Re: back pain

Posted By CCF Neurology MD - AY on September 18, 1998 at 05:04:02:

In Reply to: back pain posted by joyce on September 18, 1998 at 01:09:29:






I have chronic pain in my middle back between my shoulder blades.
It feels like the blades are being pulled together with an elastic band and no matter what position I take it stays. Sometimes my elbow goes numb.
I have been to a chiropractor and they just made it worse. Muscle relaxants dull the pain but it doesn't go away. What symptoms does a herniated disc give? I don't know where to go next and my GP says just live with it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.



  


Thanks for you question.  Your symptoms are suggestive of a muscle-tension
type problem in your upper back.  This hypothesis is further supported by
the symptomatic improvement with muscle relaxants.  Altough it is not a
consolation, your problem is a very common one, and usually caused by
problems with posture (standing and/or seating).  It can also be worsened
if you are doing activities that involve "leaning over" something for
prolonged periods of time.  For instance, amongst physicians/nurses,
leaning over to examine or take care of patients.  There are number of
shoulder region stretch exercises that can help you relax those muscle, and
you can probably get a good orientation from a Physical Therapist.
If you feel your symptoms are worsening, or the numbness is increasing, you
might consider an appointment with a neurologist specialized in neuromuscular
disease.
I hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.