Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hello! I recently have been having extreme issues with my lower back! I have already been diagnosed with a tear in L4-5 and slight bulging. I also have a overly curved lower spine , but I will not even try to remember the word. In the last week I have had some severe pain. The last 4 days has been excruciating bc I can not seem to get my lower back to get completely straight. A little bit ago I tried to lay flat on the floor and it brought me to tears . I also could hardly get back up. I am not sitting slouched on a heating pad bc I am at loss. I guess I don t know what to do? Pain medicine is not helping either and I am prescribed five 10 mg. Lortab a day. I was going to contact my doctor tomorrow but I dont know what can be done but don t want to suffer either? Thankyou for hearing my problem.
[|AI|]  Hi, thanks for writing to Chat Doctor. As you are already having L4-L5 disc degeneration, the symptoms might have worsened now as a result of some unnoticed strain on the lower back. The initial management of your problem will be as follows -* Absolute rest * avoid lifting heavy weights * avoid forward bending activities* Use a lumbosacral back support * Intermittent pelvic traction * Maintain optimum body weight, if you are obese* Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided.* Judicious use of analgesics and muscle relaxants. If you don't find any relief with the above measures, you need a consultation with an orthopedic / spine surgeon for a detailed workup and management. Hope this information is helpful. Good day