How to cure back pain which occasionally radiates to the legs, buttocks, and upper back and is progressively getting worse?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 26-year-old male with left lateral back pain near the spine that occasionally radiates to the upper back on the left side. The pain also radiates to my left buttocks and down the left side of my leg. I have no numbness, just really sharp pain. It feels like a nerve is getting pinched. I have had this pain, and it has been progressively getting worse over the last 2 years, and it is starting to become debilitating. It is difficult to perform my job due to this. I am in great shape, and I am very active. I am in pain all the time. Somedays, I cannot do the things I want to do because I am in so much pain.

I had an X-ray done a couple of months back. It showed arthritis in my lower spine and a narrowing of the disk space between L4 and L5. I want to know if I can get rid of this pain. I hate taking medication. The only thing that helps is a muscle relaxer which I rarely take because it is only a temporary pain fix, and it makes me super tired for like two days. My life is starting to revolve around my pain. What can I do?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your concern. In my opinion, the pain you are experiencing is due to some disc pathology. I recommend you try the following protocol and revert back to me.

1. Do spine extensions frequently, like 30 reps 3 sets in a day for 4 to 5 times a day for the next 2 weeks.

2. Lot of icing in the lower back region.

3. While doing exercises, you might experience pain in the spine, and slightly adjacent areas, which is normal. Do not panic. Keep icing those areas.

4. Avoid lifting any weights or forward bending.

I hope this is helpful to you. Kindly revert back after 2 weeks.