[19M] Experiencing lower back pain, heart palpitations, and dry cough

Patient Description

A 19-year-old male reports experiencing dull lower back pain for a few months, rated as a 3 out of 10 in severity, which worsens when standing up or lying down. Additionally, the patient has been having heart palpitations for about a month, described as a pounding sensation that sometimes intensifies during exercise or stress. The patient also has a persistent dry cough that has been present for approximately half a year, particularly bothersome during gaming. There is also a report of numbness or tingling in the legs or feet. No relief measures for back pain have been identified. The patient denies any recent injuries, sudden weight loss, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, or changes in bowel or bladder habits. There is no history of drug, alcohol, or tobacco use, no known allergies or adverse reactions to medications, and no family history of heart or back problems. The patient is not on any medications and has no pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Musculoskeletal Back Pain: This is a common condition that can cause dull, aching pain in the lower back. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, overuse, or strain. The fact that your pain worsens when you're standing or lying down suggests that it could be related to the way you're using your back muscles.

    • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, and exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
  • Anxiety: Heart palpitations can sometimes be caused by stress or anxiety. If you've noticed that your palpitations become more intense during times of stress, it's possible that they could be related to anxiety.

    • Treatment for anxiety can involve a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a condition that can cause numbness or tingling in the legs or feet. It's often caused by damage to the nerves that transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

    • Treatment typically involves managing the underlying condition that's causing the neuropathy, as well as medications to manage symptoms.
  • Dry Cough: A persistent dry cough can be caused by a variety of conditions, including allergies, asthma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If your cough is particularly bothersome when you're gaming, it could be related to your breathing patterns during this activity.

    • Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the cough.

What you can do

  1. Try to maintain good posture when you're standing and sitting. This can help to reduce strain on your back muscles.
  2. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help manage stress and anxiety.
  3. If you're experiencing numbness or tingling in your legs or feet, try to avoid activities that could cause further nerve damage, such as prolonged standing or walking.
  4. If your cough is bothersome, try to stay hydrated and avoid irritants, such as smoke or dust.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe back pain that doesn't improve with rest
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Difficulty walking or moving your legs
  • A cough that's accompanied by fever, weight loss, or difficulty breathing

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are common causes of dull lower back pain in young adults?

Common causes of dull lower back pain in young adults include poor posture, muscle strain, overuse, or lack of physical activity. It can also be related to lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting or standing.


How can anxiety lead to heart palpitations?

Anxiety can lead to heart palpitations because it triggers the body's 'fight or flight' response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline that can increase heart rate and cause a pounding sensation.


What are the potential causes of numbness or tingling in the legs or feet?

Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet can be caused by peripheral neuropathy, which is often due to nerve damage. Other causes can include poor circulation, vitamin deficiencies, or conditions like diabetes.


What could be causing a persistent dry cough, especially during activities like gaming?

A persistent dry cough can be caused by allergies, asthma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During activities like gaming, it might be related to breathing patterns or environmental factors such as dust or dry air.

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