Dr. Hive - back pain (kind of updated)

[Kassia]

My back started hurting a lot a week ago and I have no idea what I did to it.  I was fine on Thursday and then woke up Friday in pain.  I've been taking naproxen all week (seems to work better than ibuprofen).

The pain is in the middle area of my back - just to the left of my spine and sometimes radiates all the way around to the lower part of my ribcage.  If I put my left hand down on a counter or something to balance myself that pressure causes pain.  Getting to/from a seated position hurts a lot.  It's a burning pain and sometimes a sharper pain when I sit/stand.  Using my left arm/hand causes pain too - like opening the dishwasher, the microwave, etc. - radiates right to the painful area in my back.  Also, maybe when my right foot steps down it causes the left side of my back to hurt if that makes sense? 

Does anyone know what could be wrong?  This is so frustrating.  I'm assuming it's a strained muscle or something from working out but the pain came on so suddenly and I never felt anything during my workouts.  

 

Update:  Based on what I saw on the Bob and Brad videos, it's a pinched nerve in the thoracic spine.  I stopped exercising completely and have been taking it easy.  I took a muscle relaxer before I watched Bob/Brad and it didn't do anything.  I tried one of the exercises they showed on youtube but it hurt so I stopped.  I'll try again tomorrow.  This is so frustrating.  I wish I knew more - what caused this, how long it will take to heal, can I workout now - walk, do bodyweight resistance training, use my spin bike...?  I need to exercise for my mental health and weight management.

 

Edited March 27, 2023 by Kassia

[lmrich]

I am so sorry.  Go to a  doctor who  specializes in spinal care and ask for an MRI if it the  x-ray does not reveal anything. 

Hope you feel better - I get the best pain relief from being in the  water. 

[Kassia]

8 minutes ago, lmrich said:

I am so sorry.  Go to a  doctor who  specializes in spinal care and ask for an MRI if it the  x-ray does not reveal anything. 

Hope you feel better - I get the best pain relief from being in the  water. 

I can't.  I have spent so much money already this year on diagnostics (almost 2,000) and now I have to have a diagnostic mammogram and maybe u/s.  I just can't spend more money.  😞 I was just hoping someone could tell from the location of the pain what happened.  

[Harriet Vane]

Honestly and gently, I think you need an assessment. My mind goes to either disc compression or heart issues. 

[Kassia]

Just now, Harriet Vane said:

Honestly and gently, I think you need an assessment. My mind goes to either disc compression or heart issues. 

Thank you.  I'm mostly worried about disc compression but am ignorant about the condition and don't know if I would feel it when it happened.  It's just baffling that I could have this much discomfort with no idea what caused it.  

[Harriet Vane]

8 minutes ago, Kassia said:

Thank you.  I'm mostly worried about disc compression but am ignorant about the condition and don't know if I would feel it when it happened.  It's just baffling that I could have this much discomfort with no idea what caused it.  

It’s actually totally normal for spine issues to happen seemingly without a specific trigger because it’s a stress injury (stress meaning strain over time). It’s common for someone to do something routine and suddenly everything is on fire. My first neck problem was a traumatic injury (whiplash from a car accident). The next time I was incapacitated all I had done was roll over in bed to turn off the alarm clock. PTs hear that sort of all-of-a-sudden-for-no-reason story aaaaaaall the time with spine issues.

The ongoing one-sided pain and radiating is what says either heart issues or nerve impingement. Both are conditions that should be evaluated. 

[Carol in Cal.]

I agree with the two possibilities mentioned upthread, but also I had pain very similar to that when my gall bladder was inflamed.  I didn’t really associate the two together until I had the removal surgery and found that my back was also cured, but then I looked into it and found that referred gall bladder pain like that is pretty common.

Also, diagnostics for your heart might not be that expensive.  I would start there.  There is a blood test for heart enzymes that defines whether you recently had even a mild heart attack, so it doesn’t have to be a zillion scans or something.

[Kassia]

1 hour ago, Harriet Vane said:

It’s actually totally normal for spine issues to happen seemingly without a specific trigger because it’s a stress injury (stress meaning strain over time). It’s common for someone to do something routine and suddenly everything is on fire. 

