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What Causes Severe Pain In Lower Back Between L3 And L4?
Question: I have acute stabbing pain in my lower back between l3 ans l4. It happened when I went to stand up yesterday. I can't put any weight on my back at all. Had to almost be carried to the car. Went to the hospital and they took an X-ray and said nothing broken and gave me some drugs. No better today, can't move. The pain is a shooting pain I can feel my muscles contort and knit up when it happens. I don't know what to do
I am a very active person and have a lot of responsibilities.mi run a construction business and am out of town at an important convention. Missed yesterday completely have only today left
I am a very active person and have a lot of responsibilities.mi run a construction business and am out of town at an important convention. Missed yesterday completely have only today left
Brief Answer:
please do MRI scan of the lumbosacral spine.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using Hcm.
I have read your query and understand your problem.
The pain and onset being so spontaneous without any trauma,or injury has to be ruled out.
From my clinical experience I have a strong suspicion of disc prolapse or bulge or compression at l3 and l4 levels.
Until evaluated for the same,please immobilise your spine,only with simple relaxation exercises.
Pain killers like tramadol or diclofenac added with muscle relaxant like chloroxozone.(with careful doses as you already have renal stones) will help you with pain relief.
Local application of pain relieving gel,physiotherapy,intravenous steroids in case of disc edema will help.
I suggest you to go ahead with MRI lumbosacral spine to find out the definitive cause as the cause cannot be ruled out with the X-ray.
Hoping that you have been helped out with my reply.
Kindly get back after the MRI.
All the best, take care.
please do MRI scan of the lumbosacral spine.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using Hcm.
I have read your query and understand your problem.
The pain and onset being so spontaneous without any trauma,or injury has to be ruled out.
From my clinical experience I have a strong suspicion of disc prolapse or bulge or compression at l3 and l4 levels.
Until evaluated for the same,please immobilise your spine,only with simple relaxation exercises.
Pain killers like tramadol or diclofenac added with muscle relaxant like chloroxozone.(with careful doses as you already have renal stones) will help you with pain relief.
Local application of pain relieving gel,physiotherapy,intravenous steroids in case of disc edema will help.
I suggest you to go ahead with MRI lumbosacral spine to find out the definitive cause as the cause cannot be ruled out with the X-ray.
Hoping that you have been helped out with my reply.
Kindly get back after the MRI.
All the best, take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Thank you, you have been most helpful. I am out of town until Monday, I called an oncologist recommended by the hospital but they won't take my insurance so I am going to call insurance back as soon as they open to see if I can get the MRI here or have to wait until I get back.
How do I immobilize my spine? I can do so okay until I have to go to the bathroom.
If it is a bulged or herniated disc what type of treatments are there?
How do I immobilize my spine? I can do so okay until I have to go to the bathroom.
If it is a bulged or herniated disc what type of treatments are there?
Brief Answer:
relaxation and physiotherapy exercises
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks once again for the follow up.
You can immobilise the spine by taking rest,without vigorous bending,causing more strain on the affected area.
Wearing a good supported lumbosacral belt which helps in proper rest and less stress on the area,which helps you out even while using the restroom.
Simple relaxation exercises to relieve the pain.
Treatment for bulged or herniations--requires rest.
Relaxation exercises,physiotherapy.
Painkillers and muscle relaxation.
IV steroids.
Traction in few cases will help but under clinical observation.
Intrathecal medications.
Gabapentin, or opiods for pain.
Neurosurgical intervention at the last.
Let's not think to that farthest end In your case,hoping you will be relieved with rest,pain control and relaxation by God's grace.
Kindly get back to me with any related doubts.
All the best
relaxation and physiotherapy exercises
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks once again for the follow up.
You can immobilise the spine by taking rest,without vigorous bending,causing more strain on the affected area.
Wearing a good supported lumbosacral belt which helps in proper rest and less stress on the area,which helps you out even while using the restroom.
Simple relaxation exercises to relieve the pain.
Treatment for bulged or herniations--requires rest.
Relaxation exercises,physiotherapy.
Painkillers and muscle relaxation.
IV steroids.
Traction in few cases will help but under clinical observation.
Intrathecal medications.
Gabapentin, or opiods for pain.
Neurosurgical intervention at the last.
Let's not think to that farthest end In your case,hoping you will be relieved with rest,pain control and relaxation by God's grace.
Kindly get back to me with any related doubts.
All the best
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Dr. Sabiha Banu
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist
Practicing since :2000
Answered : 749 Questions
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