“Severe back pain and loud cracking, should I be concerned?”
My name is Tanique and I am 15. I've had back problems for years now, but in the past year, they have gotten much worse. When I move in a certain way a loud cracking noise happens, I have horrible pain and trouble sitting upright for too long, so I have to lay down for a while. I'm not sure if it's related but my fingers go numb multiple times a day. I often feel stiff in the shoulder and neck area. I am currently on no medication, and I cannot afford to go to a doctor to get it checked out, nor can my parents. is it serious or can I ride it out?
Female | 15 years old
Complaint duration: since age 5
Medications: none
Conditions: none
3 Answers
Yes -needs radiology MRI and specialist review -spinal surgeon
You could probably ride it out. But you should get checked for an autoimmune disease.
Hello Tanique,
It sounds you may have a coupe of things going on. It is hard to say if they are related or not without a full thorough history and examination and possibly diagnostic testing. Some of your complaints are worrisome enough that waiting too long (riding it out) may not be wise. There are some clinics around where Dr's volunteer and might be able to see you at little or no cost to you. Another option would be when the pain is significantly bothersome to go to the emergency room and get an evaluation even if you have no insurance if you have serious problems that warrant urgent medical attention. They will treat you and the social worker will qualify you for medicaid is possible. Do not ride this out to the point where you wind up getting permanent injury or damage.
Dr. F
It sounds you may have a coupe of things going on. It is hard to say if they are related or not without a full thorough history and examination and possibly diagnostic testing. Some of your complaints are worrisome enough that waiting too long (riding it out) may not be wise. There are some clinics around where Dr's volunteer and might be able to see you at little or no cost to you. Another option would be when the pain is significantly bothersome to go to the emergency room and get an evaluation even if you have no insurance if you have serious problems that warrant urgent medical attention. They will treat you and the social worker will qualify you for medicaid is possible. Do not ride this out to the point where you wind up getting permanent injury or damage.
Dr. F
