[27F] With sudden onset arm, thigh, and back pain

Patient Description

A 27-year-old female reports experiencing sudden onset sharp pain in the arm and thigh, and dull pain in the back for the past two days. The pain is rated as 7 out of 10 in severity. The patient also reports a headache accompanying these symptoms. There is no recollection of recent injuries, unusual physical activities, or changes in routine that could have contributed to the pain. The patient has tried using an ointment for relief, which provided only temporary alleviation of symptoms. Additionally, the patient has recently started using a laxative, which has improved bowel movements, but there have been no changes in the pain symptoms since its use. The patient's medical history includes complex partial seizures, bipolar disorder type 2, and constipation. There are no known allergies. No family history of musculoskeletal disorders or arthritis was reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described—sharp pain in your arm and thigh, dull pain in your back, and a headache—there are a few possible explanations:

Muscle Strain or Tension: Sudden sharp pain in the arm and thigh, along with dull back pain, could be due to muscle strain or tension. This can occur even without obvious injury, sometimes due to poor posture, stress, or overuse of muscles.
- Treatment typically involves rest, applying ice or heat, and over-the-counter pain relief. Physical therapy may be recommended if the pain persists.
Nerve Compression or Irritation: Conditions like a pinched nerve can cause sharp pain in the limbs and dull pain in the back. This might be due to posture or underlying spinal issues.
- Treatment may include physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation, and in some cases, more advanced interventions.
Medication Side Effects: While less common, medications like Carbamazepine and Levetiracetam can sometimes cause muscle pain or headaches as side effects.
- Discussing these symptoms with your doctor is important to determine if your medications might be contributing.

What you can do

Rest and Gentle Movement: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Gentle stretching and movement can help prevent stiffness.
Apply Heat or Cold: Use a heating pad or ice pack on the painful areas to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider using non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if appropriate for you.
Track Your Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track any changes, and share this information with your healthcare provider for a more comprehensive assessment.