I Am Having Seriously Problems with My Back! Help!!

Updated on October 21, 2008
R.N. asks from Garland, TX
33 answers

Ok I have been having problems with my back for a little over 5 years. This pain is SO bad! This is where its odd... I have experienced a super burning, throbbing and major stabbing pain starting right above my bra strap and it is about 2 inch spot of almost of pain torture. Here is the deal, it does NOT feel like muscle pain at all, the pain rest upon my spine and right directly beside each side of my spine. Very weird, that's why I have no clue what it is. I have cried myself to sleep or during the day numerous times it hurts so bad. This is what I have done about it... I have had an MRI and x-ray done, they cannot see anything there! I am currently seeing a Pain Management doctor(he is so great) and he has done two different type of patches, nerve medicine, muscle relaxers, I went in 2 different times for therapy shots which was a set of 3 each time close to my spine. I have tried tramodol which does not work at all. I take vicodin regularly which is the ONLY thing that keeps my pain to a minimal. He prescribed it 1 every 8 hours which is aweful because I need it every 4-5 hours to makes it through the day. I love my pain specialist! I don't know what to do now or what it could be. I was working out about 5 months ago at a 24 hour fitness but when I did some sort of mechine to work out my arms which affect my back immensly put me to we this pain doctor faster. I have problems with getting up my stairs because the pain can be so intense. Physical therapy would not be good for me, this I totally know. This pain started 5 years ago and has been getting so much worse. Has anyone ever or still experiencing something like this? I don't know what to do and hope someone out there is going through the same thing as me or anyone that knows what I should do. Please help, I am out of options! Thank you so much

Here some added info...

I don't honestly think a Chiropractor would be best for me since I cannot do active physical therapy. I have been through physical therapy before(not for this) and it does not seem to fit this situation. Also if anyone touches this spot I almost instantly cry. I am not overweight, I weight 115lb. I wear comfortable bras so I know its not that. This pain just instantly started 5 years ago out of nowhere. It is just SO awful. This pain is so bad I would not even wish upon ANYONE. I have been to a Chiropractor before and I know my body very well and I know that this would be one type of doctor that could not help with whats going on. I don't want to feel scolded for not wanting to go to one, I know my body well and now this just would not be for me in this case. Sorry I just wanted to just give more more information, so I hope it helps =)

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.

answers from Dallas on

My husband is a chiropractor in Dallas. His office is near SMU. I would highly recommend seeing a chiropractor. He will give you a free consultation if you would like to see him. Dr. Kevin Smith, www.trinityfamilychiropractic.com, ###-###-####.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.H.

answers from Amarillo on

I don't understand why you don't think you can have physycal thearpy. It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for it to start to help the problem, but then it is on the way to complete relief for most problems. Also if you have something out, a chirpractor could definately help. since you have had the Mri, that eleminates one type problem. If you should go to a chirpractor, just specify to be extra gentle and you should be relaxed before a treatment, so get one that has the relaxing massage or things first. There are also chirpractors that uses a fibulator, and don't manipulate you. That could be an option.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.

answers from Dallas on

If you're interested in a more gentle alternative medicine approach based in orthopedics, I would suggest craniosacral therapy. I see Ken Piercy (www.kenpiercy.com) He is in addison and is amazing. My 15month old daughter sees him for problems with one of her legs being too rotated inward and she's been seeing him for a month and is finally no longer tripping and falling all the time (or more than normal for a kiddo her age) You can also talk to him about the difference between his approach and chiropractic approach.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.

answers from Dallas on

I know a really great doctor who specializes in bones. I am actually seeing her right now for the spine on my neck and my wrist. She treats the actual cause and not the symptoms only. Her name is Dr. Erin Van Veldhuizen and her contact number is ###-###-####. She'll be very upfront to you and will explain exactly what's going on in your spine. Tell her I referred you and you might be able to get some discounts though she doesn't really charge that high. Thank you and hope that helps.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.H.

answers from Dallas on

Not sure if this is something that would help you too, but it couldn't hurt to check...
My mom experienced terrible lower back pain for *years* and even ended up in a wheelchair for a while. She had all sorts of x-rays, tests for MS, Lupus, ortho evaluations, etc., but nothing revealed the problem UNTIL she had an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a benign cyst near her spinal cord that all the other tests had missed or could not detect. They removed the cyst & her pain was gone immediately after the surgery (though she had to recover from surgery, of course...)

