Suggest Remedies For Lower Back Pain

Posted on Sat, 24 Dec 2016

Question: I would like to describe my symptoms in detail to determine the likely issue that I am having (lumbar spondylosis, Lumbar Herniated Disc, or sacroiliac joint issue).

My goal is be "try" some self-treatment exercises before getting an MRI.

I stumbled while playing tennis 3 months ago. Afterwards, I started to feel a slight pain in the back of my upper leg/lower buttock. I could still exercise normally, stretch, and perform my normal activities (jogging, swimming, cardio).

2 weeks ago, the pain became much more intense, preventing me from performing most normal physical activities.

NOTE: My posture working in front of a computer was very poor. I work frequently from home, and I do not have a proper office chair. My past sleep posture was also very poor, usually with one arm under my wife's pillow.

Currently, my most painful motions are:

#1 - getting in and out of bed is most painful (sleeping on the side inserting a pillow between the knees DOES NOT HELP. Sleeping on my back with a pillow below my legs helps a little)

#2 - getting in and out of a car is very painful

#3 - putting on shoes/socks is painful

#4 - sitting too long can lead to moderate pain. I am using a 3M FUTURO Stabilizing Back Support during the day, which helps.

The most pain-free activity is walking and moving around. I'm not having any muscle spasms, but sometimes the pain will cause some numbness and extend downward to my lower leg (only in the mornings). Standing and walking is the most pain-free. Sitting with the back support is relatively pain-free.

Q: What is most likely my condition? What self-exercises/treatment can I try?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possible degenerative disc disease.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

You know that without imaging studies is difficult to get a correct diagnosis about the exact cause of low back pain causes.

However, regarding to your symptoms, degenerative lumbar discs disease is the most probable condition in your case, sacroiliac joint issues also are a possible condition, but less likely than degenerative disc disease.

Treatment consists of an anti-inflammatory therapy to physical exercises designed to increase muscle strength and relieve joint loading.

In general, activities that promote relief should be encouraged, feel free to ask further in this regard.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)

Thanks for the reply.

Can you suggest self-treatment/strengthening exercises?

What are the possibilities of returning to normal exercises (golf, tennis, etc.) after successful treatment?

Can a regular physician properly diagnose my condition or should I seek a specialist directly?

I am concerned that it is difficult to self-treat because I cannot avoid the motions that cause the most pain (sleeping).

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stretching exercises.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

Stretching exercises are recommend mostly in cases like yours, to reduce joints loading and strengthen muscles.

I would mention XXXXXXX exercises.

The time when you can return to normal exercises depends on your symptoms, if symptoms free after treatment, you can start normal exercises.

It is necessary to see a spine Specialist about your problems.

Hope I helped you.

Kind regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad