[56M] Experiencing back pain, acid reflux, and leg weakness

What might be happening

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

• Degenerative Disc Disease: This is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorate or break down, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness. It often occurs in the lower back and neck and can cause pain in these areas and stiffness. The pain can sometimes radiate to the hips. It is common in people over 40 years old.

  • Treatment usually involves physical therapy, medications for pain relief, and in some cases, surgery.

• Sciatica: This condition is caused by irritation of the root(s) of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine. It can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg, hip, and lower back.

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

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. You mentioned that you have been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, which is often seen in people with long-term GERD. It's a serious complication where the normal tissue lining the esophagus changes to tissue that resembles the lining of the intestine.

  • Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. In severe cases, prescription medications or surgery may be necessary.

• Chronic Lyme Disease: Some people who have been treated for Lyme disease continue to have symptoms, including fatigue, joint and muscle aches, and cognitive dysfunction. Some doctors believe that these people have a different illness called "chronic Lyme disease," but this term is controversial and its existence is not universally accepted in the medical community.

What you can do

1. Continue taking your prescribed medications and follow your doctor's advice.
2. Regular exercise can help to strengthen your back and improve your overall physical health. However, it's important to do exercises that are safe for your back. A physical therapist can provide a suitable exercise program.
3. Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can put more pressure on your back and lead to pain.
4. Practice good posture. Poor posture can strain your back and lead to pain.
5. For your GERD, avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
6. Eat smaller meals. Large meals may increase stomach pressure, and that can push stomach acid into the esophagus.
7. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
8. Elevate the head of your bed. If you regularly experience heartburn while trying to sleep, put gravity to work for you. Place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches.

What you should look out for

• If your back pain becomes severe or is not relieved by rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
• If you develop new or worsening symptoms, such as difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe stomach pain
• If you have difficulty swallowing, or if you have persistent nausea or vomiting, which could be signs of complications from GERD

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not be covered. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.