She was a teacher at the time and was so impressed with the technology that she went to school, changed careers, and has been a diagnostic sonographer for over 15 years. She works at Children's though, so you can't see her b/c you're 26. ;D I'd be happy to find out where she went for her initial ultrasound if you'd like. PM me & lemme know!

HTH & you can be free from your pain soon...

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.W.

answers from Dallas on

Hi R., I think i know exactly what you are going through. I am having my 3rd set of injections in my spine next thurs. they are called Dorsal Fecet. Is this the same as you have had? They have helped but, the pain is back. I don't know what to do either?? I am at a loss.Of corse i am older than you but, still i am in torture pain! I can't go to a chiropractor because i have a plate in my neck.If you find out anything please let me know. i will do the same. If you want my Dr. e-mail me private & i will give you his name. he is great!He does everything he can for me.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.G.

answers from Dallas on

my chiropractor - Dr Laura Precourt treats you as a whole not just parts - she addresses nutrition as part of the healing process. I had sever back and jaw pain with lots of migraines was seeing chiro after chiro and dr after Dr - one month with her and i no longer had ANY Pain or migraines. She has many treatment options - check out her website www.drlauraprecourt.com

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.G.

answers from Dallas on

I am sorry to hear about your pain. It sounds terrible and baffling for the physicians who are treating you as well. It sounds like possible a malaligned rib since there is such localized pain around your ribcage or possibly herpes zoster which is a nervous system dysfunction. I am trying to problem solve for you.
Have you tried a TENS unit for pain management. This may temporarily relieve symptoms so you are limiting your pain meds.
Hang in there - I know that pain messes with everypart of your body and relationships. Hopefully things will be figured out soon. Praying for you.
-E.
(by the way I am a P.T. and hope that the chiropractor works if you so decide to go that route and am sorry that P.T. hasn't worked for you in the past - I understand that no treatment method is successful for everyone 100% of the time)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Lubbock on

I too was having back pain around the site of the bra closure and straps. I purchased bra extenders - increasing the size of the bra several inches. No more back pain.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.R.

answers from Dallas on

I am feeling your pain. I had a disc blow out over a year ago and lucky for me my Chiropractor was able to get me walking in a week. For the pain I ate alot of pineapple for the Bromelian and omega-3 ground organic flax seed for the inflammation. I was fortunate in the above situation that I knew what was causing my pain.

Your body is telling you through the pain that something is wrong even though it can not be identified through the MRI. this is a defensive mechanisms that your body is attempting to restore balance. Have you ever checked your ph to find out if you are acidic? If you were acidic it could cause the pain. It is difficult to explain but when the ph is offkilter, certain biochemical exchanges in the body do not happen the way they could. For example, Mycotoxins are one of the main causes of allergies and chemical sensitivities. The body becomes overburdened with acids from these mirobial wastes, which stress your immune system and can overstimulate your thyroid and adrenals. The exhaustion of these systems results in more weight gain, more allergies and more chemical sensitivities. The reason I sited this example it because the Mycotoxins cause several things to happen that seem so unrelated. I have been fighting thyroid disease since my children were born. It took me 10 years to reverse my condition once I understood I needed to dig and get to the root of the problem. Once I removed, Mycotoxins, heavy metals, chemical pollutants and parasits from my system. My bodys terrain became a normal PH and I no longer experience any pain.

I would recommend to you is to do some research on your own. One of the books I would recommend is ProMetabolics Your personal guide to transfomational health and healing by Humbart "Smokey" Santillo, N.D. One other recommendation feed yourself well with good nutrition. Nutrition can help the healing process. If you would like additional information on some of the things I do including Juice plus please let me know. My website is www.gotjuiceplus.com.

I would be more than happy to share more information with you at anytime. Please contact me at ###-###-####. By the way the information that I sited about Mycotoxins came directly from the ProMetabolics book. I believe this book is a must read for anyone concerned about improving health or maintaining health.

