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What Causes Pain Below The Waist That Radiates To The Back?
Posted on
Thu, 28 Jul 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 28 Jul 2016
Answered on
Thu, 18 Aug 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I have pain below the waist on the right side that radiates to the back, worse when I walk. Not sick in any other way, it can get pretty intense at times, had it for a couple of weeks.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The symptoms you describe are usually due to arthritis of the spine or of the pelvic joints. That may cause pain alone or may also compress nerve roots, but in the later case the pain radiates further below on the lower limb on that side.
Regarding management it usually consists in physical therapy and pain killers as needed, usually acetaminophen or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen.
Generally it is not considered an emergency. Exceptions are when - there is suspected compression of the bundle of nerve roots manifesting with paralysis of the lower limbs and bladder control issues, - when there is fever which may lead to suspicion of an infectious cause, - when there is a history of a fall or history of osteoporosis with a suspicion of trauma, - when there is a history of a malignancy or weight loss leading to a suspicion of spine metastasis.
So in the absence of any of the above features I doubt there is much the ER can do for you apart from giving painkillers. They may probably get an X-ray done to exclude fractures (if not already done) and some routine blood tests for infection and inflammation, but if nothing major turns out you will probably be sent back home with a prescription for painkillers and you will have to schedule a visit to the specialist. Having those tests may be enough of a reason for the trip to the ER, I just want you to have realistic expectations and if already done those tests may spare yourself the trip. If on the other hand there are any of the features mentioned above you should go to the ER.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The symptoms you describe are usually due to arthritis of the spine or of the pelvic joints. That may cause pain alone or may also compress nerve roots, but in the later case the pain radiates further below on the lower limb on that side.
Regarding management it usually consists in physical therapy and pain killers as needed, usually acetaminophen or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen.
Generally it is not considered an emergency. Exceptions are when - there is suspected compression of the bundle of nerve roots manifesting with paralysis of the lower limbs and bladder control issues, - when there is fever which may lead to suspicion of an infectious cause, - when there is a history of a fall or history of osteoporosis with a suspicion of trauma, - when there is a history of a malignancy or weight loss leading to a suspicion of spine metastasis.
So in the absence of any of the above features I doubt there is much the ER can do for you apart from giving painkillers. They may probably get an X-ray done to exclude fractures (if not already done) and some routine blood tests for infection and inflammation, but if nothing major turns out you will probably be sent back home with a prescription for painkillers and you will have to schedule a visit to the specialist. Having those tests may be enough of a reason for the trip to the ER, I just want you to have realistic expectations and if already done those tests may spare yourself the trip. If on the other hand there are any of the features mentioned above you should go to the ER.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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