My lower back hurts - #187

Good afternoon, Rahul. I’m sorry to hear about your lower back pain, which has persisted for three weeks and radiates down to your legs, accompanied by a temperature of 38°C. The elevated neutrophil count in your blood test suggests that your body may be responding to some form of inflammation or infection, even though your white blood cell count is normal. Given these symptoms and the limited relief from diclofenac injections, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or an orthopedic specialist who can perform a thorough examination and possibly recommend imaging studies to determine the underlying cause of your pain. In the meantime, Ayurvedic remedies may help alleviate your discomfort and support your recovery. Consider taking Guggul (Commiphora mukul), known for its anti-inflammatory properties, in tablet form as directed on the packaging or consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for the appropriate dosage. Incorporating turmeric (Curcuma longa) into your diet can also be beneficial, as it contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory effects; you can consume it as a warm drink (golden milk) by mixing 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with milk and a pinch of black pepper. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is another useful herb that helps manage stress and supports muscle recovery; taking ashwagandha powder (1 teaspoon) mixed with warm milk can be helpful. Additionally, consider using Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) oil for external application on the affected area to relieve pain, and applying warm compresses or a heating pad to your lower back can provide immediate relief and help reduce muscle tension. Practicing gentle stretches or yoga designed for lower back pain may also be beneficial, but ensure you listen to your body and avoid any movements that exacerbate the pain. It’s crucial to address these symptoms promptly, so please seek expert medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Back pain radiating to the legs along with fever is quite concerning. Pain that extends to the legs might suggest issues related to nerve compression, possibly due to a herniated disk or spinal stenosis. The continuous fever alongside elevated neutrophils indicate inflammation or infection somewhere in the body could be a part of the puzzle too.

Given the classical Ayurveda understanding of conditions affecting the back, an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and the nervous system, is often a key culprit in such scenarios. When aggravated, it could manifest as pain moving throughout your body, especially a chronic one like what you’re experiencing.

But honestly, whith a temp of 38°C consistently, seeking medical attention from a healthcare provider is important in this case. It could be something needing additional diagnostics – ignoring it might be risky.

In the meantime, there’re some gentle Ayurvedic things you can try to soothe the discomfort before seeing a doctor. Warm oil massage can help, using sesame oil heated slightly and applied gently onto the lower back region.

Also, turmeric milk at night might aid to alleviate inflammation. Simply warm a cup of milk, stir in half-teaspoon of turmeric powder. It’s soothing and might help calm things down a bit.

Light stretches could assist with improving circulation and reducing stiffness but avoid movements that exacerbate pain. Ensure you are resting adequately and avoid any sudden twists in posture.

However, if symptoms persist or worsen, or you develop any new symptoms like numbness, or if fever increases, it’s vital to seek appropriate medical care urgently. The aim should always be to both address symptoms and investigate the underlying root causes of what you experience.