Sudden back pain - what has happened?

[sleepfortheweek]

Standing in the kitchen making the DDs a snack and out of nowhere I got a sudden sever pain at the very bottom of my pack, mainly on the left hand side.

That was about 90 mins ago, it's sore to walk but not impossible - but trying to sit down or bend over is out of the question. It really hurts when I cough too.

I've had a hot shower and taken some painkillers...no difference yet but hopefully they will kick in soon.

What on Earth could have happened?! Is it something I should speak to a doctor about or is it one of these things that goes as quickly as it came?! Never suffered from back pain before, I'm in good health etc and wasn't doing anything strenuous. Very strange!

Could you have twisted funny at all? I personally would see if it improves over a day or so and then if not contact the gp.

It's a pulled muscle more likely than not. And they're painful, debilitating and come on for no bloody reason whatsoever.

Alternate heat and ice on it. Hot bath with Epsom salts. Keep moving - try not to 'guard' it as this means you move in a weird way that exacerbates it. Sleep on your side with a slim pillow between your knees. Use heat patches. Do stretches each day to encourage it to come out of spasm.

Can you tell I'm quite the expert on these stupid painful backs? Currently got sciatica again so doing all the above myself!

Oh and just to throw a curveball.... it's more than likely a pulled back BUT a sudden severe pain in the lower left could indicate a kidney stone that's moved.

Thank you so much for your replies.

It's eased somewhat although still not back to normal. I've not had t take any painkillers today so def an improvement (and I played 9 holes at golf)

Didn't move or twist funny at all, it literally came from nowhere.

Interesting re kidney stone...shoudjnj Google it?!

imho, that's had bad backs happen. Nothing then BOOM!
Think about if you can support your back better, better posture, better lifting, etc.

@sleepfortheweek
Another curveball - I had a similar pain which suddenly came on & got progressively & excruciatingly worse - (over a day) turned out to be an ovarian cyst! The a&e initially thought it was kidney stones, it was only after a scan that a cyst was confirmed.
I hope you’re feeling better now and the pain has gone

DH has this, it's an aggravated slipped disc (many people have them for years and don't know).

Be careful for any symptoms of Cauda Equina syndrome: www.nhs.uk/conditions/lumbar-decompression-surgery/why-its-done/