Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 9/14/2005

Question
Hi,
I am 23 years old and at least two to three times a year, have these spurts of intense back pain - mostly in the mid and lower regions, but sometimes in between the shoulder blades as well. The back pain is so bad that it's uncomfortable to even lie down and I have a hard time sleeping. With it pain comes nausea, weakness and sometimes dizziness. I feel like I've got a really bad case of the flu - it lasts for about two days and then I usually feel fine again. I've seen several doctors about these spurts, but none have been able to diagnose me. They've looked into kidney, bladder infections, Irritable bowl syndrome and others but have turned up nothing. My mom has witnessed me having one of these spurts and thinks it highly abnormal that I get these at such a young age. She wants me to start writing a dairy of the episodes and then take them to a doctor. Also, I've noticed that in between these spurts (almost constantly) I have really tight ham-strings, butt and lower back. My husband has played soccer his whole life and says I have the symptoms of a pulled sciatic nerve. What do you think/recommend? I'm so frustrated with this! Any insight would be most appreciated. Thanks and have a great day!
- Natalie


Answer
Hello Natalie,

     Yes, your mother has a good idea.  Keep a dairy of the symptoms and also your diet!  Many things can cause full body pain..... a common one is Candida Albicans.  I would also recommend a exam by a doctor of chiropractic to determine if the pain is caused by the joint, muscle, or nerve impingement.

Let me know how everything turns out,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.