What could be done to manage persistent lower back pain?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My husband is a healthy 38-year-old, who does not smoke and drink. He has worked hard since he was 11 years old, and he held his current job for five years now, which includes laying carpet and floors of all kinds. He has never had any issue with his body in his entire life up until last week. The pain started suddenly in his lower back as he was lifting a bucket half filled with glue. He did not pay any attention at the time, but the next morning the pain shifted down to his left thigh and hamstring, and it was so severe he could not even walk or sleep. He said it gets tight for five minutes at a time then loosens up.

It has been like this for a whole week now, and he cannot get comfortable with anything. He went to the emergency room a couple of days ago hoping for relief, but he got a pain shot in one arm, a muscle relaxing shot in the other, and a prescription for pain and muscle relaxants. But, nothing seems to work, he uses a heating pad, baths in Epsom salt, uses Bengay, and does light exercises like stretching, but the pain remains. Could there be a medical condition causing this muscle spasm?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Maan Singh Dhanjal

Education:

DC

Professional Bio:

Dr. Maan Singh Dhanjal is a licensed chiropractor dedicated to improving spinal health and overall well-being. He specializes in treating musculoskeletal conditions, posture-related concerns, and sports injuries through evidence-based chiropractic care. His approach combines hands-on techniques with patient education, helping individuals achieve pain relief, improved mobility, and a healthier lifestyle.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It sounds like a classic case of sciatica or perhaps aggravated lumbar disc herniation. Your husband will require an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the lower back to confirm the diagnosis. If true, then you should visit a chiropractor to start conservative care. Low back pain can be helped drastically with conservative care.

The probable causes are repetitive motion injury, arthritis (inflammation in the joints) , and deconditioning (a decline in muscle strength and mass that occurs when muscles are inactive for a prolonged period). The differential diagnosis is lumbar disc herniation, sciatica, and sacroiliitis. Follow an active lifestyle, do stretching and yoga.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At May 9, 2017
Reviewed At October 17, 2024

Education:

DC

Professional Bio:

Dr. Maan Singh Dhanjal is a licensed chiropractor dedicated to improving spinal health and overall well-being. He specializes in treating musculoskeletal conditions, posture-related concerns, and sports injuries through evidence-based chiropractic care. His approach combines hands-on techniques with patient education, helping individuals achieve pain relief, improved mobility, and a healthier lifestyle.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

DC

Professional Bio:

Dr. Maan Singh Dhanjal is a licensed chiropractor dedicated to improving spinal health and overall well-being. He specializes in treating musculoskeletal conditions, posture-related concerns, and sports injuries through evidence-based chiropractic care. His approach combines hands-on techniques with patient education, helping individuals achieve pain relief, improved mobility, and a healthier lifestyle.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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