. It's a profound, hacking cough that rattles my chest and leaves my pelvic floor in shambles. Upon consulting with my GP, I was informed that it might be a retentive issue linked to the progressive nature of Bronchiectasis, and that, unfortunately, there's little to be done at this point other than to wait it out. If that's the case, I suppose I'll have to adjust to this new reality. However, my experiences with the NHS have been less than satisfactory, leading to instances of misguided advice in the past. Securing a second opinion in this country has proven quite challenging, which is something I ironically miss about living in America. So, I'm left wondering: is there a potential solution for this relentless cough, or is this just my new normal?
Should I Consider Antibiotics?
I’m a 16-year-old female, standing at 5’3” and weighing 117 pounds. For the past four days, I have been unwell, with my temperature fluctuating between 98 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured on my forehead. **Day 1:** I woke up feeling ill and immediately headed to the bathroom, where I ended up vomiting. The vomit consisted only of phlegm, which appeared green and contained some dark green specks. I had a fever and took a nap later in the day, which was restful. **Day 2:** The phlegm changed to a dark yellow hue, and I spent most of the day asleep. The fever persisted. **Day 3:** I was plagued with a persistent cough and found it impossible to nap. The phlegm now looked bubbly and clear. Eating grapefruit was quite painful due to what felt like fissures in my throat. The constant coughing also led to abdominal discomfort. Sleep was elusive because of the coughing, and I still had a fever. **Day 4:** My symptoms remained consistent with those on Day 3, and I continued to experience significant pain from the relentless coughing. Throughout this period, I have maintained a normal appetite and bowel habits.
Understanding Abdominal and Thigh Discomfort
Hello, I recognize that symptoms can differ greatly depending on various factors, and I’d like your insight on whether my situation warrants concern. I'm a 16-year-old female, standing at 4'11" and weighing approximately 45 kg. I’m not currently taking any medication and recently experienced gastritis a few months back. Yesterday, I endured significant abdominal discomfort, primarily located from just beneath my ribs down to my lower abdomen, particularly on the right side. Additionally, I felt pain in my inner thigh on the right leg, lasting for about two hours with an intermittent quality, much like waves. This pain occurs outside the context of my menstrual cycle, nor have I engaged in physical activities that could have led to muscular strain. Although I have experienced similar discomfort over the past year, the intensity and duration were notably less severe. I often find myself feeling anxious, which sometimes triggers abdominal pain and nausea, though I am uncertain if this experience relates to my current symptoms. Last night and again today, I noticed a slight echo of discomfort in the lower right quadrant of my abdomen. Considering that my family has a history of various medical issues, I am hesitant to raise my concerns unless they are significant. Thank you for your help!