Ask a doctor on the topic of Orthopedics

Very strong back pain, especially when walking.

March 10, 2016 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Hello,

I am currently on vacation at Disneyland Paris and have been experiencing quite severe back pain for the past 3 days, especially when walking, which is hard to avoid in a place like this.
The pain is mainly in the middle of my back, from the left side of the spine to the left flank, with the most intense pain being on the left edge of my back.
The pain is so strong that I have to keep returning to the hotel and lie down, which quickly alleviates the pain.
However, when I start walking again, the pain reappears after 20-30 minutes and gradually worsens until it becomes unbearable after about 2 hours.
Sitting down in between, especially on seats with stable backrests, initially helps to alleviate the pain temporarily, but prolonged sitting makes it worse again. Then, when I start walking again, the pain initially improves before returning after a few minutes. Changing positions seems to provide temporary relief, but it does not last long, unless I lie down.

Strangely, the pain also temporarily improves on thrill rides (roller coasters, free fall tower).

Painkillers, on the other hand, are of little to no help. This morning, I took 800mg of Ibuprofen for breakfast, hoping to prevent the pain from occurring, and around 1 pm, I also took 40 drops of Novalgin that a friend had with her - with little effect. Diclofenac is prohibited for me due to epilepsy.

Although I am significantly overweight (128kg at 184cm), I am used to spending many days in amusement parks every year, walking much more than in the past few days, without experiencing any problems.

Do you have any ideas where the pain could be coming from and what I could do to at least enjoy the remaining time here?

Thank you!

Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Good morning,

Your description suggests that the pain may be caused by a pinched nerve exiting the spinal canal on the left side and supplying the area you described. The dependence on posture strongly supports this, as well as the relief experienced during roller coaster rides, where the spine is shaken so much that the nerve may temporarily become "free" again.

You may find help with an orthopedist or chiropractor, as well as craniosacral therapists and shiatsu therapists.

For now, a massage may also help break the current cycle of pain causing tension, and tension causing pain. In the long run, you will need physical therapy for your spine.

Orthopedist is called - orthopédiste
Chiropractor - chiropracteur

As far as I know, there is a medical station in Disneyland where they can surely help you with addresses.

Otherwise, pain therapy is your only option. With your weight of almost 130 kilos and severe pain, you will likely need two doses of 800 mg ibuprofen per day and 3-4 doses of 30 drops of Novamin.

Get well soon,

Dr. Schaaf