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What Causes Pain In Lower Back Radiating To Left Lower Side?
Question: I am a 44 year old female having severe lower back pain for 6+ weeks that radiates from lower left side to right when walking standing or movement and also goes down my left leg but not past my knee. Had an x-ray done (uploaded report). Saw an orthopedic who did not say much except to stay on anti-inflammatory meds, pain meds and muscle relaxers. He did order an MRI set for this coming Tuesday. Degenerative disc problems run in my family. Still don't know what my actual diagnoses could be or how I can finally be free of this horrible pain I am in.
Brief Answer:
Physiotherapy will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Your X-ray report is suggestive of mild degenerative changes in the spine. There is sacralization of L5. There could be a minor disc prolapse with a nerve root compression that can be detected on MRI scan. The treatment involves bed rest with pain killers and muscle relaxants. For pain and spasm to go you have to do back exercises to relive the spasm associated with this. Doing hot fomentation and applying muscle relaxant gel will also be helpful in relieving the spasm.
Correct your posture while sitting. Take frequent breaks during your work.
Lie on hard bed. Avoid forward bending and lifting heavy weight.
The most essential and long lasting remedy is exercises. There are certain back strengthening and isometric exercises that you must learn from a physiotherapist and perform them at home or work whenever possible.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Physiotherapy will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Your X-ray report is suggestive of mild degenerative changes in the spine. There is sacralization of L5. There could be a minor disc prolapse with a nerve root compression that can be detected on MRI scan. The treatment involves bed rest with pain killers and muscle relaxants. For pain and spasm to go you have to do back exercises to relive the spasm associated with this. Doing hot fomentation and applying muscle relaxant gel will also be helpful in relieving the spasm.
Correct your posture while sitting. Take frequent breaks during your work.
Lie on hard bed. Avoid forward bending and lifting heavy weight.
The most essential and long lasting remedy is exercises. There are certain back strengthening and isometric exercises that you must learn from a physiotherapist and perform them at home or work whenever possible.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
There is sacralization of L5. What does this mean?
I am also just started physical therapy 2x week for 4 weeks. Do you think this would be helpful. I was in a lot of pain after my first session.
Thank you.
I am also just started physical therapy 2x week for 4 weeks. Do you think this would be helpful. I was in a lot of pain after my first session.
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Yes. Physical therapy will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Sacralization means L5 has become attached to S1. This decreases the mobility around that area causing the pain.
Physiotherapy will help in increasing the range of movement and will decrease the stiffness.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Yes. Physical therapy will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Sacralization means L5 has become attached to S1. This decreases the mobility around that area causing the pain.
Physiotherapy will help in increasing the range of movement and will decrease the stiffness.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
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