[47F] Experiencing severe back pain with burning sensation

What might be happening

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

• Shingles: This is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and can occur anywhere on your body. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. The first sign is often burning or tingling pain, or sometimes numbness or itch, in one particular location on only one side of the body.

  • Treatment for shingles includes antiviral medications to reduce the pain and duration of shingles and over-the-counter pain medicines to help alleviate the pain.

• Musculoskeletal Strain: Overuse, strain, or injury to the muscles, ligaments, and discs that support your spine can lead to back pain. This is often associated with lifting heavy objects or doing sudden movements that put too much strain on the back.

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

• Nerve Impingement: Conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis can cause impingement on the nerves exiting the spinal cord, leading to back pain and sometimes sensations of burning or tingling.

  • Treatment can range from physical therapy and pain relievers to surgery in severe cases.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. They may want to perform a physical examination or order tests such as an X-ray or MRI to help determine the cause of your back pain and burning sensation.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate your back pain in the meantime. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and consult with a pharmacist if you have any questions.
3. Rest and avoid heavy lifting or sudden movements that could exacerbate your back pain.
4. If your doctor suspects shingles, they may prescribe antiviral medications. It's important to start these medications as soon as possible to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• Severe back pain that doesn't improve with rest
• Pain that radiates down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
• Unexplained weight loss
• Back pain that occurs with bladder or bowel control problems

Please remember that 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, testing, and care recommendations.