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Suggest Treatment For Lower Back Pain
Question: My wife (aged 69) suddenly has sharp lower back pains. Constant pain, with occasional spasms. Thinks it might be gas, but seems too painful to be gas. We are in LA, away from our normal physicians home in NC.
Brief Answer:
investigation required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
gas is not supposed to cause pain in the back. Back pain can be caused by various musculoskeletal, vascular and other conditions. Some of them are serious while the others are trivial. A new onset back pain of severe intensity in an individual older than 50 years requires investigation.
Clinical examination is important to identify the origin of pain. Radiological and other tests might be needed depending on the results. Lumbar spine disorders are perhaps the most common causes of low back pain. Sometimes the feet are affected too. Muscular disorders may cause pain, but it's usually not that severe and is alleviated by rest.
Aortic aneurysms may cause pain when rupturing. The pain is felt mostly on the lower back. Clinical examination and abdominal ultrasound scan may point to the diagnosis. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
Renal colic may cause flank pain. As the site of obstruction moves towards the bladder the pain may also move to the lower back and then to side and front of the abdomen.
Other causes are possible too. I've mentioned some of the most common (or serious) ones.
So in conclusion, medical examination by a doctor is required. Depending on the findings of the clinical examination the doctor may order an X-ray of the lower spine and perhaps ultrasound scans to identify various causes of pain.
Until you get to see a doctor you can use painkillers, starting with paracetamol (acetaminophen).
I hope you find my answer helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
investigation required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
gas is not supposed to cause pain in the back. Back pain can be caused by various musculoskeletal, vascular and other conditions. Some of them are serious while the others are trivial. A new onset back pain of severe intensity in an individual older than 50 years requires investigation.
Clinical examination is important to identify the origin of pain. Radiological and other tests might be needed depending on the results. Lumbar spine disorders are perhaps the most common causes of low back pain. Sometimes the feet are affected too. Muscular disorders may cause pain, but it's usually not that severe and is alleviated by rest.
Aortic aneurysms may cause pain when rupturing. The pain is felt mostly on the lower back. Clinical examination and abdominal ultrasound scan may point to the diagnosis. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
Renal colic may cause flank pain. As the site of obstruction moves towards the bladder the pain may also move to the lower back and then to side and front of the abdomen.
Other causes are possible too. I've mentioned some of the most common (or serious) ones.
So in conclusion, medical examination by a doctor is required. Depending on the findings of the clinical examination the doctor may order an X-ray of the lower spine and perhaps ultrasound scans to identify various causes of pain.
Until you get to see a doctor you can use painkillers, starting with paracetamol (acetaminophen).
I hope you find my answer helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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