Why do I have lower back pain when bending?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 45-year-old. I have lower back pain for the past two days. One year back also, I faced the same issue and used medication for one week. Whenever I bend or doing some work, I feel a bit of pain and sometimes slight dizziness during the pain. If I sit idle, I am fine.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are a few questions I would like you to answer. Is the pain radiating to the legs and feet? Is there any history of diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issues? Is there any history of trauma to the back, or did you lift something heavy, which caused back pain? Do you have a lot of sitting in your job? A pinched nerve in the back, most probably due to a bulge in the disc, can cause these symptoms.

The irritated nerve due to physical compression causes muscular spasm and hence the pain. It generally exaggerates bending forward, lifting heavy weights, etc. Another reason could be weak, strained muscles, for which you will need a good rehab. You should feel better in a few days. Do not lift weights. Avoid bending forward. Take relative bed rest, hot fomentation, and apply Diclofenac gel on the back.

Revert with the info, and accordingly, I can guide you regarding the medications.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Well, it seems that most probably, the cause is due to strained muscles of your lower back, mostly due to a lot of sitting. It could be a disc bulge or degenerative disc irritating a nerve as well (less likely). Nevertheless, follow the instructions as advised in my previous post. And I am prescribing you some medications. Also, when you are pain-free or relieved, you can start on back-strengthening exercises and rehab for building muscle tone. I am not advising any blood tests or X-rays as of now. If it does not improve, then we can investigate further. Follow up after seven days.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.