[67F] Experiencing sharp lower right back pain after twisting and jerking back

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely causes of your symptoms are:

• Muscle Strain or Sprain: This is a common cause of lower back pain, especially after a sudden twist or jerk. It occurs when a muscle or ligament in the back is stretched too far or tears. The pain can be quite severe and is often worse with movement.

  • Treatment typically includes rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and heat or cold therapy. Physical therapy may also be beneficial.

• Herniated Disc: This condition occurs when one of the discs that cushion the bones in your spine ruptures and the gel-like substance inside leaks out. This can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness in your back, leg, or arm.

  • Treatment can range from conservative therapies (like physical therapy and medications) to surgery in more severe cases.

• Sciatica: This is a condition that results from irritation of your sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body and the pain can be quite severe.

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

• Kidney Stone: Although less likely, a kidney stone can cause severe pain in the lower back and groin area. However, this is usually accompanied by other symptoms like blood in the urine or pain during urination, which you did not report.

  • Treatment usually involves pain management and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. In some cases, medical procedures may be needed to remove or break up the stone.

What you can do

Given the severity of your pain, it would be best to seek medical attention. In the meantime, you can:

1. Continue using a heating pad on your back for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can help relax your muscles and alleviate pain.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. You mentioned that you're already taking Advil, which can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
3. Try to avoid any movements or positions that make your pain worse.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
• Pain that spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.