The ongoing one-sided pain and radiating is what says either heart issues or nerve impingement. Both are conditions that should be evaluated. 

The stress injury possibility is why I suspect it's an injury related to my workouts.  I was hoping just a pulled/strained back muscle but the way it hurts around to my lower ribs sometimes concerns me.  I don't think it's a heart issue since it definitely started with my back and that's where the pain is concentrated.  The pain when I pull/push on that side just seems related to a muscle injury if that's what it is - every time I use that muscle it hurts - but I don't know anything about discs.  

Edited March 24, 2023 by Kassia

[Katy]

I’d try a chiropractor before a bunch of expensive tests and/or specialists. If they try to tell you crap about subluxations being the source of all disease, ignore them. But they’re very good with muscle & bone pain. Eta: find one with good online reviews or ask around locally. 

Edited March 24, 2023 by Katy

[rebcoola]

I actually do think it does sound like muscle strain pain to me obviously you want to be careful with the back but I would probably try ice/heat and take it easy and see if it gets better.

[Kassia]

33 minutes ago, rebcoola said:

I actually do think it does sound like muscle strain pain to me obviously you want to be careful with the back but I would probably try ice/heat and take it easy and see if it gets better.

I really hope you are right so this doesn't become another expensive medical issue.  Thanks.

[City Mouse]

I had a similar problem that was just muscle strain, but I needed a couple of days on muscle relaxers to get over the hump. 

[Kassia]

3 hours ago, City Mouse said:

I had a similar problem that was just muscle strain, but I needed a couple of days on muscle relaxers to get over the hump. 

I have muscle relaxers from a surgery I had in 12/2021 and have been thinking of taking them but haven't yet.  

[Soror]

I'm sorry you're in pain. I'm no expert but will offer 🤗.

[Starr]

Not medical advice but I would take a muscle relaxer and see if that helps. If it doesn't then it's probably something else. 

[Kassia]

56 minutes ago, Soror said:

I'm sorry you're in pain. I'm no expert but will offer 🤗.

Aw, thanks! 

 

6 minutes ago, Starr said:

Not medical advice but I would take a muscle relaxer and see if that helps. If it doesn't then it's probably something else. 

that's a good idea.  It would probably knock me out though.

[Starr]

22 minutes ago, Kassia said:

Aw, thanks! 

 

that's a good idea.  It would probably knock me out though.

Take 1/2? You could use some good rest in any event. 

[Kassia]

5 minutes ago, Starr said:

Take 1/2? You could use some good rest in any event. 

1/2 is a good idea.  I was just thinking if it knocks me out I won't know how effective it it for pain relief.  Thanks! 

[wintermom]

What kinds of motions were you doing in your work-out? Were they relatively new motions/exercises? 

I once experienced 2 weeks of intercostal pain (between the ribs) from trying out some new deep breathing exercises. It was ridiculous how much pain I was in just from the motions of breathing very deeply and moving my arms in a certain way. 🤪

[Kassia]

Just now, wintermom said:

What kinds of motions were you doing in your work-out? Were they relatively new motions/exercises? 

I once experienced 2 weeks of intercostal pain (between the ribs) from trying out some new deep breathing exercises. It was ridiculous how much pain I was in just from the motions of breathing very deeply and moving my arms in a certain way. 🤪

No new movements but always trying to increase strength by gradually using heavier weights.  Maybe it's overuse or maybe I injured myself but I didn't feel anything at the time.  I'm wondering if it could be from my spin bike - going up and down in the seat?  I didn't feel anything with that either.  

That's incredible about injuring yourself using deep breathing exercises!  

Ds1 is a bodybuilder and very cautious about injuries.  He pointed out that I completely neglect flexibility work and he's right about that.  I'm sure it's more important than ever now that I'm older (55).  

The pain in my lower ribs is worse today.  The whole thing is so strange.  

