lower back pain
by Alicia
(Mass)
Hello doctor,
I am a 26 year old female in relatively good health. For much of my life I was significantly over weight but for at least 4 years I have been in a more normal weight range. Still overweight but not shockingly so. I run, jump, hike, swim, etc with no issues.
About two weeks ago I was at work and noticed that my back hurt a bit while I was sitting down. By that evening the pain was significant and has remained at the same level for about two weeks. I can not recall any type of injury taking place and any other time I have had back pain there was always a specific event I could trace it to.
The most comfortable position for me is standing. I have still been able to go for walks and even practice jump shots. Its terribly painful to sit down, bend forward, sneeze, laugh, or switch positions while sleeping.
And by terribly painful I mean it literally takes my breath away.
I have been using a heating pad with no effect at all, except that maybe it distracts me. I have tried maloxican (could be spelling that incorrectly but I had some left over from a previous, separate injury)as well as OTC pain relievers and noninflammatory with literally ZERO effect.
I am at a loss. Any time I have visited the doctor for back pain in the past they always just give me ibuprofen and tell me to take it easy, so I do not want to waste a visit to the office if I do not have to. But it has been well over a week and is getting slightly more painful as time progresses instead of slightly better.
Any input would be so very appreciated.
Regards,
Alicia