Back pain - any doctors in the house?

Question

I've been doing a lot of studying for the past 3 months, with prolonged periods of sitting down, sometimes in a slouched position. I get low back aches in the afternoon, but none that couldn't be relieved by Ibuprofen. Recently, I've noticed additonal symptoms. I sometimes feel a tingling sensation on my right big toe, also a feeling of numbness in that area. I have a very nagging right calf pain too, not like a cramp, more like it's sore, and stretching and massaging it kinda helps.

What has gotten me worried is the addition of right testicle pain. In the beginning, I considered an STD, but I am negative for all: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphillis, etc. It's a dull nagging pain, that goes on and off, lying down pretty much helps, worst when I'm sitting, like it's being compressed. I doubt it's torsion, though that scares me.


Any thoughts on this?


I'm broke, unemployed, with no insurance, so I hope someone can help. Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm not a doctor, but I would recommend two things:
1) Practice yoga
2) Get the proper pillow for your sleep type. If you are a side sleeper, you will need a firmer pillow than if you are a back sleeper. In either case, make sure your neck spine is in a neutral position and well-supported when sleeping. You might have to experiment with different pillows.

Answer 2

You are aware that your position is causing your problems. First off you need to sit correctly and not slouched over. Frequent breaks is important when you are working at a desk. Every 30 minutes you need to take a five minute break. I've enclosed a website that shows exercises to do at your desk.

You probably do have a pinched nerve which is causing the pain throughout your body. Take a hot bath every night with 2c. of Epsom salts this will help relieve the pain and take down some of the inflammation. Afterwards massage an analgesic cream into your sore muscles.

I also recommend you see a chiropractor. Explain your situation financially and I am sure they will work out a payment program. Chiropractors are very sympathetic to people in pain. I've enclosed a link where you can find a chiropractor in your area.

Answer 3

Well for one thing move when you are sitting, sit in a chair or position that your back is straight and/or put your feet up.
Sounds like you have a pinched nerve in your leg, by something out of place in your spine. A chiropractor could probably fix it up as I had a similar thing, I understand perfectly and it can be very painful as it is a constant nagging pain. I also do some exercises which really helps it. The chiropractor could also give you some exercises to do. Even just walking could help you, just walking on the spot in your home. You also are dehydrated and need to drink half your body weight in ounces of pure filtered water, not tap water, or juices, or coffee or tea.

Answer 4

Sounds like what I experience when my sciatica (sp) acts up.
1) See a doctor first. If you don't have insurance and are a student check with your local hospital sometimes they have free or low cost clinics for "needy patients". You qualify. It's better to rule out anything serious before progressing.
2) If it is as all previous have suggested and as I suspect your sciatic nerve acting up then this is what worked for me.
As painful as it is sometimes when it is at its worst I found that a walk would help to stretch out the muscles and provide me with some relief.
Now don't laugh but there is an old video made by the back doctor of actor Chevy Chase. The simple easy to do exercise in this video are what enable me to get around without pain. Before rushing out to buy it check if they can get it or already have it at your library. You might laugh at the cheesieness of the video but the exercies are perfect for this type of pain. Low impact and easy to do and learn. Within a week of starting them I found most of my pain was gone.
Finally as I think someone else suggested I too suggest you make a point of improving the posture you have while sitting and take frequent breaks where you stand and stretch a bit, maybe even doing modified versions of the exercises on the tape. (note, from my internet search it looks as if the video is out of print and not available to buy as far as I can see but you should be able to find it through a library or interlibrary loan or at worst use his book, the link for it is here:http://www.amazon.com/More-Aching-Back-Fifteen-Minute-Day/dp/0451170911/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2599617-6145457?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1179176111&sr=8-1
I did also see under Amazon the "new & used section" did have videos: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/6302276306/ref=sr_1_olp_2/103-2599617-6145457?ie=UTF8&s=video&qid=1179176144&sr=8-2
Good luck and take care of that back, you're gonna need it for a long long time!

Answer 5

Posture posture posture. You need to sit with better posture, not all slumped over. The pain that is in your legs and right testicle can possibly be related or not. May be caused by impaired blood flow based on how you are sitting and the surface you are sitting on. The dull aching pain is from the ligaments progressively being stretched as you sit all slumped over. In addition to sitting with better posture you need to take rest breaks to ease the stress off the ligaments. If these ligaments are stretched enough they do not go back to their original length and that can put you at risk for future injury as it can contribute to decreased stability in the spine. Please feel free to ask any other questions.

Answer 6

Sometimes the simple, easy things are the best things to do. For example....wet/dry, heat/cold applications. Some OTC meds are very cheap and effective, like aspirin, tylenol, ibuprofen, etc. GO TO YOUR DOC ASAP, try the VA, or Public Health, Free Clinics, etc. Visit your local church....God Bless ya. Edward

Answer 7

There is no medicine for these problems. Therefore we have no other way than to go for such Alternatives.
Our merunivarak Therapy treats back pain within 10 minutes also.
YOG (Meditation) is also a better option.
Acupuncture is a good option.
Pain killers kill the patient and not the pain.


Source(s):
SHREE SWASTHYAYOG TREATMENT, TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
R.H. – 19, Jhulelal Society, Sector – 2/E, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, INDIA.

Answer 8

You need to see a chiropractor. All your symptoms can be from a disc pressing on a nerve. Could be your sciatic nerve. I know what it feels like. I have been dealing with it for 35 years now. They are who you need to see, they are the ones trained to deal with this. This can get much worse, believe me. Go now before it does. These doctors in general are much more likely to let you pay on time, they like to see people get rid of their pain. I have never had one say they would not see me because of a lack of money. Go now. I think you will be glad you did. Good Luck!

Answer 9

See your doctor. If you are a student, you might visit your student health center. In the future, try to not go without health insurance. Health insurance is just as important as rent, groceries, etc. Good luck.