Hey all,

I have an insurance plan that allows me to go see whatever doctor (specialized or not) without need for authorization or referral.

I have had my sore back for about 1 month now. Recently, I notice my ankles and thighs being weak (sore?). I have no idea how to describe the sensation. It only occurs to me when I am sitting or am doing nothing with my legs. To relieve this discomfort, I need to stretch it. Much like how people like to crack their knuckles or crack their back simply because it relieves some sort of "discomfort". I hope you follow me because I have no clue how to describe this.

Anyway, this weakness (or soreness) is not disabling me in anyway. Furthermore, I can only find relief when I am in motion, standing, etc. Any idleness will cause me to feel the need to stretch. I have a history of flat feet. My orthotics are dated and need to be checked. I have extremely poor posture and probably damaged my back muscles because of lying on my stomach, contorting in various weird ways to watch tv, use the computer, etc. I believe those are causing my sore back.

Anyway, my question now is, what do you guys think is the source of the problem? Is it spinal or muscular? I'm a 21 y/o healthy male.

Secondly, do you recommend that I go see a internal medicine MD, chiropractor, or an orthopedist?


Thanks all!
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I really don't know the answer to your question but I would recommend maybe starting with your family Dr. They can make sure everything is ok and recommend which way to go after that.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Well the back pain needs a doctors attention. Why not get some X-rays and an MRI ? it can't hurt ..
21 is kinda young for back pain though ... If your butt , calf or lower back starts to kill then you HAVE to see someone..

i would see your family dr. first also.
i love chiropractors, but most doctors will tell you not to go to one. i probably would try that first, and if you get relief go for that...if not, i wouldn't go to a specialist b/4 the family dr. that's where i went, and got sent for my first mri, and got meds until they knew what was wrong.
good luck!!

Hey all,

Just another question, when people talk about numbness of calves, ankles, etc...do they mean loss of sensation? I'm trying to discern the terms, numb, sore, and pain.

When you are sore, you're simply feeling discomfort and it doesn't "hurt" like pain. Numbness is that you cannot feel any sensation in the affected area when touched or stimulated. Spasms of muscle twitching correcT? Am I correct with those terms?

BTW, thanks for the very quick replies!! =)

I would say to see you GP first. He could possibly refer you for PT first. Get off the floor and into either a chair with your feet up or in a recliner. If you are setting at a computer for long periods, you need to get up an stretch every hour. Is it you upper back or your lower back that is in pain or sore?
Sitting for long periods of time your ankles sometimes swell and that makes them sore. There is also a nerve that runs down the front of your leg that can cause soreness in the upper part of the leg. This can become pinched when sitting for long periods of time. I would see someone. You are just to young for back problems. Hope everything goes well for you. Let us know.

Looks like you got all the right answers. See your General Practitioner first, he or she will do some initial tests to check your nerves responses in your limbs and your strength as well. From there if he feel it warrants more review either some tests or neurology or PT (Physical Therapy). Numbness is just that, being numb. Tingling is the sensation you feel when a part of your body is either starting to go to sleep or waking up. Soreness in a muscle is like when your walk too much and your calve muscle becomes sore from over use. When your decribe pain, there is sharp-stabbing pain, dull-throbbing, or just sore aching then there is the deep pain. Deep pain feels like its not close to the surface but deep inside your muscles. Trust me if you feel it you'll know it. Hope this helps.

Looks like you got all the right answers. See your General Practitioner first, he or she will do some initial tests to check your nerves responses in your limbs and your strength as well. From there if he feel it warrants more review either some tests or neurology or PT (Physical Therapy). Numbness is just that, being numb. Tingling is the sensation you feel when a part of your body is either starting to go to sleep or waking up. Soreness in a muscle is like when your walk too much and your calve muscle becomes sore from over use. When your describe pain, there is sharp-stabbing pain, dull-throbbing, or just sore aching then there is the deep pain. Deep pain feels like its not close to the surface but deep inside your muscles. Trust me if you feel it you'll know it. Hope this helps.:wave: