[42F] Experiencing severe pelvic and back pain with neurological symptoms

Patient Description

A 42-year-old female presents with severe stabbing pelvic pain, back pain, thigh pain and weakness, unsteady gait, nausea, genital and anal pain, constipation, and a slow urine stream with severe pressure. The patient rates the pain as 7 out of 10 and the weakness as 8 out of 10, which has progressed to the point of being unable to walk. The patient also reports a tingling sensation in the saddle area and has experienced a recent fall on the tailbone. The patient has a medical history of Lyme disease, POTS, Fibromyalgia, and spinal degeneration, diagnosed 7 years ago. Currently, the patient is on Propranolol 160 mg once daily and has an allergy to Droperidol. The patient uses marijuana but has no history of cancer or other substance use. No fever is reported, but there are changes in bowel and bladder function.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Coccydynia: This is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness at the tip of the tailbone between the buttocks, often caused by an injury such as a fall. The pain can radiate to the thighs and can be worse when sitting or with activities that put pressure on the bottom of the spine.

    • Treatment typically involves pain management with over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
  • Cauda Equina Syndrome: This is a serious neurological condition in which there is acute loss of function of the nerve roots of the spinal canal below the termination of the spinal cord. Symptoms can include lower back pain, numbness in your groin ("saddle anesthesia"), weakness in your legs, and bowel or bladder incontinence or dysfunction. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate surgical intervention.

    • Treatment typically involves urgent surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves.
  • Spinal Stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and problems with bladder or bowel function.

    • Treatment typically involves medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress management and healthy lifestyle habits.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms, but only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms and the potential for serious conditions such as Cauda Equina Syndrome, it's important that you seek immediate medical attention. You should go to the emergency department as soon as possible.

What you should look out for

Please monitor your symptoms closely and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Increased weakness in your legs
  • Increased numbness or tingling in your groin or inner thighs
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Severe or worsening pain

Remember, I'm an AI and while I strive to provide accurate information, I can't replace a consultation with a healthcare professional. Please seek immediate medical attention.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is Cauda Equina Syndrome and why is it considered a medical emergency?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious condition where the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord are compressed, leading to symptoms like severe back pain, numbness in the groin area, leg weakness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. It is a medical emergency because it can lead to permanent paralysis or incontinence if not treated promptly, usually requiring urgent surgical intervention.


How can a fall on the tailbone lead to severe pelvic and back pain?

A fall on the tailbone can cause coccydynia, which is pain and tenderness at the tip of the tailbone. This can lead to severe pelvic and back pain as the injury may cause inflammation or damage to the surrounding tissues and nerves, potentially radiating pain to the thighs and affecting mobility.


What are the common symptoms of spinal stenosis and how is it treated?

Spinal stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of spaces within the spine, which can compress the nerves. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and issues with bladder or bowel function. Treatment often involves medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves.


How does fibromyalgia affect pain perception and what are the treatment options?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and issues with sleep, memory, and mood. It affects pain perception by altering how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. Treatment typically includes medications, exercise, stress management, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits to manage symptoms.


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