[39F] Experiencing severe mid/lower back pain and sore throat

Patient Description

A 39-year-old female presents with severe mid to lower back pain described as an instant sharp stabbing sensation, which started one day ago. The pain prevents her from standing up straight but is alleviated when bending over. She also reports weakness when attempting to stand straight. Additionally, she has a sore throat on the left side, which developed approximately 10 hours after the onset of back pain. She denies any fever, chills, recent injuries, changes in bladder or bowel control, or loss of sensation in the saddle area. The patient has a history of Hepatitis C, diagnosed 20 years ago, and is currently on medication (Epclusa) for it, although the exact dosage is unknown as she is due for a refill. She reports fatigue but no known drug allergies and is not taking any other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, several conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Musculoskeletal Back Pain: This is the most common cause of back pain and can occur without a specific injury. It often results from strain or overuse. The pain can be sharp and stabbing, and certain positions or movements can make it worse or better.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy.

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Pain can be severe and usually starts suddenly in the back or side below the ribs. The pain may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin and may be associated with urinary symptoms. However, you did not report any urinary symptoms.

    • Treatment can range from pain management and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone, to medical procedures to remove or break up larger stones.

  • Viral Pharyngitis: This is inflammation of the pharynx in the back of the throat. It's most commonly caused by viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. Symptoms include a sore throat, fatigue, and sometimes back pain.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to soothe the throat.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms based on the information you provided, but they are not definitive.

What you can do

  1. Rest and avoid any activities that seem to make your back pain worse.
  2. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help with back pain.
  3. Stay hydrated, especially if the cause of your back pain is kidney stones.
  4. Soothe your sore throat with warm liquids, such as tea or soup, or with throat lozenges.
  5. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

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

  • Severe pain or swelling in your back or side
  • Blood in your urine
  • Fever and chills
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty or pain while urinating

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

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are common causes of sudden sharp back pain?

Common causes of sudden sharp back pain include muscle strain, herniated discs, or conditions like kidney stones. It can also result from poor posture or sudden movements.

How can I differentiate between musculoskeletal back pain and kidney stones?

Musculoskeletal back pain is often related to physical activity and can be relieved by rest or certain positions. Kidney stones typically cause severe pain that may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin, often accompanied by urinary symptoms like blood in the urine or pain during urination.

What are the symptoms of viral pharyngitis and how is it treated?

Viral pharyngitis is characterized by a sore throat, fatigue, and sometimes back pain. It is usually caused by viral infections like the common cold or flu. Treatment involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to soothe the throat.

Can Hepatitis C or its treatment cause back pain or sore throat?

Hepatitis C itself typically does not cause back pain or sore throat. However, fatigue is a common symptom. The medication Epclusa is not known to cause these symptoms, but any new or worsening symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

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