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Suggest Treatment For Low Grade Fever And Arthritis
Question: Monday I started having lower spinal pain which became severe in the evening and has continued all week. My lower ribs ache as well, in addition to having a mild, low grade fever for me. Ibuprofen helps but I keep having to take it. I do have arthritis in my low back and hips and also had a recent fall directly on the upper part of my femur which is progressively worsening. I received a "hip injection" in the inner part of my groin area 2-3 weeks ago which is wearing off. What would be causing my lower back to suddenly hurt and me not feeling well?
Brief Answer:
Please see the discussion
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
It is likely that you suffer from Intervertebral disc prolapse in the lumbar region. The prolapsed discs pinch the nerves and produce pain in the low back. Sometimes the pain may also radiate into the leg(s).
If you have any burning of passing urine or if you have increased frequency of micturation, an urinary tract infection is a possibility since you also feel feverish.
Lying on firm bed, correct posture and avoiding of bending forward or lifting weights would reduce the pain if the cause is disc prolapse.
If you do not get better or if the symptoms are getting worse, it may be good to see a doctor, have yourself examined and tested.
Do get back to me if you have further questions.
Please see the discussion
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
It is likely that you suffer from Intervertebral disc prolapse in the lumbar region. The prolapsed discs pinch the nerves and produce pain in the low back. Sometimes the pain may also radiate into the leg(s).
If you have any burning of passing urine or if you have increased frequency of micturation, an urinary tract infection is a possibility since you also feel feverish.
Lying on firm bed, correct posture and avoiding of bending forward or lifting weights would reduce the pain if the cause is disc prolapse.
If you do not get better or if the symptoms are getting worse, it may be good to see a doctor, have yourself examined and tested.
Do get back to me if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply. I did want to give you some further information.
I have had a few issues of bowel leakage during the night and boughts of constipation during the day. I void 2 maybe 3 times per day. I usually drink 8-12 bottles of water per day along with 1 cup of coffee and 1 maybe 2 glasses of red wine. However, I haven't been able to drink as much here lately; whether it be because I'm too busy to think about it or I'm just not thirsty, I cannot tell. I also am not as hungry any more.
I had a spinal block in early August due to mild spinal stenosis, degeneration, arthritis, and scholeosis, etc., which was causing pain in my lower back which ran down my left leg to my ankle diagnosed by an MRI. However, my previously mention fall occurred between the time of the MRI and the spinal block. When I fell, the first diagnosis upon Xray was extreme enlargement of the bursa and I received an injection of anesthetic and steroid. I followed up with my orthopedist on the spinal block which worked well and explained the fall, received Xrays and received another injection of anesthetic/steroid in my leg joint. Which increased the pain and did nothing until the 3rd day and then stopped working. Upon follow up was referred to an MRI which showed inflammation of the muscles in the leg/hip joint. I then received a hip injection 3-4 weeks ago and is now wearing off.
I generally do not feel well. I am tire by 4 p.m. every day from the pain. I eat ibuprofen all day 3-4 at a time every 4-6 hours.
Thank you for your consideration of this additional information
I have had a few issues of bowel leakage during the night and boughts of constipation during the day. I void 2 maybe 3 times per day. I usually drink 8-12 bottles of water per day along with 1 cup of coffee and 1 maybe 2 glasses of red wine. However, I haven't been able to drink as much here lately; whether it be because I'm too busy to think about it or I'm just not thirsty, I cannot tell. I also am not as hungry any more.
I had a spinal block in early August due to mild spinal stenosis, degeneration, arthritis, and scholeosis, etc., which was causing pain in my lower back which ran down my left leg to my ankle diagnosed by an MRI. However, my previously mention fall occurred between the time of the MRI and the spinal block. When I fell, the first diagnosis upon Xray was extreme enlargement of the bursa and I received an injection of anesthetic and steroid. I followed up with my orthopedist on the spinal block which worked well and explained the fall, received Xrays and received another injection of anesthetic/steroid in my leg joint. Which increased the pain and did nothing until the 3rd day and then stopped working. Upon follow up was referred to an MRI which showed inflammation of the muscles in the leg/hip joint. I then received a hip injection 3-4 weeks ago and is now wearing off.
I generally do not feel well. I am tire by 4 p.m. every day from the pain. I eat ibuprofen all day 3-4 at a time every 4-6 hours.
Thank you for your consideration of this additional information
Brief Answer:
Try Neurontin
Detailed Answer:
Sorry for the delay in replying due to the different time zones we live in.
The steroid injection is very effective for a bursitis but not for injury from a fall. Local anesthetic is beneficial only for a very short time.
The pain radiating down the leg is due to the nerve being pinched by the disc or other structures.
Try taking 300 mg of Neurontin ( Gabapentin ) at bed time. It is likely to help relieve your pain and need for ibuprofen.
Do get back to me with the response you get with the same.
Try Neurontin
Detailed Answer:
Sorry for the delay in replying due to the different time zones we live in.
The steroid injection is very effective for a bursitis but not for injury from a fall. Local anesthetic is beneficial only for a very short time.
The pain radiating down the leg is due to the nerve being pinched by the disc or other structures.
Try taking 300 mg of Neurontin ( Gabapentin ) at bed time. It is likely to help relieve your pain and need for ibuprofen.
Do get back to me with the response you get with the same.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I already take 600 mg of Gabapentin at bed time which my Physician has prescribed previously for the pain which runs down my leg but it does not help with it during the day. The spinal block did not last but about 6 weeks.
My primary concern was the sudden onset of severe pain in my spine in the lumbar area (radiating into my rib cage). I can tolerate a lot of pain since I suffer from cronic migraines but this ranges from an 8 to 10 on the pain scale. I don't care for narcotics. I choose to take ibuprofen because it works and works quickly but I'm having to take so much of it.
My primary concern was the sudden onset of severe pain in my spine in the lumbar area (radiating into my rib cage). I can tolerate a lot of pain since I suffer from cronic migraines but this ranges from an 8 to 10 on the pain scale. I don't care for narcotics. I choose to take ibuprofen because it works and works quickly but I'm having to take so much of it.
Brief Answer:
Suggestion follows
Detailed Answer:
You are describing a typical neuritic pain due to pinching of the nerves.
Try splitting the dose to 300mg twice a day. It might help. If not, increase the dose to 300mg in the morning and 600mg at night.
You can also try a muscle relaxant like relaxon which may be taken upto 3 times a day.
Too much of ibuprofen may be harmful to the liver and the kidneys.
Hope you would get better.
Suggestion follows
Detailed Answer:
You are describing a typical neuritic pain due to pinching of the nerves.
Try splitting the dose to 300mg twice a day. It might help. If not, increase the dose to 300mg in the morning and 600mg at night.
You can also try a muscle relaxant like relaxon which may be taken upto 3 times a day.
Too much of ibuprofen may be harmful to the liver and the kidneys.
Hope you would get better.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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