Differential Diagnosis for Pelvic and Lower Back Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: This is the most common cause of pelvic and lower back pain, often resulting from overuse, poor posture, or sudden injury. The acute onset and location of the pain are consistent with this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTIs can cause pelvic pain, especially in women, and may radiate to the lower back. The pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, and urgency.
- Ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts can cause pelvic pain and may radiate to the lower back. The pain can be constant or intermittent and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating and irregular menstrual periods.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to pelvic pain and inflammation. The pain can be constant or cyclic and may radiate to the lower back.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. It can cause severe pelvic and lower back pain, and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal tenderness.
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that can cause severe abdominal and pelvic pain, which may radiate to the lower back. The pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Kidney stones: Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the flank or lower back, which may radiate to the pelvis. The pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and hematuria.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause pelvic and lower back pain. The pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vaginal discharge, and abdominal tenderness.
- Degenerative disc disease: Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the spinal discs deteriorate, leading to back pain and stiffness. The pain can radiate to the pelvis and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the legs.
- Sacroiliitis: Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of the sacroiliac joint that can cause pelvic and lower back pain. The pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as stiffness and limited mobility in the hip and lower back.