What Causes Severe Back Pain Despite Being On Treatment For Bulging Discs?

Posted on Thu, 18 Sep 2014

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

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 Answered on

Sat, 11 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have recent been receiving osteopathy treatment for a couple of bulging discs and a small tear in lower back and also in cervical spine. . I have been in pain from neck to knee but now am getting mobility back and reduced general pain. I have however got a very specific pain now in lower right abdomen that goes right through to back which is worst when sitting. I also hurt on the side above my hip to underneath rib. My GP has ruled out ovary cyst by feeling area. I do have IBS but have been having regular BM and it doesn't feel like usual IBS pain. Has been constant for 2-3 wks. It could be longer but was in so much pain from back I couldn't be sure. Osteopath doesn't think the source is from my back. I am 47 year old female. Wondering what this could be. Have thought back pain as cause, ovaries, appendix....Totally fed up being in pain and feel like there is one thing after another.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
possibility of chronic backache is more.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I'm Dr. Sudhir Kumar,

After going through your query possibility of chronic backache is more as you have mentioned of bulging discs(back pain is known for recurring).

I will like to see various causes of musculoskeletal pain.In my mind following can be cause of chronic backache:-

1.Disc prolapse as you have mentioned that you have bulging discs.

2.Muscular pain due to muscle weakness or vitamin deficiency.

3.Thyroid hormone deficiency

Other causes in this area can be kidney diseases, gastrointestinal diseases and gynecological diseases. Gynecological diseases you have already excluded.

I will like to perform following investigations:-

1.Vitamin D test as deficiency of is important cause of musculoskeletal pain.

2.Vitamin B12 test

3.Thyroid function test(T3,T4 and TSH) to exclude hypothyroidism.

4.Ultrasound of abdomen and kidney region to exclude these causes.

5. X ray and MRI lumbar spine to see back related causes.

I suggest empirical treatment of your backache as follows:-

1.Regular back exercises to strengthen back

2.Avoid continuous muscular strains,take rest in between to give rest to muscles.

3.Analgesics(Diclofenac/Ibuprofen) whenever you have pain.

4.Supplementation of vitaminD3,if it is low(by serum vitamin D level)vitamin D3 deficiency is important cause of simple backache.

5.Supplementation by Vitamin B complex and C to improve general health.

Further treatment depends on result of above investigations.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Wishing you good health.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T