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What Causes Severe Pain In My Lower Back?

Posted on Tue, 7 Apr 2015

Question: About 4 days ago I started having severe burning pain in my lower back/upper buttocks. It feels like there are a million tiny needles poking me from my low back all the way down to my feet. And occasionally when I move or while I'm walking I feel these strange little popping/snapping sensations in my buttocks all the way up to the middle of my back (I've never felt sensations like this before). I've also had horrible swelling in my feet since the back pain started. What are these twitching feelings?? I know my piriformis muscle is part of the problem but I'm worried this may involve more than just the piriformis. Is it just coincidence that the foot swelling started at the same time?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need to exclude pinched nerves in the back.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your symptoms.

Based on that, we need to exclude pinched nerves in the lumbar region (lower back). The nerves in lumbar region supply sensations to buttocks, thighs, legs and feet. If they get pinched, then, similar symptoms can result.

In addition, we also need to exclude high sugars, vitamin B12 deficiency, etc.

Foot swelling most probably is a coincidence.

As of now, pregabalin capsules would help relieve the symptoms. If symptoms persist, then, MRI of lumbar spine may be needed.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (3 hours later)

Thank You! I should have mentioned how the pain started. My daughters and I were at an indoor waterpark last weekend and I went on a pretty wild slide with water propulsion and I was sitting in the back of the intertube and was slammed to the side pretty hard. If I lean side to side I notice what feels like stinging, popping feeling in my buttocks muscles. Almost like little muscle fibers are snapping or ripping apart. It also happens when I walk. The pain and burning is nearly unbearable tonight even worse since I initially posted my question.
Now my legs are starting to go numb. This is all coming on very fast! Heading to the ER! Thanks for your help!

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please keep me informed.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

It is unfortunate to note that symptoms have progressed fast and you had to go to ER.

I hope you get relief at ER with prompt treatment. Please keep me informed of the progress.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta