[45M] Experiencing testicular, abdominal, and back pain

Patient Description

A 45-year-old male presents with a 3-month history of sharp testicular pain in the right testicle, which is exacerbated by sitting or standing and radiates to the surrounding areas. The pain is somewhat alleviated by lying on his back with legs apart. He also reports a 5-month history of sharp abdominal pain near the right hip and lower near the prostate, and intermittent throbbing back pain that worsens in the late afternoon to early evening. The patient experiences chills and nausea, and has difficulty urinating. There is a slight swelling of the scrotum. The patient has a history of neurofibromatosis and is allergic to morphine, but is not currently on any medications. Recent labs showed no infection, and a CT scan was unremarkable.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Epididymitis: This is inflammation of the epididymis, the tube located at the back of the testicles. It can cause testicular pain, swelling, and difficulty urinating. However, it's usually accompanied by an infection, which you mentioned your labs did not show.

    • Treatment usually involves antibiotics, but since you don't have an infection, pain relievers and rest might be recommended.
  • Testicular torsion: This is a serious condition caused by the testicles becoming twisted, which can cause severe testicular pain and swelling. However, this usually comes on very suddenly and is extremely painful, so it's less likely given your symptoms have been present for a few months.

    • Treatment is surgical and should be done as soon as possible to save the testicle.
  • Inguinal hernia: This is when part of your intestine pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall, often causing pain in the groin and testicles. Your CT scan did not show anything out of the ordinary, which makes this less likely.

    • Treatment usually involves surgery to repair the hernia.
  • Kidney stones: These can cause severe pain in the back, abdomen, and groin, as well as nausea and difficulty urinating. However, these would typically be seen on a CT scan.

    • Treatment can range from pain management and drinking lots of water to pass the stone, to medical procedures to remove or break up larger stones.
  • Musculoskeletal pain: Given your pain in multiple areas (back, hip, lower abdomen), it's possible that your pain could be musculoskeletal in nature, potentially related to strain or overuse. This wouldn't necessarily show up on a CT scan.

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

What you can do

  1. Rest and avoid any strenuous activities that might exacerbate your pain.
  2. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, might help alleviate your pain. However, you should check with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
  3. Applying a warm compress to the painful areas might help relieve some of your discomfort.
  4. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes severe or unbearable.
  • You develop a fever.
  • You notice blood in your urine.
  • Your testicular pain or swelling worsens.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common causes of testicular pain that radiates to the abdomen and back?

Common causes of testicular pain that radiates to the abdomen and back include epididymitis, testicular torsion, kidney stones, and inguinal hernia. Musculoskeletal issues can also cause referred pain to these areas.


How can I differentiate between epididymitis and testicular torsion?

Epididymitis typically presents with gradual onset of pain, swelling, and sometimes fever, often accompanied by urinary symptoms. Testicular torsion, on the other hand, usually presents with sudden, severe pain and swelling, and is a surgical emergency.


What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia, and how is it diagnosed?

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia include a bulge in the groin area, pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when bending over or lifting, and sometimes a heavy or dragging sensation. Diagnosis is often made through physical examination and imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan.


What lifestyle changes can help manage musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and abdomen?

Lifestyle changes to manage musculoskeletal pain include maintaining good posture, engaging in regular low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, using ergonomic furniture, and applying heat or cold therapy to the affected areas. It's also important to avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.


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