Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Neurology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am 28 years old. My weight is 196.21 lb, and my height is 5.81 feet. I suffer from severe back pain. When I was at a soccer camp at the age of 14, I used to have a very stiff back. Now, I have severe pain in my back, and I am unable to stand and walk. I did an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the report showed a bulging disc in L5 to S1, with a slight tear. I proceeded with physiotherapy to solve my back pain. My physiotherapist noted the cause in me. He told me that my core is weak, along with my glutes and hamstrings. I am taking physiotherapy treatment for two years now. Before two days, I started to have a bad episode of back pain. I had back pain preceded by a gym work out. I might have overdone it with hamstring lifts, and I may have tried it too heavy. I did an MRI yesterday, and the report showed that there is no protrusion, but L5 to S1 showed a degeneration. My orthopedic doctor told me that the pain does not emerge from the disc because it does not pinch any nerves. But I have intense pain in my back with stiffness and dullness in my left calf and foot. I am trying to take ozone-laser injection therapy. What can I do now?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com. I agree with your doctor on the fact that the disc protrusion and degeneration does not cause pain in this region. In my opinion, the back pain could be related to a twisted or strained back muscle during the physical activity that you have performed. Ozone laser injection therapy can help against inflammation. It can lead to some benefits for the bulging disc, but I doubt whether it will improve the pain that you are feeling now. I suggest you take a muscle relaxant (Flexeril) and use a topical ointment with painkillers coupled with oral Ibuprofen for the pain. Local warm packs can help. A good back massage can also help to reduce the muscle spasms. Avoid doing physical activity that causes strain. Try to have a rest for a few days.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
What can I do for the long term? I am willing to play football. Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. I recommend performing physical activity, and physiotherapy focused on your back muscles. I suggest you take a muscle relaxant (Flexeril). It helps to reduce the muscle spasm, which is limiting your daily physical activity. I have also noticed that your weight is above normal ranges. You should know that every extra kilogram is putting pressure on the spine. For this reason, I would recommend consulting a dietitian to know the possible option that helps to lose some pounds. Losing22.05 lb, would help you feel much better and improve your back pain noticeably. I would also recommend avoiding heavy weight lifting in the future as it can exacerbate your bulging disc. Try to have a steroid injection for the bulging disc. It also helps to reduce the pain visibly. You should discuss with your doctor about these treatment options.
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Neurology
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