Back Pain With Incontinence

[thelewisgang]

In the night last night I woke at 4am sneezing & immediately felt pain in my back. The pain, especially this afternoon has been horrendous. It is mainly in the lower left area & is causing pain in my left leg. I have used the high strength Voltorol rub & taken some strong pain relief. It is especially bad when I get up from a sitting position.

This afternoon I have had to make several urgent visits to the loo to empty my bladder & the last time I did not make it to the toilet in time!

Is this quite a common problem with back pain or should I seek professional help? thank you.

[sandyRoe]

It sounds like Sciatica. You should see your doctor.

[Sqad]

This is a big deal.

From your description, which is extremely helpful, your back pain has been due to a prolapsed disc in your lumbar spine.
The onset of "water problems" indicates that the disc has prolapsed to a degree that it is pressing upon the nerves of the bladder (cauda equina) and needs attention.
Not tonight maybe, but certainly in the morning you should seek urgent medical attention.

[Peter Pedant]

I'd do it tonight actually

we all seem to agree that a doctors consult is necessary so why delay ?

[Buenchico]

>>>Not tonight maybe, but certainly in the morning

Well, Sqad's a doctor and I'm not but that advice conflicts with what's on the NHS website, which states:
"You should immediately call 999 for an ambulance if you experience loss of sensation between your legs and around your buttocks and/or loss of bladder or bowel control. Although it is rare, these symptoms can be a sign of a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome"
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sciatica/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[Sqad]

My advice often coincides with the NHS websites.

[Sqad]

Sorry.."conflicts".......sometimes coincides.

[Peter Pedant]

semantics - sqad has it right when he writes - this is a big deal .....

[thelewisgang]

I have no loss of sensation in my buttocks/back or legs but the pain is the worst I have ever experienced. I do not normally suffer with back pain. I do not have any swelling from what I can see. Maybe some heat on my back from my electric blanket might help? I will try that & see how I am a little later/tomorrow morning. thank you for your replies

[jourdain2]

I have back problems (scoliosis lower back) and often get the pain you describe from a disc pressing on the sciatic nerve. The incontinence is, however, something else and really, really needs attention. Painkillers and physio usually sort my back out., please take the advice already offered and get medical help.

[jno]

if you don't want to dial 999, this might be a case for 111

http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/our-services/111-faqs.htm

[thelewisgang]

thank you everyone for your helpful replies. I will ring 111 shortly & then probably go to A&E. I really do appreciate your help & will report back

[anneasquith]

sorry sqad. '' urgent medical help'' but wait until the morning ?

[Prudie]

Well we are mostly not doctors so if we are all going to stick our oar in with guesses and pastings off google then I shall join in - OP has confirmed he has not lost sensation in any areas and not quite making it to the loo does not constitute incontinence either!
With the suggestions you've had, decide if you're worried enough to ring or go tonight or tomorrow.

[thelewisgang]

I rang 111 & explained the situation & have been told I will get a call back. I have just taken my temperature as I feel a little "warm" but not feverish & on my digital thermometer (orally) it registered as 37.8. I am not sure if this is on the high side or not??

[jourdain2]

Temperature is OK - if it gets up to 40 you are in trouble (OH's did this Summer - infection).

[jourdain2]

^^^ Was about to add 'as far as I know'.

[Prudie]

37.8 is a little higher than normal (although maybe normal for you) which could suggest an infection.

[Sqad]

anne......for a Dr, urgent means within the next 12 hours.
For the "lay person" urgent means in the next 12 minutes.

[Sqad]

No....it is NOT an infection.

Just read the OP and use a bit of logic.

[anneasquith]

urgent for a DR. means 12 hours, I hope that's a joke sqad.