What back/spinal problem do I have? I really want someone to tell me what might be going on?

[Anonymous]

For the last two weeks I've been having really bad pain in my back, but I've been trying to ignore it as best I can. The problem is that recently the pain has gotten worse & sometimes my back gives out on me and without even meaning to I sit down because it just hurts too much to stand. It's almost like I have no control over my back & it even hurts just to touch it. I should also mention that I'm nineteen years old and have never had this happen before. Please let me know if you know what this might be & what I should do to eliminate the pain.

Thanks in advance for your help!! :)

[Anonymous]

I've had back problems, you really need to go and see a specialist because the back is so complicated that pain gets "referred" around; where it hurts is not necessarily where the problem actually is stemming from. You need someone to tell you if it's disc, or muscular and GaGers simply can't do that. My advice would be to take some ibuprofen and relax the muscles in a hot bath or hot water bottle, this will provide a bit of relief between now and an appointment with a doctor.

[Asker]

That's probably sound advice & I really appreciate your help. I'm kind of anxious to find out what might be going on though (in case it might be serious). What did your back problem turn out to be & how long did it take for you to feel better? Oh, and what does ibuprofen do to help & are there any side effects? Sorry for seemingly endless questions, lol :)

[Opinion Owner]

lol, no worries. It was a few years ago so I can't remember the name of all the muscles etc. but basically I'd injured a muscle in my hip (which I couldn't feel) and it caused a shortening of the tendons and imbalance which pulled on my lower back and made it ache like a mofo, this also caused some of the muscles in the middle of my back to seize up sometimes as well, it was really fucked up. I got it diagnosed and had some deep tissue massage and stretching to loosen the hip, I was amazed when I felt it working up my back! I had a few sessions of that and had stretches to do at home, then I had some really basic yoga to do to strengthen things up.

[Opinion Owner]

Ibuprofen is risk free as far as I know, I've taken it a lot for various sports injuries. It's an anti inflammatory medicine so it soothes swollen and sore muscles.. I was told by a physio that it only works if you keep the dose regular, similar to anti biotics.. one tablet will do nothing.

[Asker]

Thanks for including your history with back problems & I know what you mean about it hurting so much. People around me think I'm exaggerating but I'm actually not. I'm glad things turned out well for you & hopefully the same will happen for me too ;) Thanks again and I'll keep you posted about what the heck is up with my back issues, lol :)

[Opinion Owner]

lol, the problem is how constant the pain can be, so it wears you down mentally. Yeah, my back seems ok these days thanks, if I neglect exercises and stretching it feels stiff though. I wish you all the best! :)

[BertMacklinFBI]

have you been performing in any physical activities recently that put strain on your back? lower back? like lifting heavy things.

[Asker]

I do workouts every other day (been doing that for the last 2 years). But I don't lift heavy things and mainly use a treadmill/elliptical as a form of exercise as well. It is my lower back but slightly more to the left which I've never experienced before? Let me know if you have any idea of what it might be. Thanks! :)

[BertMacklinFBI]

I can only guess but my guessing will not benefit you in any way, you should probably go in for a check up. back injuries are crucial to the human body.

[Asker]

Okay, thanks! :) Hopefully it's nothing serious

[BertMacklinFBI]

I hope as well! *fingers crossed*

[holland_oates]

Oh no, you gotta take back pains seriously. I highly suggest visiting a professional doc for a check up and diagnosis, it seems to serious to go to the internet for help. Best of luck to you!

[Asker]

Thank you for answering :) Yeah, I have an appointment for Wednesday so I guess I'll find out then! :) Hopefully it's nothing too serious

[Anonymous]

You need to go to a hospital immediately.

[Asker]

Do you think it's that serious? I've been reading about it online but none of the spinal problems describe what I'm experiencing

[Opinion Owner]

I don't think it's that serious at the moment, but it's definitely something you should get checked out, and don't do any straining exercises for a while.

[Asker]

Okay, thanks! :) I'll get it checked out soon & I really appreciate your help

[sexyphil]

have you got any pain in your butt or down you legs? if you would like to chat in private message me. I know an awful lot about back problems as I suffered from it after a racing accident and finished up having surgery to fix it

[Anonymous]

Go see a chiropractor as soon as possible!

[Asker]

Do you have any idea what it might be? I've been reading about it online but none of the symptoms seem to fit

[Opinion Owner]

No, stop trying to diagnose yourself! Go see a chiropractor before you make it worse!!!

[Asker]

Okay, I will :) Thanks again for helping me