Differential Diagnosis for Back Pain with New Burning Tearing Pain in Pelvic Area
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain or sprain: This is often the most common cause of back and pelvic pain, especially if the pain is described as burning or tearing. It can result from overuse, injury, or sudden movements.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Degenerative disc disease: This condition can cause back pain that radiates to the pelvic area, especially if the discs in the lower spine are affected.
- Herniated disc: Similar to degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc can cause pain in the back and pelvic area, especially if it compresses nearby nerves.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): While more common in women, PID can cause severe pelvic pain and is often accompanied by other symptoms like fever and abnormal vaginal discharge.
- Kidney stones: Pain from kidney stones can radiate from the back to the pelvic area and is often described as severe and tearing.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic pregnancy: Although rare, an ectopic pregnancy can cause severe, tearing pelvic pain and is a medical emergency.
- Appendicitis: While the pain of appendicitis typically starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen, it can sometimes be felt in the pelvic area and is a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Ovarian torsion: This is a rare but serious condition where the ovary twists around its ligaments, cutting off blood supply. It causes severe, sudden pelvic pain.
- Aortic dissection or abdominal aortic aneurysm: These are life-threatening conditions that can cause severe back and abdominal pain and require immediate medical intervention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cauda equina syndrome: A rare condition where the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs, as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction.
- Pelvic fracture: While not uncommon in the context of significant trauma, a pelvic fracture can cause severe pain in the pelvic area and is less likely without a history of trauma.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic pain in the pelvic area, though this is typically accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain that can be severe during menstruation, though it's more chronic than acute tearing pain.