Take care,
Sally

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.L.

answers from Dallas on

I think you most definitely need to visit a chiropractor! It is totally different than physical therapy. I can go from being immobile to fully functional after one visit and some rest. Some people are scarred of going because they are afraid it might hurt but my chiropractor is very gentle and great with first timers. It seems like you have tried many things that have not worked so what have you got to lose besides the pain! I have had the same problem you mentioned and it has been fixed with just a few visits. Now who knows if it is the same thing or not but I would try it just to see. My chiro.s name is Nader Awwad. He is in Arlington on the corner of Davis Blvd and Pioneer Pkwy. He will do the adjustments as well as ultra sound therapy and electro muscle stimulation. His number is ###-###-#### (I drive from west Fort Worth to see him)
Hope this helps and feel free to send me a message if you want more information.
B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.

answers from Dallas on

Could it be a herniation in your thoracic spine? If you are not willing to try physical therapy or chiropractor, not sure how anyone can help you besides pain medicine. P.T.'s and chiropractors know anatomy and biomechanics a lot better than pain docs and it could be a simple movement or strengthening to get you out of pain. Best of luck to you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.H.

answers from Dallas on

I know you've had alot of responses about chiropractors but you really need to check one out. It sounds to me like you might have a rib out of place. I get those sometimes if I've had a cough for a while and it will hurt like crazy! Nothing helps until I go see Dr. Beacham. He's in Mckinney and he'll listen and help. Hope you figure this out soon.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Dallas on

I have a friend that had all different tests done for her shoulder and arm pain. she had constant pain not even morphine helped. she couldn't sleep or do anything. I took her to a chiropractor in Tyler, texas. Yess I know that sounds far away, but it was worth it. From Forney(I live in Forney)its about an hour and a half drive.He found out her problem was a tooth infection, gave her some drops and SHE SLEPT THE ENTIRE NGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TWO MONTHS. He does homeopathic, herbs and natural pills also. His name is Clifford Mullins His Phone is ###-###-####. Address- 14653 Eastside drive, tyler, 75707 If you need more info let me know.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.A.

answers from Dallas on

I have a burning pain in my left shoulder blade often. I suggest - go to a chiroprator!!!! They are great!! They have worked several issues out with my husband. He had a should paid that he went to a doctore for - they did the MRI thing and several deep tissue shots with pain relievers but it always came back. he went to the chiropractor as a last resort and they did a series of treatment - nothing physical and he is back to feeling no pain. I say give them a shot and see if helps!! good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.L.

answers from Dallas on

The only thing I can think of to add is that perhaps you should see a neurologist. Maybe he can determine what nerves are involved and offer some kind of nerve block or remedy?
C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Dallas on

I agree with the chiropractor suggestion. It totally hleped my hip pain when I was pregnant. It was a burning throbbing TORTUROUS bone pain that affected almost every movementr I made.
If all else fails, try acupuncture.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.G.

answers from Dallas on

ditto the gall bladder comment... get that checked out too

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Dallas on

I second the chiropractor and taking your x-rays. I have degeneration in my spine along with a HUGE tension "ball" above my shoulder blade. I am just starting physical therapy for it. My dr. also gave me a patch for the inflammation and pain which has helped. I hope you feel better soon, R.. If you want my chiropractor's name, it is Dr. John Longenecker (yes, his real name). He is in Irving, and we love him! We've been going to him since we moved to Dallas, 5 1/2 years ago.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.D.

answers from Wichita Falls on

My sister had the same problem and our dr. recomended a chiropractor to her and it helped her emensely.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.K.

answers from Dallas on

R., Have you had your gallbladder checked out? When mine started going bad I had intense pain in my back, on the right side, right around my shoulder blade. Have you had any other symptoms? Any nausea after eating, or a feeling in your chest like palpitations? What finally made me realize that it wasn't just back pain was that one day I got very sick after I ate lunch, I mean - VERY SICK - and I was having this intense pressure in my chest. I went to the ER and they put me through as a possible cardiac patient only to discover that it was my gallbladder and not my heart. Once I had my gallbladder removed, the pain in my back was gone. So, if you're having any other symptoms, like nausea or any pain on the right or left side of your chest, mention it to your doctor and ask if it could be your gallbladder. And, yes,it can take several years for the gallbladder to go completely bad - my Mom went on for years and years before she had to have hers removed, as did my Dad. However, if it needs to be removed and it isn't, it can be very serious. I wish you the best! God bless!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.W.

answers from Wichita Falls on

There is a clinical nutritionist here in Wichita Falls who can help you. I'm not sure where you are though. She has clients all across the country so I'm not sure if this is something she could help with long distance or if you'd need to come see her. Call her (Dr. Donna Smith) at ###-###-#### or email ____@____.com also has a website www.advancedclinicalnutrition.com. I'm going to copy your note and email it to her so she can watch for your call if you decide to try. I know she can help you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Lubbock on

Hello. I think you need to try a chiropractor. No, they do not do the same things as physical therapy. A chiropractor is a specialist of the spine and once that's in align then your muscles and reflexes can work properly. The pain medicine is only covering up your problem and not curing anything. Definitely check with a chiropractor.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Dallas on

If you think it is your spine and next to your spine, I would go see a chiropractor. If you have x-rays take them with you. My doctor is Dr. Wayne Starin, in Flower Mound. He is great!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.S.

answers from Dallas on

I had back and neck pain from three different auto accidents. Acupuncture made the pain disappear completely.....in just ONE treatment! I was going to the acupuncturist for a different problem, but the back pain disappeared, too, so it wasn't all in my head.

