[48F] Experiencing severe back pain, fever, and excessive sweating

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Sciatica: This condition is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It typically affects only one side of your body and is often caused by a herniated disk or bone spur in the spine that presses on the nerve. The pain can be severe and can cause numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg.

  • Treatment options include over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

• Lumbar spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back that puts pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine. Symptoms can include back pain, numbness or weakness in a foot or leg, and problems with bladder or bowel function.

  • Treatment options include physical therapy, medications to relieve pain and inflammation, and in severe cases, surgery.

• Fever of unknown origin: This is a persistent fever that remains unexplained after initial medical evaluation. It could be caused by a variety of conditions, including infections, cancers, and autoimmune diseases.

  • Treatment of the fever depends on the underlying cause, which may require further testing to determine.

• Hyperhidrosis: This is a condition characterized by excessive sweating that's not necessarily related to heat or exercise. You might sweat so much that it soaks through your clothes or drips off your hands.

  • Treatment options include prescription antiperspirants, nerve-blocking medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms, but they may not be the actual cause. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

In the meantime, here are some things you can do to manage your symptoms:

1. Continue taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for your back pain, but be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage.
2. Try to stay as active as possible. Regular, gentle exercise can help reduce back pain and keep your back strong.
3. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to help manage your fever.
4. Wear light, loose clothing to help manage your excessive sweating.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your back pain is severe or doesn't improve with rest.
• You have sudden, severe back pain after a fall or injury.
• Your back pain is accompanied by unexplained weight loss.
• You have difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder.
• Your fever persists or gets higher.
• You have night sweats or unexplained weight loss along with your fever.

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, testing, and care recommendations.