X-ray for back pain shows disc space narrowing in my lower spine. Please help.

Question

Hello doctor,

I had been suffering from low back pain for many years, I had X-rays which showed disk space narrowing in my lower spine. I fell two weeks ago and suffered enough pain to see a chiropractor in hopes of relieving the pain without narcotics or analgesics on a regular basis. I have been to chiropractor six times in two weeks. Lower back pain seems relieved but the pain in right buttock radiates down, outer right leg to the foot and is searing white-hot shooting stabbing breathtaking. I am uninsured so I have to be frugal but should I see someone for something other than X-rays?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to ciliniq.com.

From your description of the symptoms and the fact that the back pain has improved while the leg pain (nature and radiation to the foot) remains indicates the cause to be from a disc in your spine pressing on one of the nerve roots (possibly L5 nerve root).

You have two options:

One wait and watch as long as there is no numbness or weakness of the leg or any bowel and bladder disturbance and take Diclofenac 75 mg twice a day with an antacid assuming you have no allergies or asthma.

Lyrica 75 mg twice a day (makes you feel sleepy for a few weeks and then wears off ) to help with the nerve pain. You may need to take it for a length of time before actual improvement in pain is noted.

Secondly see a spine doc and have an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and take the above mentioned or opt for surgery on the doctor's advice.