Join Our Community!
Share
Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > Please help me Identify the Cause of Back Pain
What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....
Click here to learn about the most common causes of back pain, and things that increase your risk of backache. We cover lower back pain and upper back pain....
Back pain symptoms may seem obvious. But do you know when symptoms of back pain are more serious or when to see a doctor? Learn what action to take & when...
User Profile
Q: Please help me Identify the Cause of Back Pain
asked by: DoctorQuestion on August 25th, 2006
Hello, for the last two months my left leg has been in severe pain. Over time it has gotten worse I would say, but its always been pretty bad. Its very difficult to fall asleep, as the pain is worse in the morning and at night. I don't have health insurance so no P.C.P. but I went to the e.r. and the doctor just said the pain would most likely go away, and gave me some muscle relaxers. The pain has not gone away, and I can't figure out what the heck is going on. It starts in my lower left back and runs through my leg, and the pain can be concentrated in a variety of spots throughout, it varies day to day. Pain medicine makes it feel better but I want to cure it not mask it. I don't think it is sciatic nerve because it can often hurt in my front thigh, but I'm not a doctor. I would love to just get an idea of what could be going on here. So far I have tryed stretching, laying off it, working it out, Reike massage, icing it, and I went to a chiropractor for 1 visit, but nothing seemed to help. One thing that has slightly helped has been a hot tub. Thank you for any help you might have in helping me get to he bottom of this! Austin


Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(1)
User Profile
Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on September 5th, 2006
Back Pain Answer A1407
It seems as if you are experiencing neural pain, perhaps sciatica. You can request an X-ray image of the lumbar-sacral spine to idnetify the cause(s) of the pain. Painkillers and physical therapy may help temporarily, but if there is a discus hernia present, surgical therapy is indicated. A discus hernia can be confirmed or excluded with an MRI. You must visit a General Practitioner doctor to begin these rounds of examinations.


DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Back Pain , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.
Did you find this post useful?
|
This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.
Quick Reply
Search