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Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Ache
Question: I have had back pain for my entire adult life - I am a 58 y.o female. I first remember the pain around Sr yr of college....actually in high school I had right hand and forearm pain doing homework, when writing an essay (definitely pre-computers) while clenching a pencil. I'd need to shake my hand frequently to alleviate numbness/tingling and to get my hand going again. At ~20 this developed into right scapular pain & right back tenseness, pretty much all the time unless I was actively involved in something distracting. Over the years I've occasionally been for a massage; Massage therapists have commented on how "tight" the muscles are in my right back without my having told them about the right shoulder pain. One massage therapist thought the L and R sides were as different as two separate backs. I would agree.
Over the years, the pain has progressed upwards to my neck & R lower scalp, sometimes to my ear & downwards from the R scapula (the "epicenter" of my pain) down my back, radiating out from my shoulder and spine. It reaches a point of constant burning. I just want the muscles to let go.
I get some relief actually tapping/hitting the back muscles with an aluminum-handled hammer (it's like tenderizing meat!) Some yoga positions work well...but all of these are short-lived relief.
The pain can be incapacitating at times. It can make me feel physically ill (nauseated) to the point where I use dramamine for the nausea. I am a high stress/high anxiety/depression person, a former high achiever. I am on effexor & an anxiolytic. Oddly, very high stress situations are when I feel the least stressed and the least back-pain. Long-term projects (or the thought thereof) are the worst. Just when I've worked out a plan & am ready to begin, the pain will be at its worse.
I guess 4 decades is about long enough to not have a name for this. From what I have read it's not fibromyalgia - that doesn't ever really fit me or my symptoms. I'd love a name for it. Thanks.
I am otherwise a relatively healthy person, non-smoker, almost non-drinker ( 3-5 drinks/yr..maybe), very good blood pressure, healthy diet, bmi 21, bp ~100-110/68-75 on meds. My 91 y.o. father and 60 y.o sister also have high bp, no cardiovascular disease.
Over the years, the pain has progressed upwards to my neck & R lower scalp, sometimes to my ear & downwards from the R scapula (the "epicenter" of my pain) down my back, radiating out from my shoulder and spine. It reaches a point of constant burning. I just want the muscles to let go.
I get some relief actually tapping/hitting the back muscles with an aluminum-handled hammer (it's like tenderizing meat!) Some yoga positions work well...but all of these are short-lived relief.
The pain can be incapacitating at times. It can make me feel physically ill (nauseated) to the point where I use dramamine for the nausea. I am a high stress/high anxiety/depression person, a former high achiever. I am on effexor & an anxiolytic. Oddly, very high stress situations are when I feel the least stressed and the least back-pain. Long-term projects (or the thought thereof) are the worst. Just when I've worked out a plan & am ready to begin, the pain will be at its worse.
I guess 4 decades is about long enough to not have a name for this. From what I have read it's not fibromyalgia - that doesn't ever really fit me or my symptoms. I'd love a name for it. Thanks.
I am otherwise a relatively healthy person, non-smoker, almost non-drinker ( 3-5 drinks/yr..maybe), very good blood pressure, healthy diet, bmi 21, bp ~100-110/68-75 on meds. My 91 y.o. father and 60 y.o sister also have high bp, no cardiovascular disease.
Brief Answer:
Can be a postural muscle spasm.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have read your query in detail. You are suffering from what we call the industrial back ache. It can be due to spondylottic changes in cervical spine also. The first step is to ensure that you maintain an appropriate posture while working on the computer. Take frequent stretch breaks and drink lots of water. Discontinue using pillow while sleeping straight. Do not lift heavy objects, especially after bending down. Eat a healthy wholesome meal which should satisfy your minerals and proteins requirement.
The most essential and long lasting remedy is exercises. There are certain back strengthening and neck isometric exercises that you must learn from a physiotherapist and perform them at home or work whenever possible. You can also undergo a weeks session of traction at your physiotherapist's clinic.
Last but not least, if its unbearable take medications or muscle relaxant prescribed by your physician. And since it has been long standing illness visit your orthopaedician and clinically-radiologically establish a diagnosis to commence definitive treatment.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be a postural muscle spasm.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have read your query in detail. You are suffering from what we call the industrial back ache. It can be due to spondylottic changes in cervical spine also. The first step is to ensure that you maintain an appropriate posture while working on the computer. Take frequent stretch breaks and drink lots of water. Discontinue using pillow while sleeping straight. Do not lift heavy objects, especially after bending down. Eat a healthy wholesome meal which should satisfy your minerals and proteins requirement.
The most essential and long lasting remedy is exercises. There are certain back strengthening and neck isometric exercises that you must learn from a physiotherapist and perform them at home or work whenever possible. You can also undergo a weeks session of traction at your physiotherapist's clinic.
Last but not least, if its unbearable take medications or muscle relaxant prescribed by your physician. And since it has been long standing illness visit your orthopaedician and clinically-radiologically establish a diagnosis to commence definitive treatment.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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