[kokotg]

Trigger point/muscle knot? Can you localize it to one spot if you press in the right place (even though it also radiates)? I had sudden onset back pain a couple of months ago, and that seems to be what's going on (it's mostly better now, but new spots keep flaring up--but it's okay as long as I stay on top of them). I understand your hesitation about going to the doctor. I finally did for mine after 3 weeks, and I learned that it's really hard to get anyone to care much about your back pain, but I managed to spend $1500 on a spine doctor followed by a few totally useless PT sessions anyway. But maybe a relatively inexpensive primary care visit to reassure you that there's nothing seriously wrong? I did that first and wish I'd stopped there. The problem with back pain is that it can take FOREVER to get better and still be totally normal (well, not normal exactly, but common and unalarming)! 

Edited March 25, 2023 by kokotg

[Kassia]

2 minutes ago, kokotg said:

Trigger point/muscle knot? Can you localize it to one spot if you press in the right place (even though it also radiates)? I had sudden onset back pain a couple of months ago, and that seems to be what's going on (it's mostly better now, but new spots keep flaring up--but it's okay as long as I stay on top of them). I understand your hesitation about going to the doctor. I finally did for mine after 3 weeks, and I learned that it's really hard to get anyone to care much about your back pain, but I managed to spend $1500 on a spine doctor followed by a few totally useless PT sessions anyway. But maybe a relatively inexpensive primary care visit to reassure you that there's nothing seriously wrong? I did that first and wish I'd stopped there. The problem with back pain is that it can take FOREVER to get better and still be totally normal! 

ugh - I'm sorry you wasted so much money on a spine doctor and PT sessions.  I don't have a PCP.  I had a very bad one and tried a new one who was actually worse than the bad one.  All the good ones around here aren't taking new patients.  DH had a great PCP but he retired last year.  

[kokotg]

1 minute ago, Kassia said:

ugh - I'm sorry you wasted so much money on a spine doctor and PT sessions.  I don't have a PCP.  I had a very bad one and tried a new one who was actually worse than the bad one.  All the good ones around here aren't taking new patients.  DH had a great PCP but he retired last year.  

Maybe a chiropractor then? They're pretty inexpensive out of pocket. I'm a skeptic, but in retrospect I'd definitely have done that over the PT, because at least they'd have TRIED to fix my back. Or even just a good massage! If you know it's muscular, I think dealing with it as home is as effective as anything else...the problem is diagnosing it for sure, of course. 

[wintermom]

2 hours ago, Kassia said:

No new movements but always trying to increase strength by gradually using heavier weights.  Maybe it's overuse or maybe I injured myself but I didn't feel anything at the time.  I'm wondering if it could be from my spin bike - going up and down in the seat?  I didn't feel anything with that either.  

That's incredible about injuring yourself using deep breathing exercises!  

Ds1 is a bodybuilder and very cautious about injuries.  He pointed out that I completely neglect flexibility work and he's right about that.  I'm sure it's more important than ever now that I'm older (55).  

The pain in my lower ribs is worse today.  The whole thing is so strange.  

Yes, stretching is so important as we age! I'm also 55, and it's so easy to neglect stretching, but I pay for it in pain and soreness afterwards. 

What can also be occuring with muscle pain, is that small muscles can sometimes lack the strength to do the movements and bigger muscles try to compensate. This is when a physiotherapist can determine exactly which muscles are affected, and can provide exercises to isolate these muscles and slowly build up their strength. 

[ktgrok]

For back pain of course you should see a doctor. That said, muscle relaxer, ice/heat alternating, and NSAIDs are typical first line thing if there is not a true emergency issue. Plus - REST!!! Like seriously, lay in whatever way you can that doesn't hurt, stay there. Let that muscle relaxer knock you out! And it will usually take a few days, I'd guess 3 days, or that combo to really work. 

[Kassia]

5 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

For back pain of course you should see a doctor. That said, muscle relaxer, ice/heat alternating, and NSAIDs are typical first line thing if there is not a true emergency issue. Plus - REST!!! Like seriously, lay in whatever way you can that doesn't hurt, stay there. Let that muscle relaxer knock you out! And it will usually take a few days, I'd guess 3 days, or that combo to really work. 

I hate most doctors.  I've had such terrible experiences with doctors and have wasted so much time and money and gone through hell due to terrible medical care.  

I've always heard that you shouldn't rest too much with back pain and that it's better to have gentle movement.  I've probably been overdoing it since I started hurting but I don't want to just sit around feeling sorry for myself.  😞 But I could be just prolonging the injury by doing too much.  

Thanks for the good advice.  Maybe I'll start taking 1/2 muscle relaxer and see how that goes.  I'm already struggling with depression and other medical issues.  I can't believe this happened on top of everything else.  

Sorry for the whining.  I was already having such a tough time mentally and physically and now this...

[ktgrok]

1 hour ago, Kassia said:

I hate most doctors.  I've had such terrible experiences with doctors and have wasted so much time and money and gone through hell due to terrible medical care.  

I've always heard that you shouldn't rest too much with back pain and that it's better to have gentle movement.  I've probably been overdoing it since I started hurting but I don't want to just sit around feeling sorry for myself.  😞 But I could be just prolonging the injury by doing too much.  

Thanks for the good advice.  Maybe I'll start taking 1/2 muscle relaxer and see how that goes.  I'm already struggling with depression and other medical issues.  I can't believe this happened on top of everything else.  

Sorry for the whining.  I was already having such a tough time mentally and physically and now this...

Long term gentle movement. Short term rest. Don’t do anything that hurts is what I was told. You want to rest the muscles so they stop spasming. 

[Kassia]

1 minute ago, ktgrok said:

Long term gentle movement. Short term rest. Don’t do anything that hurts is what I was told. You want to rest the muscles so they stop spasming. 

I'm not having muscle spasms, though.  It just aches a lot and hurts more with certain movements.  But mostly a constant ache/burning.  Would a muscle relaxer still be appropriate without actual spasms?  

[ktgrok]

1 minute ago, Kassia said:

I'm not having muscle spasms, though.  It just aches a lot and hurts more with certain movements.  But mostly a constant ache/burning.  Would a muscle relaxer still be appropriate without actual spasms?  

Yes. Mine doesn’t feel like spams but the muscles around the area get tight trying to protect the injured area. And it won’t hurt anything. That said, burning sounds like nerve pain. 

[Kassia]

4 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

Yes. Mine doesn’t feel like spams but the muscles around the area get tight trying to protect the injured area. And it won’t hurt anything. That said, burning sounds like nerve pain. 

thank you so much!  Ugh - what does that mean if it's nerve pain?  Does that involve a disc?  Can muscle pain cause nerve pain?  I just want to hide under a blanket and cry.  😞 

 

Edited March 25, 2023 by Kassia

[ktgrok]

22 minutes ago, Kassia said:

thank you so much!  Ugh - what does that mean if it's nerve pain?  Does that involve a disc?  Can muscle pain cause nerve pain?  I just want to hide under a blanket and cry.  😞 

 

I think a swollen muscle can press on a nerve...or pull things out of alignment, bt yeah, a lot of times it is a disc issue I think. Mine is from my SI joint so different - it's more muscular but still nerve pain. blergh. I hate the nerve pain part. 

[kokotg]

When my trigger points were really bad/all over the place, I definitely felt burning. And muscle relaxers (or ibuprofen) didn't really do much of anything for them (those salonpas patches worked better). And they were better with movement and stretching. I kind of hate to throw more stuff out there because I know there are so many things it could be when you're trying to google or whatever...but for me once I started treating my back pain like trigger points (which basically involves massaging the crap out of them), I made a lot more progress. So I also don't want to NOT throw it out there in case it resonates. The checklist here was the most helpful for me: https://www.painscience.com/tutorials/trigger-points.php?id=6470287 

 

[Kassia]

31 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

I think a swollen muscle can press on a nerve...or pull things out of alignment, bt yeah, a lot of times it is a disc issue I think. Mine is from my SI joint so different - it's more muscular but still nerve pain. blergh. I hate the nerve pain part. 

I'm sorry that you have pain.  Back pain is awful.  I've been mostly lucky but DH has a sensitive back (I suspect he has a bulging disc) and it's so awful for him when it gets triggered.  

 

On the bright side, the foot pain I've had from my botched surgery has disappeared thanks to my constant use of NSAIDs since the back injury.  😛

[Kassia]

3 minutes ago, kokotg said:

When my trigger points were really bad/all over the place, I definitely felt burning. And muscle relaxers (or ibuprofen) didn't really do much of anything for them (those salonpas patches worked better). And they were better with movement and stretching. I kind of hate to throw more stuff out there because I know there are so many things it could be when you're trying to google or whatever...but for me once I started treating my back pain like trigger points (which basically involves massaging the crap out of them), I made a lot more progress. So I also don't want to NOT throw it out there in case it resonates. The checklist here was the most helpful for me: https://www.painscience.com/tutorials/trigger-points.php?id=6470287 

 

Thank you so much.  I do have some of those patches here - maybe I'll try one.  I'll look at the link you posted too.  I saw some physical therapy stuff on bob and brad's youtube channel so I should try those too.  

[kokotg]

Just now, Kassia said:

Thank you so much.  I do have some of those patches here - maybe I'll try one.  I'll look at the link you posted too.  I saw some physical therapy stuff on bob and brad's youtube channel so I should try those too.  

I love Bob and Brad! They're way better than the real life PT I went to 😂

[Kassia]

Just now, kokotg said:

I love Bob and Brad! They're way better than the real life PT I went to 😂

they are fantastic.  Completely healed some of my DH's shoulder issues. 

 

[KidsHappen]

Burning, stabbing radiating pain is usually nerve pain. It can be caused by tight or inflamed muscles putting pressure on a nerve or it could be caused by a disc impingement. If the muscle relaxer helps it is more likely to be muscular but if not then nerves. An anti-inflammatory, ice, a tens machine, maybe an epson salt bath are all things to try. A chiropractor is a good suggestion. You would probably need a few sessions.

[EKS]

On 3/24/2023 at 9:57 AM, Harriet Vane said:

My mind goes to either disc compression or heart issues. 

If the pain can be changed (made worse or better) with movement, then it probably isn't a heart issue.

[kbutton]

On 3/24/2023 at 1:52 PM, Carol in Cal. said:

Also, diagnostics for your heart might not be that expensive.  I would start there.  There is a blood test for heart enzymes that defines whether you recently had even a mild heart attack, so it doesn’t have to be a zillion scans or something.

If someone thinks you need those labs run, they will send you to the ER. Just a heads-up. Time is heart muscle, so any suspicion = ER. Most ERs will run them at least twice a couple of hours apart to see if they are going up, down, or staying the same. 

On 3/24/2023 at 2:45 PM, Katy said:

I’d try a chiropractor before a bunch of expensive tests and/or specialists. If they try to tell you crap about subluxations being the source of all disease, ignore them. But they’re very good with muscle & bone pain. Eta: find one with good online reviews or ask around locally. 

This, though some chiropractors will want x-rays.

8 hours ago, KidsHappen said:

Burning, stabbing radiating pain is usually nerve pain. It can be caused by tight or inflamed muscles putting pressure on a nerve or it could be caused by a disc impingement. If the muscle relaxer helps it is more likely to be muscular but if not then nerves. An anti-inflammatory, ice, a tens machine, maybe an epson salt bath are all things to try. A chiropractor is a good suggestion. You would probably need a few sessions.

I agree. And if you get a good chiropractor, they will refer you out if they think that it's beyond their skill set. 

It's also reasonable to start with urgent care if you don't know a good chiropractor--they will likely have you move in certain ways to rule out a disc issue. 

[KSera]

On 3/25/2023 at 8:05 AM, kokotg said:

Maybe a chiropractor then? They're pretty inexpensive out of pocket. I'm a skeptic, but in retrospect I'd definitely have done that over the PT, because at least they'd have TRIED to fix my back. Or even just a good massage! 

It sounds like you had a crummy PT. It’s just as likely to get a crummy chiropractor and a bad chiropractor can be dangerous. A good PT will do massage as part of the treatment  if it’s applicable to the problem.  

4 hours ago, kbutton said:

It's also reasonable to start with urgent care if you don't know a good chiropractor--they will likely have you move in certain ways to rule out a disc issue. 

We have had a really bad track record with urgent care for musculoskeletal problems/injuries. They have pretty much always gotten it wrong, including missing breaks multiple times. YMMV. 

[kokotg]

23 minutes ago, KSera said:

It sounds like you had a crummy PT. It’s just as likely to get a crummy chiropractor and a bad chiropractor can be dangerous. A good PT will do massage as part of the treatment  if it’s applicable to the problem.  

 

Oh, I definitely did. She sort of...pushed on my back for a few minutes each session, but I wouldn't have called it a massage. But mostly she didn't seem the least bit interested in actually solving my problem. She had me mostly doing leg strengthening exercises, and the only explanation I got was "it's all connected." Well, yeah, but my legs have been wimpy forever, and my back suddenly started hurting a month ago, you know? At one point she seemed to have forgotten that back pain was even why I was there. But another reason I mention a chiropractor or massage over PT is that the OP is concerned about cost. I paid over $1000 for 3 PT sessions, and that was the negotiated rate through insurance. I was shocked, even after spending my entire life in the US healthcare system. One of the sessions, I wasn't even the only person she was working with.  Even if I'd met my deductible, my part of the cost would still have been nearly $100/session. I.e. even if it HAD been helpful, I couldn't afford it. Chiropractors and massage are generally priced to be affordable OOP. I've never actually been to a chiropractor. I thought PT would be the better route, but mine was worse than worthless. I remain skeptical, but I know a number of smart people who swear by chiropractors, so...who knows? 

ETA: also, my Chiro-skepticism would have led me to make a much more careful choice than I did with PT (I just went to the place very near home that the spine place referred me to)...I was collecting a lot of personal recommendations and scouring websites before my back started to get better.

Edited March 26, 2023 by kokotg

[Harriet Vane]

3 hours ago, KSera said:

It sounds like you had a crummy PT. It’s just as likely to get a crummy chiropractor and a bad chiropractor can be dangerous. A good PT will do massage as part of the treatment  if it’s applicable to the problem.  

We have had a really bad track record with urgent care for musculoskeletal problems/injuries. They have pretty much always gotten it wrong, including missing breaks multiple times. YMMV. 

Agree. 

A good PT really can make a world of difference. Unfortunately there are plenty of PTs who rely on formulas and are not that great. It’s worth delving to find the good ones.

I do agree vehemently that urgent care and the ER are almost useless for musculoskeletal injuries. You will get an X-ray and a cortizone shot there, which is only worth it if you suspect a break or are absolutely immobilized from pain. My town has an orthopedic urgent care, which I have used because it’s specialized. For injuries in which I am not screaming in pain I go to the orthopedic doctor and avoid ER and Urgent Care.

[Kassia]

Based on what I saw on the Bob and Brad videos, it's a pinched nerve in the thoracic spine.  I stopped exercising completely and have been taking it easy.  I took a muscle relaxer before I watched Bob/Brad and it didn't do anything.  I tried one of the exercises they showed on youtube but it hurt so I stopped.  I'll try again tomorrow.  This is so frustrating.  I wish I knew more - what caused this, how long it will take to heal, can I workout now - walk, do bodyweight resistance training, use my spin bike...?  I need to exercise for my mental health and weight management.

[lmrich]

Kassia - so sorry you are  in  so much pain still. 

I have a bulging disc and a collapsed vertebrae, but it is  often the muslce  pain that gets me. 

For exercise that does not hurt - swim. I also walk but  avoid inclines. You might want to  practice meditation for your exercise for a few days as you let the area calm down. (I  have to go  weeks without being able to exercise  because I  irritate it, so you want to avoid a flare-up.) Learning to listen (and obey) your body's signals is hard. I think now is your rest time😊

Hoping you just have a strain - rest for now.

[Kassia]

5 minutes ago, lmrich said:

Kassia - so sorry you are  in  so much pain still. 

I have a bulging disc and a collapsed vertebrae, but it is  often the muslce  pain that gets me. 

For exercise that does not hurt - swim. I also walk but  avoid inclines. You might want to  practice meditation for your exercise for a few days as you let the area calm down. (I  have to go  weeks without being able to exercise  because I  irritate it, so you want to avoid a flare-up.) Learning to listen (and obey) your body's signals is hard. I think now is your rest time😊

Hoping you just have a strain - rest for now.

Thank you!  Fortunately, it's not terribly painful now.  The first day or so was rough but since then it's been uncomfortable but I'm not in agony or anything like that.  I'm sorry about your injury and that it limits you so much.  I'm really hoping to make a full recovery from this so it's not a chronic issue but it's hard to know what is safe/not safe.  And I don't want to skip workouts if I don't need to be but I obviously don't want to do anything that will prolong the issue or make it worse.  

Not really any pools around here so that's not an option but walking is okay.  This is really hard - I've been struggling with some severe depression and my workouts were really helping with that.  And gaining weight will only make me feel worse mentally and physically.  😞  

Thanks again.  

 

[drjuliadc]

Those symptoms describe a pinched nerve. It doesn’t mean there is disc problem. It is coming from your thoracic spine. The radiating pain may or may not be disc related. That sort of pain usually goes away quickly with adjustments. If there is a disc problem, it takes more adjustments.

Asking around for recommendations for a good chiro is a good idea. I have seen people ask on the Next Door app if you don’t know a lot of people to ask. We have a lot of good chiros in our area and I’ve seen people ask there and pretty much everyone loves their chiropractor.

In my first practice I only stayed a year and so many people cried when I told them I was leaving. I was so unprepared for that. 

Evan a bad chiropractor isn’t dangerous. I pay $39 a month for 3 million malpractice insurance. That is based upon all chiros, not just good ones. I would never have that much coverage if it were not required to be a provider on health insurance. 

We recommend magnesium as a muscle relaxer. It is safer and most people are low in it. 400-800mg with food. It can have a laxative effect. We have people work up slowly. Do not take magnesium oxide. It is very poorly absorbed. Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate. Most people don’t use enough. 4 cups in a regular sized bathtub.
 

[Kassia]

@drjuliadc thank you!

 

[Kassia]

2 hours ago, drjuliadc said:

Those symptoms describe a pinched nerve. It doesn’t mean there is disc problem. It is coming from your thoracic spine. The radiating pain may or may not be disc related. That sort of pain usually goes away quickly with adjustments. If there is a disc problem, it takes more adjustments.

Asking around for recommendations for a good chiro is a good idea. I have seen people ask on the Next Door app if you don’t know a lot of people to ask. We have a lot of good chiros in our area and I’ve seen people ask there and pretty much everyone loves their chiropractor.

In my first practice I only stayed a year and so many people cried when I told them I was leaving. I was so unprepared for that. 

Evan a bad chiropractor isn’t dangerous. I pay $39 a month for 3 million malpractice insurance. That is based upon all chiros, not just good ones. I would never have that much coverage if it were not required to be a provider on health insurance. 

We recommend magnesium as a muscle relaxer. It is safer and most people are low in it. 400-800mg with food. It can have a laxative effect. We have people work up slowly. Do not take magnesium oxide. It is very poorly absorbed. Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate. Most people don’t use enough. 4 cups in a regular sized bathtub.
 

Do you think exercising would hurt anything or is it too hard to tell without an exam?  

Also, do you know what it means that using my arm on the side where I have the back pain causes discomfort?  For example, opening the dishwasher, lifting anything, reaching for something, putting my weight on that hand for balance, etc.?  I can feel all of those things in my back immediately.

 

[drjuliadc]

3 hours ago, Kassia said:

Do you think exercising would hurt anything or is it too hard to tell without an exam?  

Also, do you know what it means that using my arm on the side where I have the back pain causes discomfort?  For example, opening the dishwasher, lifting anything, reaching for something, putting my weight on that hand for balance, etc.?  I can feel all of those things in my back immediately.

 

I wouldn’t even know if exercising will make it worse or not by doing an exam. If you were getting an exam by me you would also be getting an adjustment and most people can exercise again after 1-2 adjustments with that complaint. Everyone is different though.

Yes, you are just pinching the nerve more (temporarily) when you do those things that make you hurt temporarily.

[Kassia]

1 minute ago, drjuliadc said:

I wouldn’t even know if exercising will make it worse or not by doing an exam. If you were getting an exam by me you would also be getting an adjustment and most people can exercise again after 1-2 adjustments with that complaint. Everyone is different though.

Yes, you are just pinching the nerve more (temporarily) when you do those things that make you hurt temporarily.

Thank you again.  I appreciate your help!