back pain like ive never felt.

[todo1988]

Hi, Im a 22 yr old female, with no prior medical problems. I am a CNA at a hospital so I do alot of lifting/bending (probably the cause of my problems). anyways, for the past 3 weeks I have had this horrible upper back pain and my left arm feels like its asleep. Of course I put it off thinking it would get better and just lived with the pain, taking ibuprofen and exedrin. So a couple days ago I finally broke down and went to the doctor. She was nice and seemed genuinly concerned especially about my tingling arm and 2 fingers. But it through me off when she said I have to do physical therapy and if that didnt work possible surgery. I spent like an hour with this lady explaining to her how severe my back pain was. It literally brings me to tears. She prescribed me 10 flexeril pills and told me to come back in 3 weeks. I have never had pain like this, and the flexeril doesnt help the pain at all. I want to call her and ask her to suggest something else for the pain, but working in the medical field I know there are drug seekers. I dont want her to think I am just trying to get pain pills, i want her to take me seriously, but i also want this pain to go away. any suggestions? should I call her or wait it out?

[squirtatious]

Have u tried chiropractic care? I would be leery of any dr who to me, would be jumping the gun prematurely by suggestions surgery without having tried all conservative treatments and conducted diagnostic tests.

[kerry88]

This sounds like there is some nerve damage causing the pain and the effects to go down to your fingers. I hope the doctor has referred you for an MRI as this should indicate the root of your pain, and then you can be treated more specifically. You should try to keep moving if it doesnt cause you too much pain, but definately avoid lifting any more as this could just make things so much worse! Definately call your doctor and request more painkillers! When my back went I was in so much pain I couldn't move at all, and the pain was making me sick/nearly faint! The doctors gave me diclofenac but it did nothing for my pain, and even after contacting them, they wouldn;t offer alternative....it was only when I got so desperate from the pain and threatened to phone for an ambulance as I couldn't bare it, that they prescribed stronger painkillers, along with 3 days of diazepam! Please don't let it get to this! Be polite and explain to your doctor that it isn't helping, and you need an alternative. PT should help, but not if you are unable to perform the exercises because of the pain! I hope the pain eases soon, and the PT works for you!

[ferret5]

I dont know how long you've been a CNA, but back injuries are unfortunately very common. Especially since lifting a patient is not like lifting a box or something. The box doesnt move or fight you where you have to suddenly twist. (I am an LPN in a nursing home). If the flexeril isnt working, you call her and tell her and insist on something else. Are you covered by insurance?? Did she at least send you for Xrays?  MRI?  I have many neck and back issues and I've been on flexeril--didnt help me. Not every med works for everyone. Often you need a combination. I've had physical therapy a few times and it can be very helpful. But, there is no reason that you should suffer thru the PT -- she needs to give you a medication that makes the pain more tolerable. PT will also give you exercise to do at home, but you wont do them if there is too much pain. If she doesnt change your med, go to someone else.