Suggest Treatment For Severe Lower Back Pain

Posted on Fri, 5 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 5 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
I have had significant lower back pain on the right side for about two weeks, sort of like a burning sensation. Yesterday, the pain moved to my left lower back and pain is radiating down my left leg. My left leg is extremely weak to the point of nearly falling when I go to take a step or stand up. I do have some slight scoliosis but this sort of pain is new to me.

I have recently become concerned about MS... I seem to have many of the symptoms at various times and have also been tested twice for Lupus with negative results. Could MS be something to research further or seek physician help with?

I just noticed that when there is no pressure on the left leg, such as sitting or standing and when I lift it without touching anything, the pain goes away.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You may be having disc herniation in the back

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I can assure you that this is not MS. So do not be worried about this. Most probably you are having herniation of the disc in the spine and it is causing nerve compression leading to sharp pain in the leg.
I would recommend you to get MRI of the spine to confirm this diagnosis. If there is disc herniation seen on MRI then further management will depend on in which stage your problem is.
1.If it is in early sage with mild compression then you need to take Pregabalin m one daily along with back muscle strengthening exercises.
2.Avoid forward bending or weight lifting.
3.Do not do any long hours travelling or jerky activities.
if compression is in advance stage then you might need surgery.
I hope this answer will be helpful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (32 minutes later)

Thank you, I will follow-up with a local physician that can order the MRI. I appreciate you! Have a wonderful day!

Would I need to find an Orthopaedic physician?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can show it to orthoapedic doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Yes It would be best if you can show it to an orthoapedic doctor who can offer you better advise. If you do not get one then show it to physcian. Please share that MRI with me also. I will try my best to help you.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (9 minutes later)

Absolutely! Thanks again!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
thanks

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using this site. Feel free to ask any queston in future.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (28 hours later)

Hi again, I went to an Urgent Care clinic today since this lower back ache and my weakened leg is bothering me so much. I did contact an Ortho doc but they can't see me before a couple weeks.
The clinic doc thinks it is Sciatica but I have had Sciatica and this doesn't feel like that.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sciatica is same as nerve compression in the back

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sciatica is same as nerve compression in the back. It is called sciatica becuase sciatic nerve compression is most common. It may occur with different symptoms. So do not be confuse.Try to get your MRI as soon as possible which will confirm the diagnosis.
Till then take Pregabalin and Methylcobal tablet one daily at night time.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar