[43F] Experiencing severe dizziness and low back pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is a common cause of vertigo, a sensation of spinning, which you described. It occurs when tiny calcium particles clump up in the inner ear. The symptoms can be triggered by specific changes in the position of your head, such as turning your head.

  • Treatment typically includes maneuvers performed by a healthcare professional to move the calcium deposits out of the canal into an inner ear chamber so they can be absorbed by the body.

• Migraines: You have a history of migraines, and severe dizziness or vertigo can sometimes occur during a migraine attack. However, it's less common for vertigo to be the only symptom of a migraine.

  • Treatment for migraines typically includes medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks.

• Low back pain due to injury: You mentioned that your low back pain is due to an injury. This could be a muscle or ligament strain, a herniated disc, or a fracture, among other possibilities.

  • Treatment for low back pain often includes rest, physical therapy, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

1. For your dizziness, try to avoid the head positions that trigger your vertigo. If the dizziness is severe or persists, seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can perform maneuvers to help alleviate BPPV.

2. For your migraines, continue any prescribed treatments. If your migraines have changed or worsened, or if your medication is no longer effective, consult your healthcare provider.

3. For your low back pain, rest and avoid straining your back. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help. If your pain is severe, doesn't improve with rest, or if you have other symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss, seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

• If your dizziness is accompanied by a headache, double vision, difficulty speaking, or weakness or numbness in your face, arms, or legs, seek medical attention immediately as these could be signs of a stroke.

• If your back pain is severe, doesn't improve with rest, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or weakness or numbness in your legs, seek medical attention.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor and this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.