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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Lower Back Pain
Posted on
Tue, 27 Sep 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 27 Sep 2016
Answered on
Tue, 18 Oct 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I have been having lower back pains for about 6 months. I thought it was a strain and time would let it pass but it's just getting worse that it's constant and certain movements cause excruciating shooting pains. It's now painful 24 / 7 and 100% of time. Even just standing up causes shooting pains. New symptom is numbness in my right foot / ankle. Have recently moved to the North XXXXXXX area and trying to understand what type of doctor to look for.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Given the history with shooting pain with abnormal sensations reaching down to the lower limb, the most likely cause should be a nerve root compression due to a disc bulge or arthritis bony spurs. Initial management is conservative and consists in over the counter pain killers like Ibuprofen and physical therapy.
However if the symptoms persist for over 4-6 weeks like in your case then imaging is advised in order to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the degree of compression as well as the need for a more aggressive approach such as local steroid injections or even surgery.
As for who is the most suited specialist I would say that apart from the family doctor the initial recommended specialist would be a neurologist. Afterwards depending on physical exam findings and imaging results there may be need for consultations with a neurosurgeon or a physiatrist, but the initial step should be to consult a neurologist.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Given the history with shooting pain with abnormal sensations reaching down to the lower limb, the most likely cause should be a nerve root compression due to a disc bulge or arthritis bony spurs. Initial management is conservative and consists in over the counter pain killers like Ibuprofen and physical therapy.
However if the symptoms persist for over 4-6 weeks like in your case then imaging is advised in order to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the degree of compression as well as the need for a more aggressive approach such as local steroid injections or even surgery.
As for who is the most suited specialist I would say that apart from the family doctor the initial recommended specialist would be a neurologist. Afterwards depending on physical exam findings and imaging results there may be need for consultations with a neurosurgeon or a physiatrist, but the initial step should be to consult a neurologist.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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