Back Pain

[Kotoko]

I don't know why or how but I have lower back pain...and I'm 19! I don't recall ever doing anything serious to my back (like an injury) that would cause this kind of pain and I've never had back pain before, not even minor pain. It's been going on for a little over a week now but it's not getting any better - in fact, I have this feeling it's slowly getting worse since I can't stop thinking about the pain in my back, no matter what I'm doing.

Sometimes, I take a tablet or two of extra strength Tylenol and I've tried putting something warm over the areas where it hurts, but the pain never really goes away. The pain is mostly in my lower back but I also feel it along the top of my hips (more specifically, along the iliac crests).

Any advice? Should I go visit a doctor? I read on this website that back pain can hang around for about a month before resolving itself, so I'm wondering if it's worth it. But the fact that I'm only 19 sort of worries me because I'm pretty healthy and I recover from things fairly quickly. Also, what else can I do to help the pain?

[bcdemon]

For one, get rid of the "warm" stuff and start using ice. Considering it is your back, and you are young, go to a Dr and get it answered. Don't mess around with your back.