Since that time, it has not returned. (About three years.) Most people need more than one treatment, but it works well for a lot of people.

Also, go talk with a chiropractor. It's not the same as physical therapy. Find out what one would do for your situation before you rule it out.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

Could you be having a reaction to the metal in your bra clip? I don't know why, but everything in me is saying to suggest you see a rheumatologist, and to talk to your pain specialist about adding an antidepressant. Message me if you want more info on that.

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Dallas on

When I was having back problems and tests found nothing, I asked my primary care doc about acupunture. He said it was worth a try and recommended Dr. Chernly. Here's his website:
http://www.chernlyacupuncture.com/
I never got around to going and my problems resolved on their own over time but if I was in as much pain as you are I would definitely give it a try.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.T.

answers from Dallas on

I would not rule out physical therapy. PT does alot more than just work on sore muscle problems, and since your previous experience with PT was admittedly for a different issue, keep in mind that the treatment approach should also be different. I am a PT and your symptoms make me wonder about something like thoracic outlet syndrome; however, orthopedics is not my specialty. A GOOD orthopedic PT will be able to diagnose the difference between muscle or nerve problems. I agree with the other PT on the idea of a TENS unit, and PT can set you up with that and you can have it at home for everyday use as needed. There are many PT's out there who are NOT a good orthopedic therapist, but if you call around and ask for someone who specializes in spines they should be able to help you. I wouldn't rule out PT without trying it (with the pain you're in, you're therapy should not initially be active exercise, it should be some gentle stretching, posture re-education, pain management type therapies first, then strengthening as needed and as tolerated later on.)

L.P.

answers from Tyler on

It won't hurt to be looked at by a chiropractor, they are not just "pop docs" they are trained to be neurological experts. Trust me, nobody will lays a hand on you without your permission, and 5 years is a long time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Dallas on

R., talk to your doctor and see if they will check out your galbladder, I know it sounds strange but that is what a lot of people experience with deseased or bad galbladders. Not just a sonogram but a CT. a deseased galbladder wont show on a sono.
Good luck & God Bless

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.N.

answers from Dallas on

If you have never been to a chiropractor, then don't rule it out until you have tried. Chiropractors are experts in back problems...that's what they go to school for. However, I will say that not all chiropractors are good at what they do. You need to find one that will listen to your concerns, but one that is up front with you about your problem. There are some who just want to make you feel better for the time being, but the one you want is going to correct the problem that's causing the pain in the first place. If you are hurting that badly, it's not going to be a quick fix anyway. But pain meds and muscle relaxers are not going to fix your pain, they are just going to cover it up. They can do xray or send you for an MRI, whatever you need. Dr. Josh Nelson in Mansfield is very knowledgeable and has been practicing for 16 years. He will spend time with you explaining how good chiropractic is for your body. He will take care of you. You can always call and ask questions, too. He owns Family Health & Wellness in Mansfield, and his number is ###-###-####. I'll pray that you find the right someone who will help you through this!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Dallas on

Try a chiropractor. I was skeptical about it until I started seeing one for my terrible migraines (which I started getting in high school after a bad car accident). It practically cured me! Gall bladder (which someone else suggested) is also a possible cause. Have you tried seeing a spine specialist?

You're only 26 - this kind of pain is not normal for someone so young (and I should know - I'm 27!) Try to get off that pain medicine as soon as you can - that can mess you up even more in the long run.

Just out of curiosity - are you overweight? Sometimes just losing some weight can help. Could it be that your bras aren't the right size? Maybe try getting fitted for a new bra and see if that helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Dallas on

You might be looking at a mis alignment. What type of shoes do you wear, I know this sounds weird but you might need an adjustment. I have had lower back problems for a long time, I did the chiropractor thing and the shots. They didn't really help. What I found out was that my knee caps were not sitting right, I had surgery and had the worse of the 2 fixed and have not had back pain since (except when I am pregnant). You might check out a neurologist.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches