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Dealing with chronic back pain

Started by wearydriver13 · · 👁 4 views · 33 replies

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Participants wearydriver13Rebecca Flores4Casey Palmer5Nicole Davis7Harold Adams7Ronald Walker2gentleeagle53Gregory Young3fadedmarlin402Peter Phillips32fadedlynx6Jeffrey Garcia6fadedridge9fadedheron892urbanorcahiddenhawk88Ronald Green31Chris Myers5casualdrifter4
wearydriver13 wearydriver13 MemberOP
12 messages
joined Jul 2009
#1 ·
Hello everyone!
First off, please forgive me if I’ve stumbled upon an existing thread; there are just so many discussions happening here and I simply haven't had the time to comb through them all. I am in urgent need of some guidance from anyone who might understand the situation I'm facing.

I am 22 years old, and for quite a long time now, I have been struggling with chronic back pain. To be more specific, the pain around my shoulder blades, shoulders, and neck is absolutely debilitating. As the days go by, it feels increasingly unbearable; it has reached a point where after being on my feet for just about thirty minutes, I have to lie down and abandon whatever tasks I was working on—which, most of the time, involves studying. Sitting isn't much better either, as I tend to slouch quite a bit, which only exacerbates the discomfort. This has been an ongoing issue since I was a child, largely due to lugging around a heavy school backpack on one shoulder for years.

About two years ago, I briefly attended some physiotherapy sessions at a clinic near Mayo Clinic, following some supposed "light" electrical stimulation treatments applied along my spine and some professional massages. Unfortunately, nothing yielded any results.
Since I had to wait nearly three or four months just to get those appointments (because we all know how agonizingly slow the waits can be in the public healthcare system), I was wondering if anyone could recommend a private, effective medical facility where I might find actual relief from this constant pain?

Additionally, I would love some recommendations regarding pillows. I currently sleep on what is marketed as a medical pillow, but it seems to do more harm than good, particularly because it makes my shoulders ache even more. If anyone has advice on what kind of pillow might suit my needs—or if you think using a specialized pillow is even worth it—I am all ears.

Regarding medication, I’ve been sticking to standard topical pain relievers, specifically Voltaren at the moment. If anyone has suggestions in that department, I would be incredibly grateful for the help.

And no, I am not expecting anyone to magically fix my problem; I am fully aware that only professional medical intervention can truly address this. However, as I mentioned, the waiting lists at the hospitals are catastrophically long, and I simply don't have the luxury of time.
That is why I truly value any advice you are willing to share.

Thank you.
Rebecca Flores4 Rebecca Flores4 Newcomer
1 message
joined Mar 2009
#2 ·
My husband has been dealing with these exact same issues for over two years now. He’s bounced from specialist to specialist, getting nowhere. I actually just heard about a doctor named Somun from a friend—he works in the trauma department over at Memorial Hospital. You’ll need a referral to see him, though. Apparently, he’s incredible. Right now, my husband is busy gathering all his paperwork—every single spinal scan, results from every clinic he's visited, even the physical therapy reports from Mayo Clinic. Once he has everything organized, he's heading straight to him!
I should mention that Voltaren hasn't really done much for him; instead, his doctor suggested that when the pain becomes unbearable, he should take ibuprofen combined with Normabel. That combination has been a total lifesaver!
Hopefully, this helps you out a bit. Good luck, and please let me know how it goes.🙂
Casey Palmer5 Casey Palmer5 Regular
470 messages
joined Jan 2016
#3 ·
You really need to look into some professional physical therapy to get this sorted out.

As for pillows, it’s hard to give a definitive recommendation because everyone's neck is different... one person loves a certain shape while someone else hates it. I know plenty of people who swear by Tempur-Pedic, though they aren't exactly cheap, and testing them out can be a bit of an investment if you want to see if they actually work for you.

You're way too young to be dealing with this kind of pain, and honestly, popping pills isn't the answer here.
Nicole Davis7 Nicole Davis7 Member
40 messages
joined Aug 2007
#4 ·
Has anyone here actually tried Kosmodisk? (I am being completely serious right now). I started wearing mine at the exact moment I thought I was totally out of options, and honestly, it saved me. Even now, I won't sit down at my computer without it on. The pain is just gone. I used to deal with constant aches running all the way down my back—lower back, shoulders, neck... everywhere.
Harold Adams7 Harold Adams7 Member
10 messages
joined Aug 2012
#5 ·
wearydriver13 said:Sitting isn't really helping either, since I'm already hunched over most of the time—which just makes this whole situation even worse... I've had this posture issue since I was a kid, probably from lugging that massive school backpack around on just one shoulder.

If you're spending a ton of time sitting at home, I’d honestly suggest grabbing an exercise ball instead of a regular chair.
wearydriver13 said:About two years ago, I went to some physical therapy sessions over at the Mayo Clinic... before that, I was doing those supposedly "gentle" electrical stimulation treatments they run down your spine, along with some professional massages.

It might actually be a good idea to start some exercises on your own... maybe look into some yoga routines? Swimming is also fantastic. I really think it could help quite a bit with strengthening your shoulders.
wearydriver13 said:I'm also curious if anyone has pillow recommendations. I’ve been using this supposed "orthopedic" pillow, but it feels like it does more harm than good... especially with my shoulders. If anyone knows what kind of pillow might actually work for me—if such a thing even exists...

Do you sleep on your side or your back? If you're a side sleeper, that might actually be part of the problem too. When you sleep on your side, it can cause your neck to twist awkwardly and pinch a nerve (or something like that, I'm not exactly an expert)...
wearydriver13 wearydriver13 MemberOP
12 messages
joined Jul 2009
#6 ·
Harold Adams7;19804771 said:
Do you usually sleep on your side or your back? If you’re a side sleeper, that might actually be part of the issue. When you sleep on your side, it can cause the cervical spine to misalign, which might lead to some nerve compression—or something along those lines, I can't say for certain.

Well, in about 95% of my cases, I'm definitely a side sleeper.
Ronald Walker2 Ronald Walker2 Newcomer
1 message
joined Jul 2009
#7 ·
Nicole Davis7 said:Has anyone here actually tried Kosmodisk? (And I am being completely serious right now). I started wearing mine at the exact moment I felt like I had totally run out of options, and honestly, it was a lifesaver. I still use it today; whenever I sit down at my computer, it’s right there on me. The pain is just gone. I used to deal with constant aches running all the way down my back—lower back, shoulders, neck... everywhere.

That is exactly what I'm wondering about because I've been struggling with some cervical spine issues and bouts of dizziness lately. People claim this thing can fix everything, but I'm trying to figure out if it's really effective for those specific issues or if it's just meant for spinal traction.😕
gentleeagle53 gentleeagle53 Newcomer
1 message
joined Jul 2009
#8 ·
I ended up with a muscle tear right between my shoulder and neck because of some freak aerobics instructor who pushed me way too hard—totally improper form. It caused this massive cramping sensation that radiated through my entire side, affecting my neck, shoulder, scapula, and even my upper arm. What actually helped me recover was resting, followed by massage therapy, swimming, and stretching. That all happened about a year and a half ago.
Now, I’m dealing with the exact same pains you described—it flares up whenever I overexert myself. I tend to sleep on my side, all tensed up, and since I’ve been so exhausted lately, I probably stay stuck in that same rigid position all night long. Even though I have a specialized orthopedic pillow, I think I’m going to try sleeping on my back without any pillow at all tonight. You might want to give that a shot too.
Gregory Young3 Gregory Young3 Member
38 messages
joined Dec 2006
#9 ·
wearydriver13 said:Hi everyone!
First off, I apologize if I'm starting a thread that already exists; there are just so many topics out there and I don't have enough time to dig through them all. I urgently need some advice from people who understand what I'm going through.

I'm 22 years old and have been dealing with chronic back pain for quite a while now. To be specific, the pain around my shoulder blades, shoulders, and neck is absolutely killing me. As the days go by, it’s becoming unbearable. It has reached the point where after being on my feet for just half an hour, I have to lie down and stop everything I'm doing (mostly studying). Sitting isn't much better either, since I tend to slouch, which only makes this difficult situation worse—a habit I've had since I was a kid carrying a heavy backpack on one shoulder.

About two years ago, I briefly went to Mayo Clinic for physical therapy exercises in a clinic setting. Before that, I tried those supposed "light" electrical stimulations applied along the spine and some professional massages. Nothing worked.
Since I had to wait about three or four months for those appointments (you know how long the lines can be at public hospitals), I'm wondering if anyone knows of a private, effective facility that could help me get rid of this excruciating pain?

I am also looking for pillow recommendations. I currently sleep on a supposedly "medical" pillow, but it does more harm than good, especially making my shoulders ache. If anyone knows what kind of pillow would suit me, or if you even recommend using a special one...

Regarding medication, I use standard pain-relief gels, currently Voltaren, so if anyone has advice on that front, I would be grateful for any help.

And no, I don't expect you to solve my problem because I know only professional medical help can do that, but as I said, the wait times at hospitals are catastrophically long and I just don't have that kind of time.
So, I appreciate all your advice.

Thanks.

Have you received a formal diagnosis yet?
fadedmarlin402 fadedmarlin402 Active Member
154 messages
joined Apr 2010
#10 ·
Brenda Harris81 said:So, have you actually been given an official diagnosis yet?

They all share the exact same thing... a herniated disc.
Peter Phillips32 Peter Phillips32 Active Member
154 messages
joined May 2009
#11 ·
Honestly, maybe you should just start hitting the gym or something on your own. Look into some yoga routines. And swimming? That’s killer. I really think getting in the pool would do wonders for strengthening up those shoulders of yours.

I’m totally with that.
The body basically needs daily movement if you want to actually tap into what it's capable of. It's the same deal with food and hydration—you've gotta eat high-quality stuff.
Plus, swimming is great for keeping your spine in check.

And as far as I'm concerned, yoga is hands down the best fitness system I've ever come across. It hits the whole body. It forces you to look at yourself holistically. Most people think if they have a headache, it's some brain issue, when really it could be because they're eating junk, dehydrated, or dealing with shoulder pain or whatever. Plus, there are specific moves for breathing, focus, and visualization.
Seriously, if you’re looking to actually understand yourself better, yoga is one way to go.

Just a heads-up: I don't mean power yoga or any of those other versions that feel more like Pilates or some other mambo jumbo.
"Yoga poses (asanas), unlike gymnastics, are performed slowly, with total concentration and mindful execution of movements. The number of exercises isn't nearly as important as the quality of how you perform them. Before, during, and after the practice, you should focus on physical and mental relaxation," according to the Everyday Yoga system.

And yeah, if you stay consistent, your body's capability improves—meaning "over time," you'll get better at the moves and see actual results.

p.s.
It's definitely worth it for you to learn a bit more about how exercise affects both your mind and your body.

- part two -
You mentioned you spend a lot of time sitting. For your spine, if you're using a chair with a backrest, make sure you're supporting your lumbar region (just above the tailbone). If you sit wrong for too long, that area can start to deform. I actually recommend sitting upright without a backrest at all—keep your spine straight, shoulders back, and tuck your chin down slightly to fix your neck posture. You'll get used to it eventually. 🙂

Recommendations: - for yoga - Everyday Yoga
- for reading up - Treating the Person, Not the Disease
fadedlynx6 fadedlynx6 Member
32 messages
joined Nov 2010
#12 ·
I've been dealing with debilitating lower back pain for years now, especially after sitting too long or whenever I try to get moving...

My RTG results mention "Schmorl's nodes"... does anyone actually know what that entails? Maybe an MRI would provide more clarity.

Specifically, what does this Schmorl's node business actually mean for me?
Jeffrey Garcia6 Jeffrey Garcia6 Newcomer
9 messages
joined Jul 2010
#13 ·
Schmorl's nodes are basically just disc herniations that push into the vertebral body itself—they aren't putting any pressure on the nerves. Supposedly, they don't cause any actual issues.
I've got them too, but I also have other, much more serious problems that didn't even show up until my MRI results came back.

If you want more details on Schmorl's nodes, check this out:
fadedlynx6 fadedlynx6 Member
32 messages
joined Nov 2010
#14 ·
Jeffrey Garcia6 said:Schmorl's nodes are just disc herniations into the vertebral body... they don't put pressure on the nerves. Supposedly, they cause zero issues.
I have them too, but I’ve got other, much more serious problems that didn't even show up until my MRI...

More info on Schmorl's nodes here

So an MRI might actually uncover the real reason behind this agonizing pain...
Jeffrey Garcia6 Jeffrey Garcia6 Newcomer
9 messages
joined Jul 2010
#15 ·
Exactly.

First things first, you’ve got to try physical therapy—get moving, do the exercises, get some massage work done.
If you finish a course of PT and you aren't seeing any actual progress? Then you absolutely need to get an MRI.
From there, everything depends on what those scans show. In my own experience, I didn't get much relief until I had to see a neurosurgeon and undergo a whole battery of additional tests.
fadedlynx6 fadedlynx6 Member
32 messages
joined Nov 2010
#16 ·
Jeffrey Garcia6 said:Exactly.

First, you try physical therapy, exercises, massages... standard stuff.
If there’s zero progress after all that—you absolutely need an MRI.
Then you go from there based on the results... personally, I ended up needing a neurosurgeon and more testing.

Last year I went through a mountain of therapy and nothing worked. Painkillers help slightly, but they aren't a solution.

Now I'm waiting on knee surgery, then I'll talk to my physiatrist about this issue and tell him to send me for an MRI.
fadedridge9 fadedridge9 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Aug 2010
#17 ·
Hey everyone!!

So, I've been dealing with this nagging pain in my lower right back for a while now... I went to see a doctor and they gave me some pills which helped at first, but as soon as I tried getting back into my workout routine, the pain came rushing right back. I even tried getting a massage, but then I started feeling a dull ache just from walking. My appointment with the physical therapist isn't until late August, and honestly, I'm losing my mind because I have no clue what's going on. The main symptoms are this sharp pain whenever I bend over or try to step out of the sun... though after resting for about a week, it actually calmed down a ton, almost completely. It still twinges sometimes when I walk, but only for a few steps before it settles back down. Another weird thing is that my right leg feels... strange. Like my muscles are totally exhausted even though I haven't done anything strenuous—just lots of walking, since that's usually good for me. Mentally, this is just killing me because I'm such an active person and this is basically stopping me from doing anything intense. Does anyone have any idea what this could be?
fadedheron892 fadedheron892 Active Member
57 messages
joined Nov 2009
#18 ·
Look, just try some stretching exercises—they’re killer for lower back pain. Honestly, an MRI is the only way to see what's actually going on under the hood, because even if those X-rays your physical therapist orders don't show anything major, they'll definitely hook you up with physical therapy and a workout routine, and if that stuff doesn't do the trick, then you go get the MRI.
fadedridge9 fadedridge9 Newcomer
5 messages
joined Aug 2010
#19 ·
Alright, I think I'll give stretching a shot. For these specific exercises, I don't really think it's a muscle issue since I stay pretty active—I'm constantly working on my core strength and back muscles... but I can't help wondering, is there any chance this could be a herniated disc?
I've read some stuff about that online, and honestly, it scares me. If that's what it is, I know it's basically game over for my workouts and sports...
fadedheron892 fadedheron892 Active Member
57 messages
joined Nov 2009
#20 ·
It’s probably a herniated disc, but you aren't going to know for sure until you get an MRI or a CT scan—and those CT scans pump you full of radiation—but look, you already know you can't just walk onto a forum and get a real diagnosis without actually getting some imaging done first.

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