back pain

Hello Dr. For like the last couple of weeks (not sure when it really started) I have been having some light light pain in my lower back but its only concentrated in one area and it seems to be right on my spine. The pain doesnt hurt at all or it doesnt even stop me from doing anything and i even forget its there except for when i roll out of bed or if i bend all the way over to pick something up then i can feel the light pain. I narrowed it down to the pain coming from those little knots from the spine that you can see in someones back when they bend over. Well the pain that i am getting is coming from one of those little knots in my lower back area and im not certain and it might just be my imagination but it seems like its sticking out a little farther that normal. You cant see them at all when im standing up straight but when i bend over you can see them and the one thats kind of sore or whatever looks like it might be sticking out a little more than the others or maybe its normal and im just overlooking it but im not a Dr. Does this sound like it can be something serious or is it just maybe from something i did at work or maybe im not sleeping right. Please can u give me some good advice. Thank You.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without evaluation.

At this time, I would consider imaging the back.  Plain films would be a reasonable start, but if inconclusive, and MRI can be done.  

Any masses, structural damage, or herniated disks would be found with the aforementioned tests.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com