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What Causes Intermittent Lower Back Pain When Diagnosed With Degenerative Disc Disease?

Posted on Wed, 25 Nov 2015

Question: Hello: I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease about a year go due and that diagnosis came as a result of intermittent lower back pain. Lately, I have been working out at the gym and yesterday I performed some lat pull-downs and later on in the evening I had the WORST thoracic region muscle spasms and excruciating pain. I have been up since 1am as I could sleep due to the spasms and pain and I've been taking 1000 mg of Tylenol every 6 hours (Since 3:30 am) and its not really doing much as well as Tiger balm on the area and again no relief. Should I see mu internist for follow up? Im not sure if I pulled a muscle during my work out or if I have a herniated disc.

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes, should be seen

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Yes, you should see your doctor for a follow up.

You may want to consider anti inflammatory pain medication and a muscle relaxant to help with the pain along with the application of warm compresses to the area to help the muscles to relax.

Eg of anti inflammatory pain medication include naproxen, ibuprofen or cataflam

Eg of muscle relaxants are baclofen, XXXXXXX flexeril,robaxin

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar