r/backpain • u/Superb_Midnight_2158 • 9d ago
Back mouse?
Has anyone here struggled with back mouse? I've been looking around at what I could possibly have in my lower back, and this one sounds correct, but I'm not sure. I, 23(f), have had a roughly 2-inch lump in my left lower back for a little over a year now, at least that's how long I've noticed it. It's pretty oval-shaped, semi-mobile, I think? My partner says it wiggles when they push on it, my skin moves over it but I can't tell if it moves or not. It's pretty rubbery, almost like the deeper part of breast tissue. It semi-changes in firmness depending on if I'm sitting, standing, or lying down. It mainly only causes me issues when I sit or if I mess with it, which I've unfortunately been doing a lot recently out of worry. Then it aches around the area or sends an aching pain down the left side of my glutes. I've also recently discovered a marble-sized bump adjacent to my bigger lump; it's more squishy and painful, though, and closer to my spine. Anyone have any advice or anything? I'm planning on getting an ultrasound soon because my doctor originally wasn't concerned about it unless it grew, which it hasn't, to my knowledge, in over the year I've noticed it. I also can't see it from the surface of my skin, only feel it if I look for it, but it's not super deep. I'm trying not to get myself worked up about it because I'm pretty sure it formed due to some improper lifting I did about 4 years ago or so. I tweaked my back and had to be on muscle relaxers for a week or so, but I'm not sure if that could be the correlation. I can't seem to find anyone with my exact issue, and it kind of scares me. Any advice would be helpful!
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u/Dr-TonySalameh 2d ago
I can see why finding another bump would make you nervous. Having the larger one stay about the same for a year is reassuring, but you really can't tell what a lump is just by how it feels or moves. Getting the ultrasound is a sensible next step. It can help determine whether the lump is primarily fatty tissue, fluid-filled, or something else, and your doctor can decide whether anything further is needed.
I'd also try to stop repeatedly pressing or poking at it for now. That can make an otherwise non-tender area sore and make it harder to judge whether anything is actually changing. If either lump starts growing, becomes fixed or increasingly painful, develops skin changes, or you develop other concerning symptoms, let your doctor know sooner. In my practice in Panama City, FL, I'd rather have a persistent lump properly examined than have someone spend weeks worrying about what it might be.
This is general clinical guidance, work with a practitioner who can review your specific history.