I am suffering from low back pain.Is it a big problem or should I not worry?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am suffering from pain in the backbone. The affected area is a very small portion at the end of the backbone. Pain occurs when I press that portion with fingertip, but the pain is so light that I can endure it without any problem. I am a 32 year old male, unmarried, and I am suffering from low back pain for the last two weeks. Is it a big problem or should I not worry?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are many causes for low back pain. It can be due to faulty posture, related to weak muscles, issues with intervertebral disc, narrowing of spinal canal, any bony instability besides many other. So, accurate diagnosis is the key to proper management of the condition.

You will have to elaborate your problem as to a detailed discussion of your back pain which means mode of onset. Also on a scale of 1-10 what would be the intensity of your back pain?

I would also like to ask you if it is associated with any leg pain or any other neurological symptoms like numbness, paresthesias (electrical shock like abnormal sensations) or any weakness in limbs.

Please also tell about any associated symptoms like fever, weight loss, etc.

If you have localized back pain with no other symptoms like radiating leg pain, neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, paresthesias, etc., then you can start with the following recommendations for an initial period of 2-3 weeks.

Maintain proper posture of your back while working and sleeping.

If pain is more, then you can take a short course of an anti-inflammatory medication like tablet Etoshine (Etoricoxib) or Paracetamol or one which suits you.

Physical therapy initially under supervision of a trained physiotherapist and then to be continued at home.

Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake if levels are low in body.

Ice packs can applied, if your pain is acute, then hot fomentation can be done at home.

Analgesic spray for local application can be used and is easily available.

Avoid lifting heavyweight/ acute forward bending in the mornings, etc.

We will observe you for the next 2-3 weeks regarding how you respond to this conservative management protocol.
If you are not feeling better, then we will have to get some investigations like dynamic x-rays of lower back and few blood tests for evaluation.

Consult an orthopaedician and traumatologist online for further follow up --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/orthopaedician-and-traumatologist