[20F] With severe lower back pain, nausea, and other systemic symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, several potential conditions could be contributing to your discomfort:

• Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. It can cause severe lower back pain that radiates down the legs, and sometimes up to the neck and shoulders. The pain can be sharp and electric, similar to what you're describing.

  • Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

• Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, and sleep disturbances.

  • Treatment: Medications like pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. Lifestyle changes, including exercise and stress management, can also help.

• Spinal Disc Herniation: A herniated disc can press on nerves in your spine, causing pain that radiates to other parts of your body, including your legs and neck. This can also lead to numbness and weakness.

  • Treatment: Physical therapy, pain medications, and in some cases, surgery.

• Meningitis: Although less likely, the combination of severe headaches, neck pain, and fever-like symptoms (night sweats) could indicate meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

  • Treatment: Immediate medical attention is required. Treatment typically involves antibiotics or antiviral medications.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity. It can also cause muscle pain, headaches, and dizziness.

  • Treatment: Symptom management through medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and graded exercise therapy.

What you can do

While you should see a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

1. Rest: Try to get as much rest as possible to help your body recover.
2. Stay Hydrated: Continue drinking water to stay hydrated, especially since you're experiencing nausea.
3. Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle stretching exercises to relieve some of the tension in your muscles.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Although you've tried some, consider alternating between different types (e.g., ibuprofen and acetaminophen) to see if that provides more relief.
5. Seek Support: Ask friends or family for help with daily tasks to avoid straining yourself further.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or worsening pain: If your pain becomes unbearable or significantly worsens.
• Inability to walk or move: If you completely lose the ability to walk or move your legs.
• High fever or chills: If you develop a high fever or chills, which could indicate an infection.
• Severe headache with neck stiffness: This could be a sign of meningitis and requires urgent medical attention.
• Difficulty breathing: If your shortness of breath worsens or you feel like you can't breathe.

Please consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible to get a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your symptoms are concerning and warrant professional medical evaluation.