[47F] Experiencing severe new back pain with associated symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg, becomes irritated or compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back that radiates down the leg. Your description of pain that starts at your spine and travels outwards, along with the weakness in your legs, is consistent with this condition.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy and pain relief medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

• Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Pain from kidney stones can start in the back or side below the ribs and radiate towards the groin. Nausea and lightheadedness can also occur.

  • Treatment can involve pain relief medications, drinking lots of fluids to help pass the stone, or medical procedures to break up or remove the stone.

• Lumbar Herniated Disc: This condition occurs when the soft inner portion of a disc in your spine pushes through a crack in the outer casing. This can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, medications to relieve pain and inflammation, and in some cases, surgery.

Please note, this is not an exhaustive list and other conditions could also be causing your symptoms.

What you can do

Given the severity of your pain, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. In the meantime, try to avoid any movements or positions that worsen your pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but it's important to follow the package instructions.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your pain becomes unbearable
• You experience loss of bowel or bladder control
• You have severe abdominal pain
• You notice blood in your urine
• Your symptoms worsen or do not improve

Please remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.